MLB Predictions 2012: Predicting the National League Division Winners

Nothing like an offseason and some heavy brooding to spice things up in the National League.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers were premier teams in baseball last season, as both made it to the NLCS before the Cardinals advanced to knock off the Texas Rangers in the World Series.

The San Francisco Giants, on the other hand, took a nosedive after winning the World Series in 2010.

This year, the Cardinals and Brewers have both lost top sluggers in Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, respectively, and teams such as the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves hope to bounce back into the postseason.

Here's a look at who I see winning the divisional races in the National League this year.

National League East: Philadelphia Phillies

I hate to be so boring, but I don't see anyone surpassing the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East this season.

Yes, Ryan Howard is out until at least late May after surgery on his right Achilles tendon, but I think the Phillies will be able to make do with Ty Wigginton until Howard returns.

The Phillies also lost Roy Oswalt in the offseason, which leaves their pitching rotation weaker, but not as much as you'd think. Joe Blanton is a question mark as the No. 5 starter, but youngster Vance Worley was explosive last season, and I expect him to continue his success in 2012. And although the Phillies did lose Ryan Madson in the bullpen, newly acquired Jonathan Papelbon will suffice as the closer.

The question mark for the Phillies always seems to be injuries. Howard and Chase Utley won't be ready for Opening Day, and Jimmy Rollins has missed games in the past. If they miss extended time, I could see the Braves winning the division.

National League Central: Cincinnati Reds

This was the toughest division to predict.

The Cardinals and Brewers were great last season, but they both lost their top sluggers and are both weaker.

The Cardinals lost Pujols and tried to replace him with Carlos Beltran, which was a decent move, but not sufficient. I also worry about ace Adam Wainwright, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, and youngster Jaime Garcia slipped in the second half last season.

The Brewers lost Fielder, of course, and I don't think Aramis Ramirez is going to make up for that, given that I believe he's going to start declining.

But the Reds made some significant signings this offseason, including right-hander Mat Latos and the closer, Madson. Latos was the San Diego Padres' version of Matt Cain last season, and he's a workhorse who only figures to get better.

With an improved starting rotation and improved bullpen, if the Reds can stay healthy, they have the pieces to win the NL Central.

National League West: Arizona Diamondbacks

Yes, the San Francisco Giants will (hopefully) have Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval for a full season, and yes, their pitching will always keep them in the hunt, but I still don't think they did enough to their offense to win the division over the Diamondbacks this season.

The biggest bats the Giants acquired were Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan. Pagan is a ho-hum player who provides speed, and the jury's still out on Cabrera. Was last season a sign that Cabrera was on the upswing, or was it a sign that he was playing in a contract year? He's had a good spring training, but so did Brandon Belt last year, and he tanked in the regular season.

The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have a solid, young offense that's complete with rising star Justin Upton, plus they added a decent bat in Jason Kubel.

But the biggest reason I'm giving the division to the Diamondbacks is that they improved their starting rotation by acquiring Trevor Cahill from the Oakland Athletics. After posting a 2.97 ERA in 2010, Cahill had a rough second half last season, but I see that as more of a fluke than anything. I expect him to bounce back and the Diamondbacks to nose the Giants for the NL West crown. 

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