The eastern division in both National and American Leagues are pretty solid once all of the pieces are put together. I keep hearing about how this Phillie team is the best National League team that anyone has seen in 30 years. They are trying to get to the World series three years in a row. We haven't seen this type of dominance in the N.L. since the Braves of the 90's. The Big Red Machine of the 70's is the team that this Phillies' team is being compared to and I find it laughable. They signed Roy Halliday and people automatically put them in the world series. They are good but Halliday is going to find out that ball park gives up way too many home runs. Plus their closer Brad Lidge is coming off a horrible season and injuries that limited his performance. Yes they will hit a ton of home runs and they added the best number 2 hitter in the game Placido Polanco, but they will also strikeout a bunch too. This division is not a slam dunk like people think.
The New York Mets when healthy can play with any team in this league. They have power, speed, and excellent hitting but, the big question mark is their pitching. Who is healthy on this team? Beltran, Reyes, Perez, Murphy, Maine, Pelphrey, are all coming off injuries and David Wright had sorry numbers last year as a slugger. This team needs an infusion of positive energy and belief. If they get it and with the positive addition of Jason Bay, this team will be tough to beat come July and August. If they get of to the horrible start everyone thinks they are, then this team will explode. I am hoping for the best.
The Atlanta Braves are the talk of the spring. If they get Chipper Jones and Troy Glaus to stay healthy and get numbers from this behemoth of a rookie, they will be difficult to compete against this season. They have added depth to their rotation and bullpen and if healthy, the Braves will do whatever it takes to get Bobby Cox a chance to play in the Post Season. Cox has been a star as a manager since he took this job in the 90's and I am sure that these players will sacrifice everything to make sure his last year is successful. Quietly I am too.
The Florida Marlins have talent at every position and will be a menace to the N.l. society this season. They will score runs by power or running the bases and have a stud pitcher who can go toe to toe against anyone. This team rives me nuts. Uggla and Ramirez can do everything on the field you need and they will not let this team be pushed around by no one. We shall see...
The Washington Nationals have a great pitcher that everyone wants to see and a couple of good players that would stars if they were on better teams. Ryan Zimmerman is a star in the making and I hope he hits 40 home runs this year to prove my point. Adam Dunn will if he does not. This team is waiting for Steven St to come a calling. They are building and one day they will have a finished product.
The American League East is loaded for bear. The Phillies only want to play the Yankees in the World Series because they want revenge for last season. They may get what they want because the Yankees are hungrier than ever. A-rod does not have a monkey on his back. Girardi does not have the pressure to win since he did it last year. Jeter is going for 3000 hits. They spend money to be in the big game and by gum that is what they want to do.
The Red Sox have a lot to prove this season. No Jason Bay, Daisuke Matsuka has to prove he is worth something. Big Papi has to prove that he is not a steroid player. John Lackey has to prove that he has something in his tank since the Angels released him. Prove it, Prove it, Prove it. This either be a great season for them or a disaster. Is Jon Lester ready to be a number 1. How is Josh Beckett's head coming into this season? Can anyone play third base over there?
The Tampa Rays took a major step back last year and looking to redeem themselves this year. The pitching is solid. the lineup on paper is as well. But B.J. Upton cannot have a bad year like he did last year. Evan Longoria is a superstar and a stat machine. Carl Crawford got his contract and now he must produce. The starting rotation is solid but the bullpen needs to step up and deliver. This team is very scary.
The Toronto Blue Jays decided to destroy their team by getting younger and inexperienced. How do they expect to compete against the big boys in the A.L. if they don't have any proven talent with Vernon Wells? They got great talent in the Halliday trade but these kids are going to get their brains bashed in.. Reminds me of my team..
Baltimore Orioles have Brian Roberts and a great young catcher in Matt Wieters. They brought back Miguel Tejada but he is no where near the player he once was. This could get ugly...
So now you have seen my previews and I have objectively decided that this is how it is all going to turn out:
Yankees Phillies
Red Sox Mets(just Kidding) Braves
Tampa Marlins
Toronto Mets
Baltimore Nationals
Overall the playoff teams will be in the National League the Phillies, Cards, Dodgers and Braves
In the American League they will be New York, Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Boston
The World Series will be St. Louis vs. New york... Yankees in 6
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