2009 National League Baseball Predictions

First, the big stories of the offseason

1. Manny just being Manny. Yup, Manny with no place to go.  I'm not surprised, to tell you the truth.  His production is top-notch, but it's over-shadowed by his clubhouse antics.  If he doesn't receive the contract he's looking for, he will be a risky presence on any team, but look for the Dodgers to re-sign him.

2. The world champion Phillies. How aggressive will they be in the offseason? Well, pretty aggressive. They signed Ryan Howard to a three-year, $54 million contract.  They have also signed ace Cole Hamels through his arbitration years.  The club also worked the free agent market, signing Raul Ibanez to replace Pat Burrell.

3. The Bankees. Yes, the Yankees are at it again! They're trying to buy a championship team, signing CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira to big-money contracts.

On to the predictions.

NL East

Phillies - The Phillies will, again, win the division. They have two things over the Mets—a core of players that won it all and mental toughness to not collapse under pressure.

Mets -With the key addition of K-Rod, I see the Mets giving the Phillies a run for their money. But in the end, the Phillies more talented lineup and rotation will prevail.

Marlins - I believe the Florida squad will have a competitive season, but with no shutdown starter in the rotation, I don't see them coming through in '09.

Braves- They are in rebuilding mode and will be for the next two to three years.  I think they have some talent to build around in '09, but they're not ready for a serious run at the division.

Nationals - I don't think the signing of Adam Dunn is going to catapult this rebuilding team out of the cellar.

NL Central

Cubs - The Cubs will be back, but will last year's first-round playoff loss carry over into '09?  That could be the only thing stopping this squad early on.  If their strong pitching staff holds up, they have no reason to worry.

Cardinals - Their season rests in the hands of Albert Pujols. If he can be a leader in the clubhouse and keep the young talent in check, I think they can keep up with the Cubs for a little bit.

Brewers- They took a step back losing after losing Sabathia. And their lineup is not strong enough to keep them afloat.

Reds - Young talent everwhere, but I just don't see this team coming around. I think it will take a few years before they become a contender again.

Pirates -This team is going nowhere.  They did nothing in the offseason to impress me.  Look for them to have a terrible '09

NL West

Diamondbacks - They're back! I see their pitching staff playing a huge role in this team's comeback season. If their young lineup comes together, look out.

Dodgers - Well, I see their luck from last year running out.  They don't have the pitching to keep up with the D-backs.

Padres -They have everything but offense.  With the exception of Gonzalez, no one can hit.

Rockies - Another team that took a step back. Without last year's top offensive producer, Matt Holliday, they have few good players in the lineup.

Giants- This is a pretty old team and with not that much help from the pitching staff I think they finish last in the NL this year

Here's a look at my projected playoff picture:

NL Divisional round

Phillies Vs. D-backs

Mets Vs. Cubs

NL Championship

Phillies (winner) Vs. Cubs