I don't know if the Mets will do it this year, but I definitely think this is the end of the Braves run. Their starting pitching is vastly overrated, and I don't see them getting the same kind of contributions offensively from some guys (i.e. both of the Jones', Francoeur, and no Estrada).
I really like the Phillies to hang around at the top of the division this year. Everyone is talking about how good Ryan Howard is going to be, and the addition of Rowand is definitely going to help offensively and defensively. They've got a well rounded lineup overall, and the pitching staff is slightly underrated IMO.
I really like the Phillies to hang around at the top of the division this year. Everyone is talking about how good Ryan Howard is going to be, and the addition of Rowand is definitely going to help offensively and defensively. They've got a well rounded lineup overall, and the pitching staff is slightly underrated IMO.
Waz said:
I think the Phillies have as good a shot as anyone else in the East. But ATL's starting pitching is just as good. Their back end guys are questionable, but then so are PHI's. Ryan Franklin will be Eric Milton v.2, a flyball pitcher who gets torched in the PHI bandbox. Lofton had a really good season offensively last year, so I don't think Rowand will really be much of an offensive upgrade, but his defense should be better.
Chipper had a nice year for ATL last year when he played, but he also missed 7 weeks, so I think he can match last years production unless he has another injury. Estrada was a non-factor for ATL in the second half last year, and McCann was an improvement offensively. Doubt Andruw will duplicate last years performance, but the same could be said for a couple of Phillies as well. Who knows with Francouer, he doesn't walk enough and he might really be exposed this year. As of now look like Kyle Davies will replace Sosa in the rotation, assuming Thomson doesn't get dealt. That's good for ATL, Sosa was a very lucky pitcher last year.
Anyway, there are pitching question marks for the Mets as well, but lots of good offense in the NL East this year. Should be interesting.
Waz said:
I agree 100%. Phillies take this division. Howard is having a monster spring and in that ball park, forget it. Only question on the team is Flash Gordon as the closer.
I'm a Mets fan and really just hate the overpriced moves. I don't get everyone loving Beltran as they do. He capitalized on having a hot playoff run two years ago and that got him that crazy contract. Didn't need to sign him when you already had Cameron and his contract in center and the prospect Millidge in the wings. I would love to see Minaya get the boot.
