Sunday, March 13, 2011

2011 National League Preview/Predictions

NL EAST



Philadelphia Phillies - Going into this season the Phillies once again look scary good, they may even have the best rotation in history with Cliff Lee, Cole Hammels, Roy Halladay, and Roy Oswalt. The gap in their lineup left by Jayson Werth may be the only issue facing the Phils this year. Barring injury the Phillies should win over 100 games this year. Prediction - 1st place

Florida Marlins - Even though the Fish lost their signature player in the off season in Dan Uggla, they may have still improved the team. The Bullpen is many levels better than last year with Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb while John Buck will look to shoulder the heavy load that Uggla has left. This team will surprise some people this year. Prediction - 2nd place

Atlanta Braves - Dan Uggla, the man we were just talking about should strengthen this lineup. Bobby Cox leaving the managers office might have been the biggest blow to the Braves this off season. Along with the departure of Billy Wagner and Taskashi Saito, the Bullpen has been extremely weakened, maybe causing Atlanta to lose the close games they may have otherwise won last year. That's the main reason I see them falling behind Florida. Prediction - 3rd place

New York Mets - The Mets should end up about right where they were last year, around .500. New manager Terry Collins has some fire in his belly and should ignite this lackluster squad. Losing Pedro Feliciano hurts , but that's about it. New management did nothing to improve this squad from last year, banking on young talents to make an impact. I see them barely finishing above the Nationals. Prediction - 4th place

Washington Nationals - Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche were brought in to replace the production of Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham, other than that I don't see the Nationals being considerably better or worse than last year, much like the Mets. Expect a dogfight between the two teams to stay out of the basement in the NL East. Prediction - 5th place

NL Central -  *expect a 4 team race*



St. Louis Cardinals - At least Albert will be in a Cardinal uniform this year, Ryan Theriot and Lance Berkamn could fit very well in this lineup.  St.Louis can't be happy with the way last year turned out. They have the pieces in place, look for them to come back as the NL Central Champs. Prediction - 1st place

Milwaukee Brewers - Zach Greinke and Shaun Marcum highlighted the off season for the brew crew, stabilizing a decent rotation enough to contend this year. Takashi Saito aids the bullpen, and with no major losses the Brewers could very will break out in 2011. Prediction - 2nd place *wildcard*

Cincinnati Reds -  The defending NL Central Champs did nothing more than lockup the core of the team this off season and grab the World Series MVP Edgar Renteria. Not bad, the Reds can definitely win the division again but I don't see it this year. A very TIGHTLY contested NL Central should have them in 3rd. Prediction - 3rd place

Chicago Cubs -   The Cubbies grabbed two very good Rays this winter. Starting Pitcher Matt Garza and slugger Carlos Pena. They also reunited with old friend Kerry Wood, The Cubs will be pretty improved over their 75 win season last year. Look for them to stay in the race , however they're still a year or two away from serious contention. Prediction - 4th place

Houston Astros - The Astros pretty much stood pat this winter, not something you want to hear when you have a sub par season in the largest division in baseball. Nothing special here, especially without Roy Oswalt leading the starting staff. Prediction - 5th place

Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates took a step in the right direction some might say, former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle who led the team to the World Series in 2007 is now at the helm. Lyle Overbay is the only major piece brought in by the Buccos. They look to be at least better than last year. Prediction - 6th place

NL West



San Francisco Giants - I love the pitching staff of the Giants, more so than any other team besides Philly. They brought back the entire team besides Renteria, whom they've replaced the sturdy Miguel Tejeda. The World Series Champs will win the division. Prediction - 1st place

Los Angeles Dodgers -  LA mixed and matched alot this off season, bringing in Jon Garland and stealing Juan Uribe from the rival Giants. Russell Martin and Scott Posednik made their way out the door as well. It will be interesting to see how Don Mattingly fares in his first season as manager, this team gets better. Prediction - 2nd place

Colorado Rockies - Ty Wiggington headlines the offseason by the Rox, Matt Lindstrom should provide another able arm in their nice bullpen. The Rockies seem to be in it every year down to the wire. They'll contend like always. Prediction - 3rd place

San Diego Padres - I have never been in love with the Padres, call it East Coast bias. Despite their 90 win season, they lost Adrian Gonzalez grabbed a bunch of decent defensive players like Orlando Hudson and Jason Bartlett. They'll have a steep drop off. Predicton - 4th place

Arizona Diamondbacks -  Probably had the worst bullpen ever last year. that's why the got J.J. Putz, other than that , Zach Duke and Armando Galarraga will have to sure up the starting rotation. the lineup looks weak as ever, nothing special here. Prediction - 5th place 

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