NL East: Contending With Santana

With the recent signing of Johan Santana filling the gap in the Mets’ starting rotation, how will the rest of the NL East contend with the acquisition of the powerhouse lefty?

For starters, there’s the factor of money. Santana was enticed by the Mets’ flash of cash, signing for the most in history by a pitcher, $150.75 million over seven years. Santana’s mansion made of silver will look nice next to A-Rod’s solid gold mansion.

So what do the other teams in the NL East have in terms of cap room? What else can you expect from them?

Andruw Jones was released by the Braves, and it’s sceptical they will resign Mark Texiera, so they have room to work with. Their main concern should be a slugger to replace the aging Chipper Jones. With the reunion of the dominating three Cy Young award winners in the 90’s two thirds complete with the signing of Tom Glavine, the Braves could have a good chance at rivalling the improved pitching core of the Mets. Let’s not forget the return of Mike Gonzalez either.

The Marlins are in a rebuilding process, after losing two of their main icons in the franchise to Detroit, Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. Florida aims to rely on the sixth pick of the 2006 draft acquired from the Tigers, Andrew Miller, to propel the franchise back to the World Series as Willis and Cabrera did before. The Fish could use their cap room to lure in a slugger or cast it out to buy another ace to join Miller in the future star circle. Don’t look for the Marlins to be at the top of the division this year, unless some of their prospects have a breakout year. Watch for Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla to mentor their fellow youngsters in the future.

The reigning division champions have, perhaps, the best chance to rattle Johan Santana. The Phillies were the ones who came from no where and took advantage of the great collapse of New York last year, and look to continue their Met – killing ways. Behind home run contest runner up Ryan Howard and their 3 all star selections, the Phillies are in for more of the same this year. But will the same be enough to conquer the other, improved rivals in the NL East? Ask me at the end of the Hamels vs. Santana game.

If the Nationals want to have a shot at intimidating the lefty, they need to have another new start. Moving to a new stadium this year, the Nats’ spirits should be up after placing second last in the NL East. In a roster without big names, Washington is hoping to overcome criticism and make their first playoff appearance for their franchise, not including the Expos before them.

The Mets look for their new ace to push them past their embarrassing collapse last year to meet the high expectations set in 2006. New York is well rounded on nearly every position, and Jose Reyes will continue to steal bases to add to his expanding pile at short stop.

Will it be Santana’s generation in New York, or will the Braves, Marlins, Nationals, and Phillies have something to say about it?

Go to bed tonight wishing the 2008 season would arrive already, as the opposing managers go to bed wishing that Santana will fail his physical on Saturday.