Jeremy Conn: National League Predictions
Here are my predictions... Teams in ALL CAPS make the playoffs.
NL East.. This division seems very top-heavy and I expect a bounce back season for the Nationals. Washington has a very tough lineup and an even better rotation. It seemed like they started to put things back together at the end of the season last year, but it was too late. The Braves have been snake bitten by the injury bug to their pitching staff. I believe they can still make the playoffs relying on Teheran, Wood and Santana. I'm not buying into the Phillies, Mets or the Marlins. The Marlins struggle to score runs and it looks like the Mets will struggle to stop teams from scoring on them.
Prediction NATIONALS, BRAVES, Phillies, Mets, Marlins
NL Central... It's hard to not like this Cardinals team to win the division with the mix of veteran leadership and great young pitching. I expect the Pirates to be back in the mix for a playoff spot, but I don't have them getting there this year. I also believe Milwaukee is a team that will challenge for a playoff spot, I believe they could be the surprise team this year. I'm not a fan of Cincinnati or the Cubs.
Prediction CARDINALS, Pirates, Brewers, Reds, Cubs
NL West...The Dodgers have the highest payroll in baseball and the best players. There is no doubt they are the class of the West. It seems like the Giants have alternated good and bad years. This year they are due for a good year. It sucks that Arizona lost Patrick Corbin for the year, he was turning into a really nice player. I'm not buying the Padres or Rockies, you'd have a better chance of selling me snake oil.
Prediction DODGERS, GIANTS, Diamondbacks, Padres. Rockies
