Now it's time for the National League lots of great teams and talent and here's how I think the divisions and the awards will be.
NL East: New York Mets
A new team is on top in New York after years of all the talk about the Bronx Bombers the attention shifts the Kings of Queens as the Mets start there last season in historic Shea Stadium the chances of bringing the World Championship there are better then ever, joining the Mets is Two-Time Cy Young Winner and the richest pitcher in baseball Johan Santana. The Mets have two great candidates for NL MVP as well in Jose Reyes and David Wright, and for the first time in almost two seasons, the Mets will have a healthy Pedro Martinez. With Billy Wagner closing out as well as a stout starting five, the Mets are the favorite to win in my mind the toughest division in the majors.
Predicted Record: 96-66
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
100 years since there last World Series victory could this be the year the Cubs break the Curse of the Billy Goat only time will see, the Cubs made a few deals in the off season but none bigger then the signing of Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome to a 48 Million, 4 Year deal and he is expected to become an immediate impact player. The pitching may be the best it's ever been with Ryan Dempster moving back to the starting rotation and Kerry Wood becoming a legit closer. The whole team is very talented and poised to make a run and break the 100 year curse.
Predicted Record: 91-71
NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks
An underrated and extremely talented team will be celebrating 11 Years in the Desert the D-Backs will attempt to defend their NL West title after a close and dramatic race with Colorado to close out last season. The D-Backs biggest off season move was bringing Dan Haren over from Oakland too strengthen an already talented starting five, Chris Young, Eric Byrnes, and Orlando Hudson lead a great starting lineup and with a great young talent in Justin Upton, who has been compared to Ken Griffey Jr. It will be a great 6 month battle in the NL West with the D-Backs fighting off other contenders like Colorado, LA, and San Diego and all four have a great shot at coming out of the National League on top.
Predicted Record: 98-64
NL Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies
This NL Wild Card race could come down to the last day with all the contenders fighting it out, the Phillies, in my opinion, are the best pick at winning the Wild Card; they can also contend with the Mets for the NL East. The main contenders will be the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, I believe the Phillies will win the 4th spot in the playoffs because they have one of the best lineups in the MLB with Ryan Howard leading the charge (maybe even get his 2nd NL MVP). The pitching staff is led by possible Cy Young winner Cole Hamels, and the bullpen is led by closer Brad Lidge and a strong relief core.
Predicted Record 94-68
NL Awards
NL MVP:
1. Ryan Howard, Philadelphia
2. Jose Reyes, New York Mets
3. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
NL Cy Young:
1. Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs
2. Johan Santana, New York Mets
3. Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Rookie of the Year
1. Kosuke Fukudome, Chicago Cubs
2. Cameron Maybin, Florida Marlins
NL Manager of the Year
1. Willie Randolph, New York Mets
2. Lou Piniella, Chicago Cubs
3. Ned Yost, Milwaukee Brewers
And let the season begin looking forward to the next six months
- Patrick