MLB 2nd Half Predictions - National League

We’re going to condense the National League predictions into one post and speed this up a bit since Rich has conveniently decided to change his picks. After my NL picks, I’ll post Rich’s new picks.

NL East

New York Mets
This team has been decimated by injuries but still remain one of the top teams in the NL because they are a proven, battle-tested mix of vets and young guys. I love their lineup and they will only get better as they get healthy. As for their pitching, Pedro Martinez can make an impact come playoff time and I believe they’ll make a move to shore up that rotation (Willis maybe?).
Mets will pull away and win the division easily.

Atlanta Braves
The back end of their rotation isn’t going to be enough to get the job done and some of their veterans are starting to show their age. Clubhouse bickering is going to take its toll on team morale. This team is nearing its rebuilding period and won’t have enough to keep up with the Mets or the Wild Card.

Philadelphia Phillies
They have the dubious distinction of leading the NL in runs scored and runs allowed. If they played in the AL they’d be 10 games under .500. Yet another disappointing year in Philly.

Florida Marlins
Florida is still too young to compete and its pitching staff has been a total disappointment. If they’re smart, they’ll dump the overrated Dontrelle Willis and continue to rebuild around guys like Olsen, Sanchez, and Johnson. Hanley Ramirez is going to compete with Jose Reyes for All-Star starts for the next 7-10 years, and if they can keep Miguel Cabrera away from the buffet table he could become this generation’s Robin Yount.

Washington Nationals
Worst team in baseball. Can someone please explain to me why they didn’t trade Alfonso Soriano last year? Did they really think they’d be able to sign him? This team will lose 110 games.

NL Central

Milwaukee Brewers
This division is wide-open and I hate to pick against my Cubbies but the Brewers aren’t getting enough love. They have a good lineup that has overachieved so far but I think some of these guys are for real. Specifically, your NL Rookie of the Year – Ryan Braun. The key down the stretch will be their rotation. Ben Sheets is a top of the rotation guy and Suppan, Capuano, and Bush will come around. Then you throw in rookie phenom Yavani Gallardo and you’ve got the best rotation in the divison.

This will be a close one but I think Milwaukee is the more complete team and they win the division by a smidge.

Chicago Cubs
I hate to pick against the Cubs when they have a real shot at winning this division, but the wild card will have to do. Even though they’ve been playing better lately they still suck at home and they aren’t scoring as many runs as you would think. Another rotation that is overachieving and guys like Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis are not going to be as dominant the second time around. In all honesty, I’ll take a wildcard berth, though I’m not sure I could stand another 2003. Chicago takes home the Wild Card – and then get bounced in the first round.

Pittsburgh Pirates
The rest of the division is mediocre at best but I’ll take this rotation over St. Louis’ or Houston’s any day. This is another team that could compete in a couple years if they would just add a few big bats. And, no, Adam LaRoche does not count. I say Pittsburgh barely beats out the….

St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros
St. Louis got really old, really fast. They are in the beginnings of a long rebuilding process but no fan will admit it. If they can unload guys like Rolen, Eckstein, and Encarnacion that would be a bonus for a team that needs an infusion of young talent…young talent that is not coming from the minors. As for Houston, there will be no miraculous second half run this year. They aren’t going be as bad off as the Cardinals over the next 5 years but this is definitely not their year. Is Craig Biggio still starting? Yep, they’re not going anywhere but down.

Cincinnati Reds
See: Chicago White Sox


NL West

San Diego Padres
Phenomenal pitching…timely hitting…good team defense. They have all the makings of a division champ but they have to pick up another bat and Adam Dunn would look good on this team. They are flawed just like every other National League team but pitching and defense will carry them through to a division crown.

Arizona Diamondbacks
This is another team that could use another big hitter in the lineup but pitching is their strong-point. This is the theme of the NL West and it’s no different here. It’s not that I like them as much as I don’t like the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers
See: Arizona Diamondbacks with one big exception. Brad Penny is due for his 2nd half collapse and that will kill this team.

Colorado Rockies
They’re exciting and score a lot of runs but they’ll never compete in this division if they don’t improve their pitching. Their farm system is loaded so expect Colorado to continue to improve.

San Francisco Giants
They aren’t just old, they’re decrepit. I’m sick of hearing about Barry Bonds so I’m just going to pretend this team doesn’t exist.

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