Here is the first of three predictions on the National League. Be sure to check out all of the bloggers for the United Cardinal Bloggers.

Division Champions: New York Mets 92-70

With the additions of Francisco Rodriguez to close out ballgames and former Seattle closer J.J. Putz setting up for him, the Mets finally have some stability in the backend of the bullpen. Also, gone are Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoenweis, Duaner Sanchez, and Luis Ayala. However, the Mets still need to prove they can hit when it matters. Plus Johan Santana is a beast.

Second Place: Philadelphia Phillies (Wild Card Winner) 91-71

It is hard to pick against the World Champions. However fate is against them. Since the Braves of the 1990’s, no national league team has made it to consecutive World Series. However if any team in the National League can change this, it may be this very dangerous Phillies team. They have perhaps the best infield in the National League with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins. They added one of the more consistent bats over the past few seasons in Raul Ibanez, and have a potential star in Jayson Werth. They also return a solid bullpen, anchored by closer Brad Lidge, who was the 2008 comeback player of the year and did not blow a single save over the course of the season.

Third Place: Florida Marlins 85-77

This is a young team that has a ton of talent. Their pitching staff will surprise many people this year, and has the potential to be one of the best in the game. They have arguably one of the games best player in Hanley Ramirez. Cameron Maybin should win the centerfield job and will be an exciting young player to watch.

Fourth Place: Atlanta Braves 81-81

The Braves made significant moves this off-season to upgrade their rotation. They traded for Javier Vasquez and brought in free agent Derek Lowe and Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami. However, this team lacks an ace to anchor their staff. They also have a bullpen littered with question marks and an offense that doesn’t strike much fear into anyone outside of Brian McCann, but bobby Cox always keeps them competitive.

Fifth Place: Washington Nationals   77-85

They signed slugger Adam Dunn to put in the four spot, Ryan Zimmerman is healthy this year, Josh Willingham was acquired from the Marlins, and Lastings Milledge will benefit of batting higher in the order instead of the unnatural cleanup spot. However the pitching is a complete mess, both the rotation and bullpen.

By: motle on Mar 31st, 2009
Tagged as: GM Suggestions

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