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LAST YEARS PREVIEW: The Mets were busy in the
off-season. They had a terrific Rule V (defense up the middle, is it extra?),
starting pitching for the back of the rotation (to go with a good front of the
rotation). On offense it’s going to be mix and match for the Mets. I wish I
could say that they were going to contend and be a force to be reckoned with,
but this isn’t the year. They need run scorers and don’t have them yet.
OUT: The old guys
IN: The Young Guns
PREVIEW:
When I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I predicted the Mets would win
77, and instead they won 86 game just missing the playoffs in the tough NL. I
was correct that the Mets would struggle to score runs (only 716 runs), but
their pitching was FANtastic. Things are getting interesting in Spring Training
for the Mets.
“the young reinforcements are arriving in waves now,” Stated
an enthustiastic blanch. “This year, their #1 picks from Seasons 21 and 22
start the year on the ML roster (SP Danny Thompson - Sea 21 #9 overall, and RF
Alex Walden - Sea 22 #2 overall), while prize IFA J.P. Guerrero (C) is poised
to move up in 20 games.”
This is suddenly the most scary team in the NL East, if not
the entire NL. Blanch added “The Mets may have over-performed a bit last
season, but the team is really taking shape now - fewer 35 year-old, 1-year
stopgaps and more guys who will be around for 10+ years. I see them winning 89
this year and making the playoffs.” I would have to agree with the veteran
owner, but he is selling them short. They will do way more harm than even he
thinks.
PREDICTION: 94-68, 1st Place |
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LAST YEARS PREVIEW: My heart literally breaks for the
Phillies. Rebuilding is a nasty process, but sometimes it’s. Like any breakup,
there aren’t any losers or winners. Time to move on, no hard feelings. If they
finish out of the cellar it will be purely a miracle.
OUT: Brian Masato, Steve
CecilIN: Norm Fowler, Jerome Kennedy, Jumbo Troncoso. FELIX BRANDT
PREVIEW:
I could not have been more wrong about the Phillies last
season. It was a MIRACLE. A team I had pegged to win only 60 games, won 89 and
earned a wild card birth. They had a great and deep draft, which means that
this could be the start of a dynasty. Dan Newson was picked up, and Felix
Brandt will FINALLY get full time in the majors.
While Dillon is confident, he is still a realist “The NL
East should be a tough division with the emergence of the Mets, improved Nats,
and always tough Pirates,” stated the miracle man “the offense will improve
some, but we won’t have enough reliable pitching.”
I went against the Phillies once. Not again.
PREDICTION: 89-73, 2nd Place |
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LAST YEARS PREVIEW: The Nationals didn’t do too horribly last year, and beat the
projection by 7 wins (or about 70 runs). Teams win when they get the most from
their players, and the Nats did just that. Expect them to somehow play over
their heads, because that is what Rigby’s teams do.
OUT: no one importantIN: Perry Adams
PREVIEW:
I over-projected for the Nationals, but they really are better than 70 wins. The pitching carried the offense, but Rigby didn’t make any moves to improve one of the weaker offenses in the NL. Brogna and Cortez can’t do this alone.
PREDICTION: 70-92, Last Place
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LAST YEARS PREVIEW: The Pirates had the best pitching
during the season outside of Florida, but in crunch time the Pirates outshined
their counterparts in teal taking that series two to one, and then hanging on
to take down Montreal. One of the biggest acquisitions at the end of last year
was Vic Gonzales from Tampa Bay. The others were Wade Dunn, PT Fischbach, and
Brad Carlson (now gone to Fla). But those players led the way all the way to
the title. New this year is the rule V crew, a few relievers, and the world
famous ADRIAN RAMSAY. Is it time to Raise the Jolly Roger, again for the
Moonlight Graham GM of the Year?
OUT: Theo Baily, Edgard
NunezIN: Adam Strange
PREVIEW:
Rookie30000 has given way to Chadrader, a solid owner and great pickup for Kinsella. In his 33 seasons he has 14 division titles, 18 playoffs, and a world series title. Kinsella is a big step up, but it looks like Chad is up for the challenge. Known as “trader Chad” expect more than a few moves from the new ownership as I immediately found out when a trade offer for Theo Bailey popped up and I jumped all over it.
To anchor the offense Vic Gonzales was brought back. PT Fischback, Adrian Ramsey, and Wade Dunn are also back and should contribute many runs to a dangerous Pirates team.
The pitching staff was solid and should remain so. The Buccos will be in a dogfight with the Phillies and especially the Mets. This will be the division to watch.
PREDICTION: 90-72, Wild Card
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