The NL East has been a back and forth division. The Braves and Nationals can't seem to decide which team wants first place. Meanwhile, the Mets and Marlins are staying within spitting distance. If either of these teams make a run, this could turn into a three team race.
Washington Nationals (51-42)- The Nats are in first by mere percentage points. The rotation has led them to their current first place position. They have been pretty great. Strasburg is leading the staff, and when he has Tanner Roark and Jordan Zimmerman following him, that is just a bad day for the opposing team. Fister has proven to be a good trade so far. Gio has been solid, but has missed a few games. This rotation could be the best in baseball, if they start pitching like it. Right now they are very good. The offense has been pretty solid, too, even without Bryce Harper. Anthony Rendon has really made a name for himself this season. Adam LaRoche and Jayson Werth have been solid. If Zimmerman figures out whatever is bothering him, Harper stays healthy and produces, and the rotation steps up their game, the Nats will run away with the East.
Final Record Prediction: 96-66, 1st in the NL East
Final Record Prediction: 96-66, 1st in the NL East
Atlanta Braves (52-43)- The Braves are enjoying another good season. The offense has been pretty good. Freddie Freeman has been one of the most consistent bats in baseball. Evan Gattis is making people forget about McCann. Justin Upton is looking great. Even B.J. Upton is starting to hit a little. They have even closed up the black hole at 2nd, thanks to the play of Tommy La Stella. If this team wants to overtake the Nationals, they needed better pitching. Julio Teheran has really improved and is leading this rotation. Alex Wood and John Dans have been good. Danks has been injured far too often, though. Harang and Santana both started the season out well, but have faltered along the way. Minor, Harang, and Santana need to pitch better for the Braves to win the division. They need a left-handed reliever, too. Expect the Braves to look for some pitching help at the deadline. The Red Sox look like the perfect trade partner. Maybe the Braves will try to grab Peavy and Miller or Breslow from the BoSox.
Final Record Prediction: 93-69, 2nd in the NL East, 1st Wild Card
Final Record Prediction: 93-69, 2nd in the NL East, 1st Wild Card
New York Mets (45-50)- The Mets won't be in the playoffs this year. But the future is looking bright. The team is starting to implement some of the young guys into the team. The vets are also solid guys. Jon Niese, Zack Wheeler, Jacob DeGrom, and Dillon Gee have all looked great at times this year. Dice-K has proven to be reliable. Colon is a respectable pitcher. The bullpen has had a bit of news, with the closer carousel, but the team has taken to Meija. The offense has been the rough part this year. David Wright is having a way down year. The outfield has been pretty rough, but has been better with Granderson heating up. Eric Campbell and Daniel Murphy have both enjoyed good years. The Mets won't make the playoffs this year, but if they can add some offense anyway they can, this team will be better off.
Final Record Prediction: 77-85, 3rd in the NL East
Final Record Prediction: 77-85, 3rd in the NL East
Miami Marlins (44-50)- The Marlins have stayed semi-competitive this year. After Jose Fernandez went down for the year, the season definitely looked over for the Marlins. Somehow, they have managed to stay only 6 games under .500. That is most likely due to some solid pitching. Henderson Alvarez has stepped up and taken over as ace of the staff. Andrew Heaney got his first taste of the bigs, and while he was roughed up, now knows what to expect. Eovaldi and Koehler have also been pretty impressive. Giancarlo Stanton has stayed healthy and is in the midst of an MVP caliber season. Casey McGehee has surprised, Hechavarria is a good SS, and Yelich has been steady. The real surprise of the first half, besides Alvarez, is Marcell Ozuna. He has started to make a name for himself, and if he and Yelich continue to improve, will give the Marlins one of the best young outfields in baseball. Miami has something to root for again.
Final Record Prediction: 76-86, 4th in the NL East
Final Record Prediction: 76-86, 4th in the NL East
Philadelphia Phillies (42-53)- The Phillies may get what they want soon. Rumors are going around that Amaro will finally start a rebuild. Now is the year, with the majority of the players healthy and at least putting up respectable years. Utley has been solid. Howard has been respectable, although when you think about his contract, maybe he hasn't. Brown has gone back to disappointing. Amaro should've sold high on him. Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, AJ Burnett, and Jonathan Papelbon are having great years. The Phillies should go ahead and trade the players while they can still get something good for them. But the word of a rebuilding team should be music to the ears of Phillie fans.
Final Record Prediction: 72-90, Last in the NL East
Final Record Prediction: 72-90, Last in the NL East
The division is only a two team race. But it is one of the most interesting divisions in baseball. All the teams have something exciting going on from the Marlins youth movement to the prospect of rebuilding in Philadelphia. Expect the Braves and Nationals race to be a close one.