Baseball Predictions: National League East

In my opinion, this is the most interesting and best division in the NL.  And I wish that TBS still broadcast the Braves so that I could follow this division more closely.  Oops, I just remembered that if this year is like the last few years Foxsportsflorida/Sunsports broadcasts most of the Rays and Marlins games so if I want to watch most of the games of what I believe is a bad baseball team I can follow the NL East closely,  But would that be worth it?

1.) Washington Nationals-- I don't know how to write about this team without saying that on paper I believe this is the best team in MLB this year.  Man, that hurts for me to admit that.  ;)

     Stephen Strasburg is one of the best pitchers in baseball (I do believe the only one who is better right now is in LA but more about that in a couple blogs from this one.) The rest of the rotation is solid.  The bullpen should be one of the best in the game and I have really like Rafael Soriano as a closer since I have known of him.

     Bryce Harper, LF, will be a MVP at least once in his career and I like that Ryan Zimmerman, 3RD, and RF Jason Zimmerman and in that lineup as well.  Adding Warren Spahn, CF, will help what I already thought was a good defense.  I really can't think of a weakness on this team right now. I just wish this organization was still in Montreal because the fans up there deserved better than they got.

2.) Atlanta Uptons er,I mean, Braves-- If that only amused me I am OK with that.This is the first time that I can remember that two brothers were acquired by the same team in the same offseason before.  From what I have seen of B.J (and I have seen a lot of him with the Rays) he is a player with a lot of ability and potential but only plays up to that standard when he feels like it. I believe that Justin is a more consistent player who puts forth more effort on a regular basis than B.J.  If that is  the case and Justin can be a good influence on his older brother. With Jason Heyward in RF the Braves may have the best outfield in MLB.

      The Braves pitching staff is not what it was in the 90's-mid 2000's but it with a solid bullpen should keep Atlanta in the chase for the East division title.

3.) Philadelphia Phillies-- I was a bit surprised that they were as bad as they were last season but I believe that it probably has a lot to do with this team is getting older.  Roy Halladay has not been too impressive this spring and I believe that is also due to his getting older. I think this is a team, like the White Sox that needs to start rebuilding.

4.)New York Mets--  At least David Wright, 3RD, is being paid a lot of money to be on a bad team.  I am absolutely shocked that LaTroy Hawkins is still pitching in MLB.  I am beginning to think that the only way the Mets will be good again is if the Wilpons sell or Bud Selig  needs to go all Frank McCourt on them.

5.)Florida Marlins-- I believe if you can't say anything nice about something don't say anything.  I actually like the Marlins current hats and uniforms...