With pitchers and catchers having already reported, it is not too early to start thinking about the Major League Baseball season. And while there are a handful of marketable players still left unsigned, below are my preseason predictions for the National League.
Disagree with any of my selections? Post a comment below!
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
The National League East will look eerily similar in 2009 as it did in 2008.
Philadelphia Phillies – With three MVP candidates in your infield, an unhittable closer and a potential Cy Young award winner, you are going to find yourself atop the standings come October.
New York Mets – A new ball park and the additional of a darn god 8 th inning guy will give the Mets the push they need to secure a Wild Card Spot.
Atlanta Braves – The Braves took 2008 off, but will be back around .500 in 2009.
Florida Marlins – Hanley Ramirez is one of the best players in the league, but one man cannot win a pennant.
Washington Nationals – The additional of Adam Dunn will increase their HR total, but also their strikeout tally.NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
The Cubs ran away with the division in 2008 but 2009 will prove to be more competitive.
Chicago Cubs – This year is not next year, but the Cubs will win the division.
St Louis Cardinals – A healthy Albert Pujols makes the Cards more competitive than last year. A shaky starting rotation prohibits them from taking the pennant.
Milwaukee Brewers – The 2008 Wild Card winner wont have the post-all star break magic they experienced last year.
Houston Astros – Houston will find themselves closer to .500 than they have in a few years.
Cincinnati Reds – The Reds need help everywhere.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Hey, at least the Steelers won the Super Bowl.NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
It seemed like last year nobody wanted to win the Wild West. This year it should be a lot clearer.
LA Dodgers – Just give them the pennant title when they sign Manny Ramirez.
Arizona D-Backs – Behind Brandon Webb's arm, the D-Backs will have the honor of placing second.
San Diego Padres – After an off year, the Padres will be back playing above .500 ball
Colorado Rockies – No Matt Holliday. No Jeff Francis. No repeat of 2007.
San Francisco Giants – The Giants had the opportunity to improve their squad and sign Manny Ramirez, but when they didn't they showed to the baseball world that they were destined to clean the basement of the NL West.NL MVP: Albert Pujols – How can you really not think he will win it?
NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels – The spotlight is shining brighter now that he won a World Series and people will see how good this kid is.
Wild Card – NY Mets
Playoffs Predictions
NLDS: Mets over Cubs
NLDS: Phillies over Dodgers
NLCS: Mets over Phillies
Have your own thoughts on the standings or award winners, post them below?
Keep sporting!
- Who's In First
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