Season 8 NL Forecast

My success for NL forecasts has not been as successful as for the AL, but with 3 of the 6 playoff teams accurately projected, it's still decent. Here is what the numbers gave me:

NL North
1. Chicago Cubs (1): Strength - SP
2. Montreal Expos: Strength - RP
3. Milwaukee Brewers: Weakness - Hit
4. Cincinnati Reds: Weakness - SP, RP

After this result, either my entire ranking system is crap, or the Reds currently have the world's best record through the use of smoke and mirrors. The Cubs once again look great on paper and then do not fail to dissappoint on the field. The Expos look to be in the wildcard hunt, but should fall short.

NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies (3): Strength - Hit, RP
2. New York Mets (5): Strength - SP, RP
3. Washington DC Nationals (6): Strength - RP
4. Pittsburgh Pirates: Weakness - RP

The East looks like the powerhouse division of the National League, with the aging Phillies, who are having another slow start this season, just barely edging out the young Mets. The Nats look to defend their NL championship via the wildcard this season. The Pirates look improved, but still have a long ways to go to get out of the cellar of this stacked division.

NL South
1. St. Louis Cardinals (2): Strength - Hit, SP; Weakness - RP
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Houston Astros: Weakness - SP
4. Florida Marlins: Weakness - Hit

To this point, the Cards have been the southern Cubs, with an impressive looking squad that comes up short. The Braves continue to ride on Dee Dee's back and will fight with the Cards deep into the season. The Astros look improved, but haven't quite put enough pieces together yet to compete. The Marlins have quite possibly the most anemic offense yet to be assembled in this world.

NL West
1. San Francisco Giants (4): Strength - Hit, RP
2. San Diego Padres: Strength - Hit; Weakness - SP
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: Strength - SP; Weakness - Hit
4. Los Angeles Dodgers: Weakness - Hit, SP, RP

By the end of this season, the Giants should coast to another division title as none of their division competitors compare to their talent. The Padres and Diamondbacks could remain in striking distance of the wildcard late into the season, while the Dodgers are in the middle of a major overhaul.