NL East Preview

The National League East is arguably the most improved in baseball. With serious upgrades made by the Phillies, Mets, and Expos (yes, even the Expos!), there could be a division race in August if the Braves stumble. The Phillies are trying to compete but are being out-spent by the Braves and the Mets. The Expos made some efforts to improve, but the Marlins made none.

Here's how I see the season ending up, by order of finish:

1. Atlanta Braves: Until someone knocks the Braves off, they must be the division favorites. The pitching rotation is still the best in baseball, even though Tom Glavine and John Smoltz looked human last year. The Braves should win 100 games again this season. The potential problems for the Braves are pointed out in The Sporting News five questions.

http://www.sportingnews.com/baseball/spr...

2. New York Mets: This team is not ordinary. When your manager wears fake glasses and a moustache to watch a game, then you've got some issues. If the papers calls at least one of your players 'selfish' daily, then you may have problems. But the potential is there. The Mets could concievably win the division with their talent, but someone needs to step up to lead them. The rotation could be powerful.

http://newyorkpost.com/sports/1228.htm

3. Philadelphia Phillies: You've got to respect the effort in Philadelphia. They've gone out and grabed two very good pitchers in Andy Ashby and Mike Jackson to join All-Stars Curt Schilling and Paul Byrd. They may be in the same division as the two best NL teams (Braves and Mets), but they refuse to concede the season without a battle. Hats off to GM Ed Wade and the ownership for not giving up before the season starts.

http://www.phillynews.com/daily_news/200...

4. Montreal Expos: With Dustin Hermanson, Carl Pavano, and Hideki Irabu in the rotation, this Expos team looks like the best from Montreal in several years. The Guerrero brothers will lead the team on offense. They won't contend, but they will be improved. Look for them to finish just below .500.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/baseball9...

5. Florida Marlins: The best player signed this winter was Andre Dawson, but he's the special assistant to the G.M., not a player. Unless they spend some cash, they will join Montreal as a farm team for the rest of the big leagues. The biggest question for me is: Why haven't they traded Alex Fernandez for something? They will lose 100 games this year.

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