MLB Tribune

2010 National League Predictions

by Scooter on 01/03/2010 in MLB News

I am very excited about 2010 and what the baseball season will bring. I am sure all baseball fans are, but it’s still winter and extremely cold here in the mid west. I am counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Can someone turn on the heat please!

The Philadelphia Phillies seem strong in 2010 and will more than likely be the team to beat. I do see the Phillies back in the World Series, but I am still scratching my head over the Cliff Lee trade for Roy Halladay. I am sure we many Philly fanatics are feeling the same way, but you do have one of the best and most consistent pitchers in all of baseball.

Here are my predictions by division for the National League.

National League

East

Philadelphia Phillies (97-65) – With the addition of Roy Halladay and the Phillies are departure of Cliff Lee, the Phillies haven’t lost much in the pitching department and maybe are a little better. The offense is strong top to bottom. I see Philly back in the World Series and only the Cardinals can challenge them.

New York Mets (89-73) – I know this is a stretch, but this team had the injury bug in 2009. They have added Jason Bay for some needed offense. I know Mets fans were very disappointed this winter and expected much more activity. If they stay healthy, they could be a wild card contender.

Atlanta Braves (83-79) – Whatever happen to the mighty Braves? This was a team that was rich in pitching for many years. I am not sure if Derek Lowe is the answer because of his age (36) and his high 2009 ERA (4.67). They lost Javier Vazquez to the New York Yankees and added Melky Cabrera to roam the outfield. This is still not enough to contend in the east.

Florida Marlins (80-82) – Not seeing much from the Marlins. They will not improve on their 2009 record of (87-75). They will struggle this year and may have attendance issues as well.

Washington Nationals (71-91) – They traded Nick Johnson to the Yankees and added some relief help, but it’s just not enough. They will improve over last year and with veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez can only help the pitching staff.

Central

St. Louis Cardinals (93-69) – They’re a lock to win the central with such a weak division. Pujols will once again be dominating and if they resign Matt Holliday, they should be the team to beat in the central.

Chicago Cubs (85-66) – The poor Cub fans will just be let down again for another year. The Milton Bradley deal didn’t do any good for the Cubs other than getting rid of a head case. Marlon Byrd will help, but they will need more of the same. Sorry Cub fans!

Milwaukee Brewers (79-83) – Prince Fielder will once again carry the team as much as he can, but the pitching has many question marks. Mike Cameron departure sure doesn’t help things and that’s why I see the Brewers worst off than 2009.

Cincinnati Reds (78-84) – The acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. who is a multi-position player that adds depth. The Reds have nothing this year to challenge for the division. They may win 80 games, but that’s about it.

Houston Astros (71-91) – Sell-Sell!!! Astros owner Drayton McLan was looking to sell the Astros, but that seems dead now and so does the Astros 2010 campaign. Put a fork in them, it’s over before it even started.

Pittsburgh Pirates (60-102) – At least Pittsburgh fans have their Steelers and Penguins. They will lose 100 games this year.

West

Los Angeles Dodgers (94-68) – Still the team to beat in the west, but the Rockies will breathe down their backs all year. Manny Ramirez will be the center of attention and who knows if Manny will be Manny this year. The offense is good with Matt Kemp, James Loney and Casey Blake.

Colorado Rockies (89-73) – The only hope is to get a wild card berth unless the Dodgers fall enough for the Rockies to contend. Todd Helton will need a big year to keep them competitive. They still need to add pitching depth before spring training starts.

San Francisco Giants (83-79) – Mark DeRosa certainly helps with offense and a player who can play 3B/RF/LF/1B/2B. The Giants will just break .500 in 2010 and for the fans, it will be a long season.

Arizona Diamondbacks (77-85) – They will be better than 2009 with the addition of Edwin Jackson, but not good enough.

San Diego Padres (76-86) – Not much to talk about and a very inactive winter for the Padres. They will be the cellar dwellers of the west.

What are your National League Predictions?