The return of baseball: NL EAST
Here is the follow-up to my ''AL East'' preview:
1. Atlanta Braves
Despite the Braves losing Rafael Furcal this offseason, they still have a pretty darn good team. Their rotation is extravagant: John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, breakout Jorge Sosa, future star Kyle Davies and Horacio Ramirez.
Their bullpen is another story, they do not have many quality relievers.
They added Lance Cormier and Oscar Villareal, but that won't make a difference.
Bottom Line: Still the best of this division, I don't care what they say about Omar Minaya...
Grade: A
2. New York Mets
The Mets were the surprise of the offseason and folowed up to their 17 million signing of Carlos Beltran, trading for Carlos Delgado, Paul Lo Duca and signing all-star closer Billy Wagner.
This, however, will not be enough to propel the Mets to a championship. Perhaps a wild card berth. Three players do not make a difference. It is a team sport.
Bottom Line: All the right tools to suceed, now if only Carlos Beltran can rediscover his bat...then 90 wins would be in reach. Otherwise, settle for 85 wins.
Grade: B+
3.Washington Nationals
Jim Bowden was run out of contention for A.J. Burnett, Matt Morris because of....no owner.
The Nationals might have taken a few steps back, losing Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco to free-agency. However, the addition of Alfonso Soriano and Royce Clayton should help this team.
Jose Vidro, Jose Guillen, Nick Johnson and Brian Schneider will arrive at camp healthy and recovered from their plaguing injuries.
Bottom line: Not enough. As long as they play in RFK, forget about any chance of winning.
It wouldn't surprise me either to see the Nats have a mediocre season.
Grade: B-
4.Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils are now a huge question mark. Their ace, Randy Wolf is injured again. David Bell will start the season on the disabled list and this team will fall lower into the standings.
Losing Billy Wagner will destroy this team, tittering near this division's basement.
Ryan Franklin will be added to a somewhat questionable rotation.
Ryan Howard will have a chance to shine...
Bottom line: Bad pitching will hurt the Phillies. They don't have enough spark on paper, and their lineup is hardly frightening. Don't expect last season's finish and you won't be surprised.
Grade: C
5.Florida Marlins
Loria does it again! First he kills the Expos and now destroys the Marlins.
The Marlins dealt nearly all their players this offseason, retaining Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. Too young, no experience.
Bottom line: I don't have to explain do I? Let me put it this way, the Fish are fried.
Grade: D-
Next time...preview of the AL Central.
The Wilkernator.
1. Atlanta Braves
Despite the Braves losing Rafael Furcal this offseason, they still have a pretty darn good team. Their rotation is extravagant: John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, breakout Jorge Sosa, future star Kyle Davies and Horacio Ramirez.
Their bullpen is another story, they do not have many quality relievers.
They added Lance Cormier and Oscar Villareal, but that won't make a difference.
Bottom Line: Still the best of this division, I don't care what they say about Omar Minaya...
Grade: A
2. New York Mets
The Mets were the surprise of the offseason and folowed up to their 17 million signing of Carlos Beltran, trading for Carlos Delgado, Paul Lo Duca and signing all-star closer Billy Wagner.
This, however, will not be enough to propel the Mets to a championship. Perhaps a wild card berth. Three players do not make a difference. It is a team sport.
Bottom Line: All the right tools to suceed, now if only Carlos Beltran can rediscover his bat...then 90 wins would be in reach. Otherwise, settle for 85 wins.
Grade: B+
3.Washington Nationals
Jim Bowden was run out of contention for A.J. Burnett, Matt Morris because of....no owner.
The Nationals might have taken a few steps back, losing Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco to free-agency. However, the addition of Alfonso Soriano and Royce Clayton should help this team.
Jose Vidro, Jose Guillen, Nick Johnson and Brian Schneider will arrive at camp healthy and recovered from their plaguing injuries.
Bottom line: Not enough. As long as they play in RFK, forget about any chance of winning.
It wouldn't surprise me either to see the Nats have a mediocre season.
Grade: B-
4.Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils are now a huge question mark. Their ace, Randy Wolf is injured again. David Bell will start the season on the disabled list and this team will fall lower into the standings.
Losing Billy Wagner will destroy this team, tittering near this division's basement.
Ryan Franklin will be added to a somewhat questionable rotation.
Ryan Howard will have a chance to shine...
Bottom line: Bad pitching will hurt the Phillies. They don't have enough spark on paper, and their lineup is hardly frightening. Don't expect last season's finish and you won't be surprised.
Grade: C
5.Florida Marlins
Loria does it again! First he kills the Expos and now destroys the Marlins.
The Marlins dealt nearly all their players this offseason, retaining Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. Too young, no experience.
Bottom line: I don't have to explain do I? Let me put it this way, the Fish are fried.
Grade: D-
Next time...preview of the AL Central.
The Wilkernator.
