In my last article, I made my American League picks, and now will make my predictions on the National League in 2008.
The picks will again be updated if any major transactions occur.
Here are my National League division winners:
N.L East: Let's face it, the New York Mets acquired one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. With Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez at the top of the rotation, the Mets have a great 1-2 punch. They do have to worry about El Duque's health, however, and the consistency of John Maine and Oliver Perez. The Mets also have to hope that Carlos Delgado rebounds from a down year in 2007, and that Jose Reyes is able to play well for a complete season.
Even with these questions entering spring training, the Mets should have this division clinched by mid-September.
N.L Central: The Brewers should win this division. For the Cubs fans, there is no way to know what kind of impact, if any, their new Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukodome will have. Look what happened to Kazou Matusi who bombed in New York.
The big question for another team in the Central are the St. Louis Cardinals and how Chris Carpenter will fare after Tommy John surgery? St. Louis needs him at 100% to compete.
N.L West: I want to pick the Dodgers, but my choice is the San Diego Padres. They don't have "thunder" in their bats, but they definitely have a lot of pitching.
Wild Card: I'll go with the Phillies. They have a very solid lineup top to bottom, but need to improve their pitching staff. A team to keep your eyes on is the Giants. Matt Cain and Barry Zito weren't very good in 2007, but with a young talented rotation of Zito, Cain, Lowry,and Linecum, the Giants could be very dangerous in 2008.
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8 months ago
I'm a Met fan, and I think they will have a fine season. The team that I know will have a fine season is Arizona. Webb and Haren is as good a 1-2 as there is.
8 months ago
I like Arizona's chances, too.
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