Well we did the American league now it’s time to turn our attention to the NL where the races should be a lot more wide open…

NL EAST- Atlanta Braves

This isn’t a reaction to watching them beat the Phillies last night first of all. I like what they did in the offseason to improve their staff and they have one of the best managers in the business while the Mets have one of the worst. The Phillies will not be nearly the team they were last year and end up in 3^rd.

NL CENTRAL- Chicago Cubs

They are clearly the most talented team in the NL because of their starting rotation. The problem with that is I’m not sure that Harden and Zambrano can make it till October. We all know Hardens injury history but I really feel like injuries are starting to creep up on big Z. If they can prove me wrong and stay healthy then I don’t see how they don’t make it to the NLCS. Brewers take a step back and look for Cardinals to make a run at the wild card with a late push.

NL WEST- Arizona Diamondbacks

This will once again be the worst division in baseball. I expect the young “Baby Backs” hitters to really mature and take major strides this year to compliment there 2 stud pitchers at the top of their rotation, Webb and Haren. The popular pick around seems to be the Dodgers but I have questions about their starting pitching. The Giants will be improved but are still missing a couple of impact bats in that lineup.

NL WILD CARD- New York Mets

I love what they did to the back-end of their bullpen and they should be improved in that department. No pitcher is more important to his team that Santana is, if he struggles or has an injury, this team may be in trouble because after him the rotation looks very very average. 

CUBS beat Mets in 5

DBACKS beat Braves in 5

DBACKS beat CUBS in 6

NL ROY- Cameron Maybin

We have heard his name for years as a guy involved in trades as the stud, 5 tool prospect, being traded. He is getting his chance this year in Florida and I expect him to flourish.

NL CY YOUNG- Dan Haren

This goes along with my pick to win the NL west. I think he edges out his own teammate, Brandon Webb, for this award. I love watching this guy pitch.

NL MOY- Bobby Cox

One of my favorite managers in baseball. He will win this award because he is going to overcome two major favorites to win the NL in the Mets and Phillies and win that division.

NL MVP- Hanley Ramirez

I don’t expect his team to be any better than .500 but I think he can still win MVP because I expect him to put up out of this world overall statistics. He has the ability to do it all from dropping bombs to stealing bases.