How the NL Shapes Up in 2010

 

We’ve looked at the American League last week, so with the regular season starting up in earnest today, here is what we think the National League will look like in 2010.

 

Atlanta

Philadelphia

New York

Florida

Washington

 

The Braves still have their trademark pitching and the offense will be bolstered with rookie Jason Heyward.  They will break the Phillies stranglehold at the top of the division in Bobby Cox’ last season.  Roy Halladay will have a big year going to the National League, but the back of the Phils’ rotation could be shaky.  The Mets will get better season’s from David Wright and Jose Reyes, but their pitching is problematic.  Florida is still too young, although they have the second best player in the NL in Hanley Ramirez.  The Nationals will be improved, but not enought to escape the basement.

 

St. Louis

Chicago

Cincinnati

Milwaukee

Pittsburgh

Houston

 

The Cardinals are still the class of this division, led by Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.  The Cubs need a comeback year from Alfonso Soriano in order to have a better offense, and the back end of the bullpen is a question mark. They are good, but St. Louis is better in all aspects of the game.  The Reds are starting to improve, although they need a comeback season from Aaron Harang.  Joey Votto may be the leagues’ most underrated player.  The Brewers can probably out hit anyone, but their pitching is suspect.  The Pirates will escape the cellar and are improving.  The Astros might be the NL’s worst team.

 

Los Angeles

Colorado

Arizona

San Francisco

San Diego

 

Many have forgotten that the Dodgers were the NL’s best team during the regular season, and they are for the most part, still a young team.  The Rockies are the trendy pick to win the pennant, but they will come up short in the pitching department.  Arizona improved their pitching, and will be improved, but not enough to be in contention.  The Giants have enough great starters to be tough if they got to the playoffs, but they don’t have enough hitting or youth in their lineup to get there.  The Padres are rebuilding and will probably trade their best player, Adrian Gonzalez, during the season.

 

WILD CARD:  Colorado

 

KM