2010 Division Preview & Fantasy Projections: NL East
The NL East division has been dominated of late by the Philadelphia Phillies, who have also made back-to-back trips to the World Series, winning it all in 2008. Let’s take a look at 201o and how the division shapes up after a flurry of off-season moves.
The Braves enter 2010 with a lot of question marks. Will recently signed Billy Wagner and Troy Glaus payoff? When will Jason Heyward get called up? Is Chipper really going to retire after this year? I believe Wagner has a lot left in the tank and will definitely help that bullpen. Glaus is getting older and has seen production slip, I see the same in 2010. Top world prospect Jason Heyward should get called up in late May/early June and takeover as the team’s starting right fielder. This kid is a can’t miss, real deal and will be one of the future stars of the game. This team is counting on veteran starters Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe to step up and keep them in the race.
Fantasy Spotlight – Jason Heyward. There are a lot of people gambling on the top prospects in fantasy drafts, a gamble that I believe will payoff. Here is my fantasy projection factoring in 400 at-bats: .290 16 HR 65 RBI 60 Runs
The Fish always seem to have young talent that contributes at the big-league level, producing a team that exceeds expectations. I see the same picture in 2010, with Michael Stanton and Cameron Maybin getting a chance to produce in the oufield. Chris Coghlan won rookie of the year in 2009, and this year’s Marlin rookie crop should add to a team that is rebuilding and headed in the right direction. It’s good to see the club signed ace Josh Johnson to a long term deal in the off-season. The back of the rotation and back of the bullpen could be the trouble spots for the Marlins in 2010.
Fantasy Spotlight – Hanley Ramirez. Hanley could arguably be the 2nd best player in the game today behind Pujols, but you wouldn’t know it due to the lack of hype and exposure this team recieves. Look for Ramirez this year to put up a stat line of .330 26 HR 100 RBI 100 Runs and 25 steals. He should be the 2nd pick in your fantasy draft.
The Mets did not reach expectations in 2009, in fact, they weren’t even close. Injuries to star players like Jose Reyes did contribute to the decline, which gives hope that 2010 will be a bounce-back year. Star center fielder Carlos Beltran will be out for several months recovering from hip surgery, so big free-agent signee Jason Bay will be asked to produce at a high level from Opening Day. I like Johan Santana to produce and lead a starting rotation that also includes veterans John Maine and Mike Pelfrey. Francisco Rodriguez closes out for a bullpen that needs to improve after a dissapointing ‘09 campaign.
Fantasy Spotlight – Jason Bay. The free agent moves from the Green Monster to spacious Citi Field, so expect the home-run total to be mower in 2010. Here’s how I see Bay’s season playing out: .270 30 HR 105 RBI 95 Runs
Philadephia Phillies
The reigning NL champions released short-term ace Cliff Lee only to add Roy Halladay, who put up incredible numbers over the last several years while pitching in baseball’s most hitter-friendly division, the AL East. They bring in Placido Polanco, a savvy veteran, to play third after losing Pedro Feliz to the Astros. That line-up in Philadelphia is just plain scary, as four guys are capable of hitting 30+ home runs. I like Hamels to bounce back and Happ to continue to build off of an impressive ‘09 campaign.
Fantasy Spotlight – Roy Halladay. Now in the national league, Halladay should feast on hitters and improve on last year’s stellar season. He should be one of the first starters off the board in fantasy leagues, and produce a stat line of 20 wins with a 2.40 ERA 210 Strikeouts and a 1.10 WHIP (walks + hits given up per inning pitched).
Oh wait, it’s that team in Washington DC, we don’t need to take them seriously right? Wrong! The Nationals made several impressive moves of late, including signing new staff ace Jason Marquis from the Rockies and another starter in Scott Olsen from the Marlins. The club also brings in Matt Capps and Eddie Guardado to contend for the closers role (Capps has the current edge) and brings in veterans Adam Kennedy and Willie Tavares to give some depth to the infield and outfield. An underrated move was bringing in future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez into the mix. He will help this young pitching staff grow and realize their full potential. I see this team as possibly having the most improved season from 2009. And remember, Jason Marquis has been in the playoffs each of the past 10 years while playing for four different teams…just a thought!
Fantasy Spotlight – Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman continues to be seen as the face of the franchise in DC. He is a top-notch 3B choice and should produce stats along the lines of .295 30 HR 110 RBI 100 Runs
Prediction: The 2010 NL East division goes to…the Phillies! You simply cannot beat that potent line-up with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and co. Also, the pitching staff is lights out with the addition of Halladay. The closer role seems to be the only question mark on this squad. I see the Phillies building a comfortable lead by the All-Star break without ever looking back.
.png?w=256)
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
