NL East Power Rankings

Each Monday I will present my power rankings for the National League East division. Rankings will be based on games played from the start of the season up to the most recent Sunday. When applicable, these rankings will also be included in game previews.

The first week of the season is over and the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves both had their way with the Washington Nationals. Meanwhile the two teams considered to be the front runners in the division both find themselves at .500 and looking up to the Marlins and Braves.

1. (5-1) The Marlins showed some power last season and got off on the right foot again this year. Starting out at home against the Nationals sure helped the Marlins get going with the bats, but they also just took two games at home against the Mets, including yesterday's pitching duel between Josh Johnson and Johann Santana. the Marlins also notched a two out, ninth inning victory over the Mets.
   
   
   
2. (5-1) The Braves abused the Phillies' starting pitching in each of the first three games of the season and are a meltdown away from being undefeated. While they did not score a bunch of runs in the first two games against the Phillies they did field some superior pitching. Derek Lowe started the season with eight innings of shut out baseball, and Jair Jurgens provided an excellent pitching performance in game two. the Braves just completed a sweep of the Nationals. The Braves also lead the division in home runs with ten.
   
   
3. (3-3) The Phillies get the early nod over the Mets based on the most recent performances. After an ugly 0-2 start against the Braves the Phillies have slugged their way to winning three of their last four games. Starting pitching has struggled but the Phillies still boast a lower WHIP and walk total than the Mets. Throw in the fact that the bullpen has been so good and the Phillies have a more impressive 3-3 start than the Mets.
   
   
4. (3-3) The New York Mets made a splash in the offseason by bringing in J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez and after the season opener those two players were all the media would talk about. Santana has been great with 20 strike outs and a .71 ERA after two starts. But the Mets have lost three of the last four games. Today the Mets look to get back on track and will open their new home stadium against the San Diego Padres.
   
   
5. (0-6) The Nationals enter the second week of the season looking for their first win. Their home opener is today against the Phillies. At 0-6 the Nationals are the last team in baseball without a win. While the offense has not been terrible (they are in the middle of the pack in most categories), the pitching has been the weak spot. The pitching staff's ERA is at 8.03, only better than the Cleveland Indians (8.82). That happens though when you start the season against teams with offenses like Florida and Atlanta. Still though, the Nationals have their work cut out for them.

This was originally posted on Macho Row.