I'm not going to try and be popular or a rebel. This is just what I believe:
NL EAST:
Philadelphia Phillies (95-67): It's hard not to be wary of Placido Polanco's recent decline and a decided lack of pitching depth compared to 2009, but the Roy Halladay factor has to be considered and that is why they gain two wins and take the division.
Florida Marlins (89-73): I know this is a questionable pick but the fish bring back most of the same squad that won a quiet 87 games in 2009 and I figure with the more-experienced young players and an ace like Josh Johnson (not to mention an improved bullpen), this team will be tough to beat.
New York Mets (86-76): The Mets can't help but have a monster turnaround in 2010 following one of the unluckiest and most injury-filled seasons I have ever seen a team endure. In spite of what is, on paper, one of the best offenses in baseball, I do not believe that Jason Bay and Gary Matthews Jr. are enough to overtake the Phillies. Bottom line: Their pitching, Johan Santana or not, just isn't good enough.
Atlanta Braves (86-76): This is one of the most difficult teams to predict. It could go either way. If Martin Prado, Troy Glaus, Nate McLouth and Melky Cabrera can all produce effectively, and if Tommy Hanson lives up to hype, and if Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito can effectively replace Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, they can be great. Too many ifs for this guy.
Washington Nationals (68-94): The Nationals are still a year or two away from factoring in but they finally look like they are in a position to do so. With a rotation that now features Jason Marquis, 2009 standout John Lannan, and Scott Olsen, and will eventually feature the likes of Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman, this team will be scary in the future, especially with Ryan Zimmerman who had the quietest 33HR 106RBI season you will ever see with one of the worst teams in baseball. He's the real deal and more. Pay attention.
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