MLB Preview: Part I

Spring Training has arrived and it is about damn time. The wait from October to now has been almost unbearable. Here are my predictions for the upcoming season.The order the teams are presented will be how they finish the season. Today I show the NL, tomorrow will be the AL.

NL East

1. Philly – Another World Series berth may not be out of range for the Phillies this year. They didn’t have a lot of action over the break but they did sign Raul Ibanez, and look for him to make an immediate impact with the team. The Phil’s did lose Pat Burrell, and with that they lose some senior leadership.
2. Mets – The Mets will get the NL Wild Card this year, and they will probably choke, again. That’s why they are in 2nd in the East, even though they did sign K-Rod, I don’t think he’ll be the saving grace they are hoping he will be.
3. Atlanta – I miss the early 90’s when the Braves were actually good. Maybe Lowe can ignite them, and bring something back to Cox’s team. And with Smoltz signing with the Red Sox, that leaves Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones as the soul survivors of the Braves that were worth talking about.
4. Washington – Signed Adam Dunn earlier this week, and now have themselves a 1B.
5. Marlins – They have made no significant moves at all so far this off season. Look for them to finish around the basement again.

NL Central

1. Brewers – The loss of one of my favorite players Gabe Kapler, hurt a little but it’s ok, they went out and signed Trevor Hoffman. I know he’s old, and his stats against lefties have been sliding, but he’ll be good for the Brewers.
2. Cubs – They have had a lot of action this off season, and to me their best sign was Milton Bradley. One, because I like the name, and two, he’ll be able to take control of right field and make Wrigley his bitch.
3. Cardinals – Signing Khalile Green was the best move they made. They’ll finish in the middle again.
4. Houston – With Tejada, potentially going to jail, they should be looking for a SS. If only he didn’t lie…
5. Cincinnati – Willy Taveras, he work, and he will work hard. Good sign by the Reds. But not good enough to keep them out of last

NL West

1. Dodgers – The Dodgers showed promise last year after signing Manny, but with him not accepting their offer, I’m not sure in Torre and the gang will hold up. They will win the West, only because the rest of the teams are going to struggle.
2. Arizona – Felipe Lopez has been quiet the past two seasons, but I think the new atmosphere will bring him back to top form. Watch out for him.
3. Colorado – Losing Matt Holliday is going to hurt them big time on the offense, but signing Houston Street will help out the pitching staff tremendously.
4. Padres – They sign David Eckstein and move him to SS, even though he is slowing down? I don’t like it, but then again they are starting rookie Antonelli at 2B, so let us see how that plays out.
5. San Fran – They will finish in the bottom. No doubt about that.
6. Pirates – Key sign Hinske. It’s the Pirates, do you really expect anything?

and just for curiosities sake…

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