MLB 2010 Previews and Predictions – National League East
The Philadelphia Phillies have been the team to beat in the NL East, winning the division the past three seasons. In 2008 they won the World Series and last season they ended up with a record 93-69 and competed for a second straight championship, but lost to the New York Yankees is six games. Florida finished last season 87-75, a three win improvement from 2008, but still ended up six games out of first. Atlanta showed the biggest improvement winning 14 more games than in 2008, ending with an 87-75 record, seven games back. The biggest disappointment was the New York Mets. Favored by many to unseat the Phillies and win the East, they were never able to recover from a slow start and finished 70-92; 23 games out of first place. Washington is a model of both consistency and mediocrity. They went 59-102 in 2008 and followed that up by going 59-103 in 2009. Here is a brief preview of all the teams in the East and their future odds for the 2010 season.
Philadelphia Phillies – Odds to Win the National League 3/1 Odds to Win the World Series 6/1
From a roster standpoint the Phillies basically have the same team that went all the way to the World Series last year. The biggest change is the addition of pitching ace Roy Halladay who came to the team from Toronto in a three way trade that sent P Cliff Lee to Seattle. Many believe this move makes Philadelphia a lock to not only win the East, but return to the Fall Classic for the third straight year.
Atlanta Braves – Odds to Win the National League 11/2 Odds to Win the World Series 12/1
The Braves have slowly been building a team that can hopefully bring back the glory days of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s when it was automatically assumed they would win the East. They will have a new look in the infield with Martin Prado taking over second base and Troy Glaus starting at first. In another off season move they sent P Javier Vasquez to the Yankees for outfielder Melke Cabrera and two pitching prospects. They will need these lineup changes to gel quickly in order to keep pace with Philadelphia.
New York Mets – Odds to Win the National League 12/1 Odds to Win the World Series 20/1
The Mets are still fairly loaded talent wise and should be back in the thick of the NL East race this season. With a starting rotation that is likely to feature Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, and Oliver Perez they are pretty well set. They have some star power in the lineup with Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, and Francisco Rodriguez, but there may still be some question marks with the bull pen. New York can press for the division, but a wildcard spot is probably a more realistic goal.
Florida Marlins – Odds to Win the National League 16/1 Odds to Win the World Series 30/1
In terms of new acquisitions, the Marlins were fairly quiet this off season as they feel comfortable that their current roster has enough talent to allow them to compete. Pitching wise they are pretty solid with Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco at the top of the rotation. They have some solid bats as well with Hanley Ramirez in the number three spot along with Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla. Over the last few seasons very few people have given the Marlins a legitimate shot at winning the East, but they have been able to keep things interesting well into September. I look for the same from them this year as well.
Washington Nationals – Odds to Win the National League 100/1 Odds to Win the World Series 200/1
It is not that the Nationals are that bad of a team, it is the fact that they have to compete in one of the toughest divisions in baseball that hurts their prospects for this season. They have recently come to terms with P Jason Bergman, C Jesus Flores, and outfielder John Willingham to avoid arbitration. Keep your eyes on right handed pitcher Drew Storen who will be making a bid to make the opening day roster after an impressive stint in the minors.
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