National League 2008

Unwarranted Divisional Predictions.

I'm willing to bet that at least one of these will be correct.

NL East – Mets. Already proclaimed “the team to beat” in the National League, will the Mets strike the memory of last year's finish from the minds of fans and critics? I mean, there hadn't been a bigger September free-fall in New York since [insert inappropriate joke here]. Too soon? But seriously, after purchasing (on layaway) the best hurler in the bigs to deal against the mediocre NL East, it’s hard to bet against the Mets breaking through. But still possible.

"If anyone asks, I never managed the Devil Rays."

NL Central – Cubs. Piniella did it managing the Reds. He’s in the midst of doing the same with the Cubs (turning a team around and still collecting premature walks back to the clubhouse). Given this talented-on-paper squad, Lou should be able to lead the winner of last year’s ugliest pennant race to a more dignified and satisfying finish. And with Santana, A-Rod, Clemens fighting for the spotlight this winter, the Cubs have quietly reloaded with a few new weapons of their own.

"Joe told us to wake him up when the tying run gets on. Does he know he can't make a change in the cart?"

NL West – Dodgers. It shouldn’t be too long before Gentle Joe gets acclimated and grows comfortable sitting on the bench and falling asleep with his new bunch of bombers. Chavez Ravine is supposedly more nap-friendly than the Bronx, especially since no one in attendance really cares. Arguably boasting the best roster in the division (barely edging out the D-Backs with experience), LA’s second-best baseball team should be in command of the division over Arizona and San Diego by early September.

NL Wildcard – Phillies. The remainder of the league is mediocre at best. The Brewers, Diamondbacks, and Braves will each have their month or so in the sun. Meanwhile, the Rockies will not put on any worthy encore to their boring World Series run (keep in mind that the Rocks had to win 14 games out of 15 to even qualify for the postseason, and momentum like that can carry even average teams further than expected). When it’s all done, the Phillies will emerge as the best of the worst.

Divisional Winners for the Junior Circuit coming soon, so don't place your futures bet just yet.