NL East Division Preview

Atlanta Braves- They gave the Phillies a run for their money last year, but just couldn't quite win the division. I don't see that changing this year. I do however think they have another legitimate chance at winning the wild card race. The Braves keep most of the same guys in the lineup, plus a big addition of Dan Uggla for some much needed power in the middle of the lineup. The keys to a good season for them have to include a monster sophomore year from Jason Heyward, a bounce back year from the former All-Star Nate McLouth, and a healthy year from the face of their franchise Chipper Jones. Rotation wise, they still are going to throw their two veterans at the beginning in Lowe and Hudson, while rounding out with Jurrjens, Hanson, and the rookie Mike Minor. Their rotation could be excellent, and will need to be to compete with the Phillies this year.

Florida Marlins- New manager means new start, are what the Marlins are hoping for, but I'm not sure how much things are going to change in Miami this year. The problem for the Marlins is that they are banking on too much young talent this year. Mike Stanton, Logan Morrison, and Chris Coghlan are starting in the outfield this year, and their ages respectively are 21,23,25. This could be a great thing for the future, but may prove to hurt them this year. Another young player is starting SS Hanley Ramirez, but he's a stud so they don't have to worry about any lack of production from him. The real key for the Marlins this year is their rotation. Josh Johnson had an excellent year last year, but has lots of injury concerns around him this year. Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, and the newly acquired Javier Vasquez will all have to step up their games this year if the Marlins want to be competitive in the East.

New York Mets- This is our third team so far, and our third team with a new manager. I'm starting to notice a trend here. Anyways, the Mets are also relying on some young talent in their lineup this year with 1B Ike Davis, 2B Daniel Murphy, and the rookie catcher Jim Thole all projected to start this year. David Wright is coming off of another monster season, and is hoping to duplicate some of those numbers. A big key for the Mets is health. They desperately need Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran to stay healthy and stay productive. Pitching-wise they are going to have to rely on a bunch of guys that no one has ever heard of, until/if Johan Santana recovers from his September surgery.

Philadelphia Phillies- The reigning NL East champs are looking to repeat, and frankly, I don't see how they don't. The lineup stays basically the same with Utley, Howard, Victorino, and Rollins being the major bats. Their hoping that rookie Dominic Brown will recover from his recent hand injury and will also be a contributor in that lineup. But enough about the bats, let's get to what everyone is talking about when they talk about the Phillies, the starting rotation. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are now in the same rotation. Let's just take that information in for a second… ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Also there are some guys named Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt throwing up there in Philly. As a lifelong Braves fan, I had the privilege of growing up watching Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine, and Avery, but this could be the best starting rotation that any of us will ever witness.

Washington Nationals- Stephen Strasburg is injured…

That's not a sufficient enough preview?? Oh, well… um…

No I'm kidding. The Nationals went all in on the Jayson Werth sweepstakes this offseason and it paid off as they ended up signing him. Combine him with Ryan Zimmerman and that's a pretty deadly 3-4 spot combo. Drew Storen could end up being one of the top closers in the game for years to come, but other than that there's not a whole lot to look at pitching wise, unless Jordan Zimmerman bounces back from his injury.

Projected Standings

1. Phillies

2. Braves

3. Marlins

4. Mets

5. Nationals

NL East Awards

MVP- Hanley Ramirez

Cy Young- Cliff Lee

Rookie of the Year-Dominic Brown