Well, the NL East will be a dogfight this year.
Marlins have Hanley, Johnson, and now Coghlan. Plus Jorge Cantu and all the young pitchers with upside potential they have. Marlins will do good next year, maybe 85-90 wins.
Now, the Braves. You got Chipper, McCann, a healthy Tim Hudson, a possible 30 homer bat in Troy Glaus, and Tommy Hanson They've also got Jason Heyward, arguabally the best prospect in baseball possibly starting in the bigs to start the year.They are a great team, and will do well, maybe 85-90 wins.
Then, Nationals. Well, they did bad last year, but think about all the aquisitions they got. Matt Capps, Brian Bruney, and Eddie Guardado to teach em. Not to Mention Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman. They won't win the East, and they probably will go last, but I see them as a possible 70-75 win team.
Phillies, of course, with Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Roy Halladay. I do not see them doing as well. I do not believe a 37 year old Raul Ibanez will repeat his career year. And I do not believe Jason Werth will repeat 30 homers again. Cole Hamels may do well, but as of right now he is a ?. Brad Lidge I do not believe will repeat a 08', and will not do very well. They need to get a new closer. Right now, it is unclear how the Phillies will do, but, based on the team they have right now I'd say 85-90 wins.
The Mets are an even bigger question mark. They had many injuries, but, if all are healthy, they have Beltran, Wright, and Reyes. If Jeff Francouer can return to his 06' and 07' form, he could be added to a core player. And now, of course, they've got Jason Bay, who they've just got a contract with. And pitching wise, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez, with the possible good years from Kelvim Escobar and Ryota Igragashi. Their rotation is a but if ? after Santana. But, if Maine and Perez can return to their 07' forms, and be healthy, the Mets could be pretty good. I'd say 75-90 wins depending on how much everyone holds up.
Right now, theres a lot of ? marks and a lot of Offseason left. Anyone of these teams could win the division. It is too early too tell right now.
Does anyone really think that the Phillies are not the overwhelming favorite to win NL east for the 4th straight season in a row?
Of course anything can happen but if Phillies ended up winning the division, it will be a shocker. I only see braves capable of challenging them. Mets fans, sorry!