Once again it is the start of a new baseball season and once again the American League is better than the National League (actually, the American League is way better). Although the Yankees, Tigers, Red Sox, Indians, and probably half of the AL would be considered favorites to win the pennant in the Senior Circuit, the National League still has some good teams, probably 3 that can compete with the big boys from the AL. Still, I predict that at least one team from the NL will make history (and not in a good way) as one of either the Marlins, Giants, or Pirates will set the record for the most losses in a season. Anyway, here goes my preview of baseball’s JV league…
NL EAST
Mets 94-68
Braves 88-74
Phillies 88-74
Nationals 68-94
Marlins 33-129
This division is among the worst in baseball as both the Marlins and Nationals suck ass and the rest of the teams in the division all have potentially fatal flaws that can ruin their respective seasons. The Mets appear to be the class of the division. They have the best pitcher in baseball and potentially the deepest pitching staff in the East. Unfortunately, the Mets have maybe the thinnest farm system in the NL behind the Pirates and absolutely cannot afford significant injuries (Freakin’ Moises Alou. Have I mentioned how much I hate the Lastings Milledge trade? K, just checking.). The Braves’ season hinges on the reliability of their rotation as they have the most lethal everyday lineup in the NL behind the Rockies, and good starting pitching is no sure thing when your staff features two guys in their 40s (Smoltz already is hurting) and Mike Hampton (who hasn’t pitched in like 3 seasons and already has a groin problem). Taking all that into account, it’s tough to imagine them winning the division. Meanwhile, the Phillies are the defending division champs, but with that pitching staff (as you might have heard, pitching is pretty important), they are not going to win 90 games this season. This division is the Mets to lose… er, choke away.
NL CENTRAL
Cubs 90-72
Brewers 88-74
Reds 86-76
Astros 80-82
Cardinals 70-92
Pirates 33- 129
Speaking of choking, it seems like the only way the Cubs don’t win this division is through some sort of divine intervention (wouldn’t be the first time) because they are hands-down the class of the Central. Other than the Brewers and the Reds, everyone else is mediocre to beyond-horrible. If Albert Puljos’ elbow falls apart and Rick Ankiel proves to be a bust, then the Cardinals will join the race for the worst record in baseball as half of their starting pitchers are on the 60- day DL. The Astros, even with the addition of Miguel Tejada, will find it hard to crack the 80-win mark. The Brewers have a chance to make a run this season if their young team continues to mature, but I don’t think Eric Gange is the answer at closer. It seems like the Reds finally have some pitching to go with their offense but alas, like most teams in baseball, they don’t have enough of it to make the postseason.
NL West
Diamondbacks 92-70
Rockies 90-72*
Dodgers 88-74
Padres 88-74
Giants 33-129
*– Wild Card
The West seems like it’s going to be wild again this season. It is, without question, the best division in baseball; four of its teams are capable of making the postseason and winning the World Series. The Diamondbacks have to be considered the frontrunners with their formidable pitching staff led by Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. Combined with their ever-improving young position players, the D-backs have a strong chance to represent the NL in the World Series. The Rockies boast the best lineup in the NL and if their pitching holds up like it did last year, they’ll once again be dangerous (though, if I’m them, I’m not banking on winning 20-plus games in a row again). Sorry, Joe Torre, your postseason streak will end at 13. The Dodgers are talented, but they are equally dysfunctional. The Padres always seem to be in the thick of things thanks to their pitching, but their lack of offense in that Grand Canyon of a ballpark will always be their Achilles’ heel. Ah yes, the Giants– with no Barry Bonds, baseball’s G-men are going to see how dedicated their fan base is because there’s going to be plenty of losing to go around (Side note: Does Barry Zito’s contract go down as the worst handed out this century, even when compared to Carl Pavano’s?).
NLDS
Rockies over Mets, 3-2 (Willie Randolph bites the dust)
Diamondbacks over Cubs, 3-1
NLCS
Diamondbacks over Rockies, 4-2
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