MLB: NL East Breakdown and Predictions

Braves: They have moved John Smoltz out of that young bullpen and into the spot light where so far this season he is (1-3) with a 3.64 ERA in 29.2 innings and has racked up 31 hits, 13 runs, 3 homers, 8 walks, and 33 K's. After Smoltz, you’ll have to keep an eye on that bullpen where it comes down to, How well will Dan Kolb handle the pressure for the rest of the season? Chipper Jones, and the rest of Braves fielders seem to be handling the season well at this point and if it was me, I wouldn’t bet against the Braves.

Florida is a very interesting team when you break them down. Pitching wise they will need more than 15 wins from each of their three top pitches Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett, and Dontrelle Willis. The problem with this though is that none have picked up 15wins in a single season. Willis has the most of the three with 14 in 2003. Will Al Leiter help? He should, and if he doesn’t they will be in gave danger, because Mota shouldn’t be counted on this season to close. Hitting wise, Florida has revamped their offense bringing Delgado into the mix and so far he has been there when they’ve needed him.

My favorite team the Nationals. Your asking yourself, Why pay attention to them? Well let me tell you
First: They are actually HAVING FUN!!
Second: Jim Bowden is arguably the best GM ever.
Third: They are getting the support of the community.

Offensively, they have the big man Brad Wilkerson who really is proving that he can help be a leader and caption on this team beside the vets. Jose Vidro and Vinny Castilla. Schneider needs to continue to grow as a player as does Nick Johnson, Ryan Chruch, and pitcher Zach Day. This Nationals team IS NOT the Expos and they ARE NOT an Expansion Team.

New York oh what a tangled mess. Kris Benson, Steve Trachsel, and Ishii all out of action right now and Mike Cameron looking to have another injury plauged season. I really like the fact that this team will have to count on “YOUNG GUNS,” in the forms of Jose Reyes (arguably one of the fastest guys in MLB), David Wright, and Aaron Heilman. The Mets really had an okay off-season by acquiring Carlos Beltran, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Ishii (More injuries to come).

Pitching looks to be okay with Pedro and Glavine, but the rest of the staff is “Under Alert.” The Bullpen well Looper needs to take charge of that.

The last team in the NL East is Philadel, that’s really all I have to say about that!

Final Standings
Division Champs Atlanta Braves
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
New York Mets
Philadel. Phillies