NL East: Still A One Horse Town
The National League East had been owned by the Atlanta Braves for so long, the previous division winner won when the Braves were still in the NL West. The reign of Atlanta may be over, but this division remains a one team division. The owners may be further up the East Coast, but essentially nothing has changed.
Dominant Teams
New York Mets: You would think the Mets could have learned a little something from their crosstown rivals -- ancient rotations do not win championships. I'm not talking about '06, when injuries caught up with them. I'm talking about the team they set up this year. The Mets should once again win this division -- no one can stop the hitting. But come playoff time, I see them bounced in the first round, just like their brothers from another borough.
Teams with Potential
Philadelphia Phillies: For the past several years, this team has been hyped as being on the verge of taking the division. And every year they fall short. Ryan Howard is a terrific ball player and one day I hope to see him win one in Philly. But he will need a better cast around him -- one that doesn't fade in August and September as his current teammates seem to always do.
Atlanta Braves: The fact that they are still a decent team with a legitimate shot at a wildcard speaks volumes about the man on running the show, Mr. Bobby Cox. Forget Torre. Forget LaRussa. Forget Randolph and Leyland. Cox is the best there is. Andruw Jones is going to have an MVP-type season in 2007.
Also Rans
Washington Nationals: Too much needs to be done at the top of this organization for anything to function fully at the bottom. Frank Robinson had done a respectable job keeping this team competitive through years of no ownership and rented homes. Until those issues are resolved, the Nats will not contend.
Florida Marlins: This team should be breaking attendance records year-in and year-out. They should be one of the best teams in baseball every year. The city of Miami has so much potential as a baseball town. But all that is ruined because of their owner. Jeffrey Loria is as bad for baseball as Barry Bonds and steroids. If players can be banned, then so should owners -- especially this embarrassment. Last year, he had the NL Manager of the Year. And he was fired before winning the award. He is a fool. And the Marlins will flounder.
Dominant Teams
New York Mets: You would think the Mets could have learned a little something from their crosstown rivals -- ancient rotations do not win championships. I'm not talking about '06, when injuries caught up with them. I'm talking about the team they set up this year. The Mets should once again win this division -- no one can stop the hitting. But come playoff time, I see them bounced in the first round, just like their brothers from another borough.
Teams with Potential
Philadelphia Phillies: For the past several years, this team has been hyped as being on the verge of taking the division. And every year they fall short. Ryan Howard is a terrific ball player and one day I hope to see him win one in Philly. But he will need a better cast around him -- one that doesn't fade in August and September as his current teammates seem to always do.
Atlanta Braves: The fact that they are still a decent team with a legitimate shot at a wildcard speaks volumes about the man on running the show, Mr. Bobby Cox. Forget Torre. Forget LaRussa. Forget Randolph and Leyland. Cox is the best there is. Andruw Jones is going to have an MVP-type season in 2007.
Also Rans
Washington Nationals: Too much needs to be done at the top of this organization for anything to function fully at the bottom. Frank Robinson had done a respectable job keeping this team competitive through years of no ownership and rented homes. Until those issues are resolved, the Nats will not contend.
Florida Marlins: This team should be breaking attendance records year-in and year-out. They should be one of the best teams in baseball every year. The city of Miami has so much potential as a baseball town. But all that is ruined because of their owner. Jeffrey Loria is as bad for baseball as Barry Bonds and steroids. If players can be banned, then so should owners -- especially this embarrassment. Last year, he had the NL Manager of the Year. And he was fired before winning the award. He is a fool. And the Marlins will flounder.
posted by E-Luv at 8:48 AM
1 Comments:
Atlanta might surprise everyone if Chuck James can repeat his end of the year performance and if Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton pitch up to half their potential. Combined with John Smoltz that makes one hell of strong top 4 pitchers that could go toe to toe with anyone in the NL, and could possibly give the Mets a strong run for their money.
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