The Observer, March 7, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 20
Pro Sports Roundup
NL East
New York Mets – Hitting: 1 Fielding: 2 Starting Pitching: 2 Bullpen: 2 Coaching: 2
- Last Year: 2nd (88-74) 2008 Prediction: 1st – The highly anticipated trade of Johan Santana, arguably the "ace" of the MLB, ended with the New York Mets. After a historical collapse at the end of last season to lose a playoff spot to the streaking Phillies, the Mets made a big splash in acquiring Johan to shore up their starting pitching, though they lost 300-game-winner Tom Glavine to division rival Atlanta Braves. Without Paul Lo Duca, they are a little thin behind the plate, but the offense is potent enough to withstand the hit. The Mets are tinkering with small holes such as a backup 1B, but for the most part the team looks solid.
Philadelphia Phillies – Hitting: 2 Fielding: 1 Starting Pitching: 3 Bullpen: 3 Coaching: 3
- Last Year: 1st (89-73) 2008 Prediction: 2nd – Pulling off one of the biggest comebacks in the history of sport at the end of last year should propel the Phillies into this year's season. They have arguably the best 1-2-3 of any team with last year's MVP Jimmy Rollins, last year's MVP-if-he-hadn't--gotten-injured Chase Utley, and MVP from two years ago Ryan Howard. Brett Myers will move back into the starting rotation after spending a year in the pen, and will get the opening day start over the young phenomenon Cole Hammels. Though the Phillies can flash some leather and wood, they will need to load up some more arms if they are looking to make a serious push for the NL pennant.
Atlanta Braves – Hitting: 3 Fielding: 4 Starting Pitching: 1 Bullpen: 1 Coaching: 1
- Last Year: 3rd (84-78) 2008 Prediction: 3rd – two-thirds of the Braves old three- headed monster of the 90s is back together. Tom Glavine returns to Atlanta to team up with John Smoltz to capture the magic of that time once again. If Glavine has anything left in the tank, this rotation has one of the best top rotations with Tim Hudson rounding out the top three. The bullpen sports two legitimate closers in Raphael Soriano and the return of Mike Gonzalez but it doesn't seem as though the Braves have the bats to compare with the Phillies or Mets. But with a surprise player or a trade or two, you never know.
Florida Marlins – Hitting: 4 Fielding: 3 Starting Pitching: 4 Bullpen: 5 Coaching: 5
Last Year: 5th (71-91) 2008 Prediction: 4th – Getting rid of the potentially big contracts of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Marlins continue their youth movement. Though they traded away both of their top two names, the Marlins obviously have a system going here that is working. They have two championships in 13 years, while the Cubs have been scrapping for 100 years now for their third World Series title.
Washington Nationals –Hitting: 5 Fielding: 4 Starting Pitching: 5 Bullpen: 4 Coaching: 4
- Last Year: 4th (73-89) 2008 Prediction: 5th – The Nationals will have a much younger look opening day this year. Starting three outfielders that were blocked prospects in their respective organizations, the Nationals better hope these players are all that they are hyped up to be. Opposing offenses will not be quivering in their cleats when prepping for the Nationals' pitchers. The only exciting thing going on in Washington this fall will be the upcoming Presidential election.
Up next: AL East
