***The Division Preview that follows is not betting advice in any way shape or form. Please do not bet any money based in any part on these predictions.***
Don't forget to also check out the AL East, AL Central and AL West previews from the past three weeks. Check back next week for the NL Central preview.
This division has seen two teams experience their golden ages as well as one team come within one out of reaching the World Series and come up short. When the first season of three division play ended in 1994 the Expos had a six game lead over the Braves. Had the season not ended in August the Expos may have been the first National League East division champions under the new format. As it ended up, the Braves won the division (and the World Series) in 1995. They went on to absolutely dominate the division. Beginning in 1995 straight through 2005 the Braves won the division every year and rarely had anything close to a challenge. In fact from 1995 through 1999 no team finished the season closer than six and a half games behind the Braves. It wasn't until the Mets finished one game behind in 2000 and the Phillies finished two games behind in 2001 that the Braves had serious competition. Despite the Braves dominance at the top of the division they reached the World Series in only three of those years while the division produced three Wild Card World Series appearances (1997 Marlins, 2000 Mets and 2003 Marlins).
The 2006 Mets finally toppled the Braves dynasty in 2006 and beat out the Phillies by twelve games and the Braves by eighteen. In a classic seven game NLCS against the Cardinals they appeared to be headed for the World Series until Yadier Molina of the Cardinals launched a two run Home Run in the top of the 9th and then Carlos Beltran struck out looking with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. The 2007 Mets had a big lead in August but were overtaken by a reborn Phillies team in the last weekend of the season.
The Phillies have never had a run of success this good in the history of their team (although the 1976-1983 teams come a very close second). They won the division in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, reaching the World Series in 2008 and 2009. Despite this success they are considered underachievers because of the amount of talent they have on their roster should be winning the World Series every year.
The Marlins have only been around for 20 years but have managed to produce two great World Series teams, one of the most disappointing teams in history and had some of the worst teams ever. This division, unlike the American League East, has a clear delineation between the top three teams and the bottom two. Here's how I see it playing out:
Washington Nationals
98-64 (1st Place in NL East)
Lost to St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 in ALDS
Who's new?*:
Erik Davis (P) promoted from minors , Dan Haren (P) free agent from Angels, Nathan Karns (P) promoted from minors, Cole Kimball (P) promoted from minors, Yunesky Maya (P) promoted from minors, Matt Purke (P) promoted from minors, Rafael Soriano(P) free agent from Yankees, Anthony Rendon (3B) promoted from minors , Carlos Rivero (3B) promoted from minors, Denard Span (OF) trade from Twins.
Who left?*:
Sean Burnett (P) free agent to Angels, Mike Gonzalez (P) free agent to Brewers, Tom Gorzelanny (P) free agent to Brewers, Edwin Jackson (P) free agent to Cubs, John Lannan (P) free agent to Phillies, Chien-Ming Wang (P) unsigned free agent, Jesus Flores (C) free agent to Dodgers , Cesar Izturis (SS) free agent to Reds, Michael Morse (OF) trade to Mariners , Mark de Rosa (UT) free agent with Blue Jays.
What to expect:
Washington baseball fans have high expectations this season for the first time since, well, likely since 1925 when the Senators won their second consecutive American League pennant. After coming so close to advancing to the NLCS before falling to the ever unpredictable Cardinals, Nationals fans can look forward to an improved team. The Nationals will have Strasburg for a full season with no innings limitations, a set infield for the whole season and they added speed at the top of the lineup with Denard Span. The way to win a championship is with strong pitching and strong defense up the middle. The Nationals have a great double play combination with Espinoza and Desmond, a strong defensive Centerfielder in Span and a great signal caller in Kurt Suzuki. The pitching? They have two of the best pitchers in the game with Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez, two more great young arms in Jordan Zimmerman (although he has struggled some this spring) and Ross Detwiler and have added Dan Haren who can dominate batters when he is healthy. The big problem last season was at closer where Drew Storen struggled in the postseason after having a strong regular season. The Nationals added the most sought after free agent closer, Soriano, which should give them the lift they need to advance farther in the playoffs.
Why should you root for these guys?:
This organization has had a tough history. They started as the Montreal Expos who often produced great talent but could not quite get enough fans interested to keep the talent they developed. The Expos then had two seasons where they split home games between Montreal and San Juan, Puerto Rico making them a franchise without a true home, almost a vagabond, drifter organization. When they finally got authorization to play in Washington (Baltimore's owner Peter Angelos was not happy about the competition in the area) they were considered a joke. It seemed that the Expos had taken the bit about the nation wanting the "tired, poor and huddled masses" a bit too seriously and several baseball fans in Washington probably would have liked to tell the organization to keep looking for a home. At the start of this organization's Washington existence they were operated by Major League Baseball's corporate offices until they could find an owner who wanted to buy the orphaned organization. After building this team from the ground up the Nationals appear to be set to become a future dominant team with a lot of young talent.
Why might this season not turn out like Nationals fans want?:
The Nationals are in a tough division, despite the Mets and Marlins at the bottom of it. Atlanta has improved greatly and the Phillies are, for the most part, healthy again. The Nationals appear to have a great all around team with a strong bench that will benefit from players like Steve Lombardozzi and Wilson Ramos. It will depend on the players actually performing to their capabilities to get over last year's devastating playoff loss.
Don't expect too much from him:
Ryan Zimmerman is Mr. National. After roaming from Montreal to San Juan and landing in Washington the Nationals had a great young, talented Thirdbaseman. With the Nationals being considered a baseball graveyard at the time it was said how sad it was that his great talent would be lost in Washington. Zimmerman continued to play well and is one of the best players in the league. Zimmerman suffered through a lot of injuries over the last few years and his defense occasionally suffered from these. You can expect Zimmerman to be the consistently strong player he has always been. You can expect him to be the leader of this team in the club house and the community and you can expect him to be a great guy on and off the field. Just don't expect him to put up record breaking numbers.
Expect great things from:
Stephen Strasburg was confused at the end of last season. He kept telling the Nationals his arm was fine. He had no pain, no issues and his doctors were telling the team he was healthy. Yet the Nationals were insistent that they shut him down when he reached his innings limit. There is no limit this year. There is no restrictions on his innings pitched and Strasburg can relax, go out to the mound every fifth day and dominate with the natural talent that comes along once in a generation.
Time for him to step up:
Jayson Werth signed a huge contract before the 2011 season and people thought the Nationals were insane. People in Philadelphia knew what the Nationals had gotten. Werth is a special talent with the ability to field and hit but his best attribute is his baseball knowledge. Werth has a habit of making the right play at the right time. He is a smart base runner, often getting an extra base. He is a smart fielder, rarely taking a poor route to a ball. He is a smart hitter. Werth suffered through injuries last year with a horrific wrist injury but managed to hit a huge playoff home run that gave the Nationals their first iconic playoff moment. Werth will need to step up and be the player that the Nationals signed for the big dollars and be the player he was when he was healthy with Philadelphia.
Is this his last chance?:
This team does not seem to have anyone on their last chance. It appears that everyone here still has a lot of baseball left in their career.
Prediction:
1st Place in NL East
Atlanta Braves
94-68 (2nd place in NL East. First Wild Card)
Lost to St. Louis Cardinals in Wild Card Game
Who's new?*:
David Carpenter (P) waiver claim from Red Sox, David Hale (P) promoted from minors, Juan Jaime (P) promoted from minors, Aaron Northcraft (P)promoted from minors , Cory Rasmus (P) promoted from minors, Jordan Walden (P) trade from Angels, Christian Bethancourt (C) promoted from minors, Gerald Laird (C) free agent Tigers , Chris Johnson (3B) trade from Diamondbacks, Ernesto Mejia (1B) promoted from minors, B.J. Upton (OF) free agent from Rays, Justin Upton (OF) trade from Diamondbacks.
Who left?*:
Miguel Batista (P) free agent to Rockies, Randall Delgado (P) trade to Diamondbacks, Chad Durbin (P) free agent to Phillies, Tommy Hanson (P) trade to Angels, Jair Jurrjens (P) free agent to Orioles, Peter Moylan (P) free agent to Dodgers, Ben Sheets (P) unsigned free agent, David Ross (C) free agent to Red Sox , J.C. Boscan (C) free agent to Cubs, Lyle Overbay (1B) free agent to Red Sox, Chipper Jones (3B/OF) retired, Martin Prado (OF) trade to Diamondbacks, Matt Diaz (OF) free agent to Yankees, Michael Bourn (OF) free agent to Indians, Erik Hinske (OF) free agent to Diamondbacks, Jeff Baker (OF) free agent to Rangers.
What to expect:
The Braves have made some tremendous upgrades to their team this off season, most notably adding the Upton brothers. They did not upgrade their starting rotation and lost two big leaders in the clubhouse. The loss to the Cardinals left a bad taste in the mouth of the Braves but they may not have enough pitching to get a chance to avenge what they think was a stolen victory.
Why should you root for these guys?:
The Braves fought to reach the playoffs last year and hosted the first ever Wild Card playoff game in National League (and since it started early that afternoon, the first in Major League history). They were looking to get Chipper Jones a World Series win as a retirement present. It looked like they were set to move ahead of the Cardinals until a controversial infield fly call that went the other way. They may not be able to win one for the Chipper but they would certainly like to win one for themselves.
Why might this season not turn out like Braves fans want?:
The offense is great with quite possibly the best outfield in baseball (B.J.Upton, Justin Upton and a healthy Justin Heyward) as well as Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman. The problem is pitching. Kris Medlen had a great year and Tim Hudson is the clear ace but the reminder of the rotation is in question and the middle relievers do not inspire confidence. Craig Kimbrel is a great closer but holding a lead until his time to come in may be a daily adventure.
Don't expect too much from him:
Kris Medlen finished the 2012 season with a 10-1 record. Prior to 2012 he had a total of 9 wins over three major league seasons. Medlen may have a good season but it is not likely he will be able to turn in a winning percentage like that again. If he can win somewhere between 10 and 15 games the Braves should be able to reach a Wild Card.
Expect great things from:
Justin Upton is a great player and when a great player has something to prove the rest of the league needs to look out. For some reason no one can seem to understand, the Diamondbacks started looking to trade Justin Upton around the midpoint of last summer. There was no explanaton but Upton became an unexpected distraction. The Diamondbacks traded Upton over the winter and Upton will now have to prove that Arizona made a mistake. With the support he has in the lineup it shouldn't take long.
Time for him to step up:
Dan Uggla was an All Star with the Marlins when the Braves signed him for big dollars. He started very slow in 2011 then went on a 33 game hitting streak and again fell into a slump. In his two years in Atlanta Uggla has hit .233 and .220. He has improved on the fielding problems that plagued him in Miami but he has not improved enough to justify keeping his weak bat in the lineup. The Braves will need improved offensive numbers from Uggla if they plan to take down Washington.
Is this his last chance?:
Jordan Walden was expected to be the closer in Anaheim for the Angels. He had trouble holding leads in 2011 and 2012 and his failures played a large role in the Angels failure to meet expectations in both of those years. Walden is slated to be a set up man in Atlanta but if he fails to help hold a lead until Kimbrel is ready he may be out of chances.
Prediction:
2nd Place in NL East (First Wild Card)
Philadelphia Phillies
81-81. 3rd Place in NL East
Who's new?*:
Mike Adams (P) free agent from Rangers, Chad Durbin (P) free agent from Braves, John Lannan (P) free agent from Nationals , Ethan Martin (P) trade from Dodgers, Jonathan Pettibone (P) promoted from minors, Mauricio Robles (P) waiver claim from Mariners, Sebastian Valle (C) ,promoted from minors, Cesar Hernandez (2B) promoted from minors, Michael Young (1B/2B/3B) trade from Rangers, Zach Collier (OF) promoted from minors, Tyson Gillies (OF) promoted from minors, Ender Inciarte (OF) Rule 5 Draft Pick from Diamondbacks, Ben Revere (OF) trade from Twins, Delmon Young (OF) free agent from Tigers.
Who left?*: Tyson Brummett (P) waiver claim by Blue Jays, Jose Contreras (P) free agent to Pirates, David Herndon (P) waiver claim by Blue Jays , Josh Lindblom (P) trade to Rangers, Michael Schwimer (P) trade to Blue Jays, Vance Worley (P) trade to Twins, Brian Schneider (C) unsigned free agent, Placido Polanco (3B) free agent to Marlins, Ty Wigginton (3B) free agent to Cardinals, Juan Pierre (OF) free agent to Marlins, Nate Schierholtz (OF) free agent to Cubs, Jason Pridie (OF) free agent to Orioles.
What to expect:
This is an important season for the Phillies. It could define how this era of Phillies baseball is perceived in the coming generations. Were they a good team that managed to win a World Series in 2008 but failed to live up to expectations in every other year? Or were they the greatest collection of talent in the long history of the Phillies organization? With a healthy Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and (maybe) Roy Halladay and new offensive weapons in Michael Young and Delmon Young there are no more excuses for this team. they need to win early and win often. If they struggle early the pieces of this team may be scattered to the far reaches of the major leagues.
Why should you root for these guys?:
The Phillies organization has had very few long runs of success. The team reached the World Series in 1915 but lost 4-1 to the Red Sox. They did not reach the World Series again until 1950 when they were swept out by the Yankees. They nearly got back there in 1964 but a historic collapse sent them home for an early vacation. The next playoff appearance was not until 1976. In between those seasons there was little to cheer about. From 1976-1983 the Phillies were in the playoffs nearly every year. Then there were dark years until 1993 and more dark year after that. This playoff run from 2007 through 2011 is likely the best collection they have ever team but they need another World Series win to truly claim their place in Phillies history.
Why might this season not turn out like Phillies fans want?:
The Phillies team that won the World Series in 2008 did not win with the bat, they won with pitching. As hard as that may be to believe with a lineup including Utley, Howard, Rollins, Werth, Victorino and Rollins, it is absolutely true. The Phillies had difficulty scoring against Tampa Bay and were constantly leaving runners on base. They won with their bullpen of J.C. Romero (7th innings), Ryan Madson (8th innings) and Brad Lidge (9th innings). The bullpen since then has not been the same. Jonathan Papelbon is a good closer but the bridge between the great starting pitchers and the good closer is not as strong as that 2008 team. Adding Mike Adams and Chad Durbin was a good start but they will need Antonio Bastardo and Mike Stutes to improve. If the middle relief fails it will be a long season in Philadelphia. The Phillies also need to be very concerned about how the pitching staff will handle the first 50 games of the season. Carlos Ruiz is one of the best Catchers in the league at handling a pitching staff but with his suspension for the first 50 games the Phillies pitching staff will need to rely on an unproven Catcher and need to quickly get on the same page.
Don't expect too much from him:
Jimmy Rollins is an MVP, World Series Champion, four time Gold Glove winner and three time All Star. When he chooses to retire his number will undoubtedly be retired by the Phillies and he will likely be enshrined in Cooperstown. He is one of the best Shortstops in baseball but he has been playing for well over a decade and his average has dropped over the last few years. Expectations for Jimmy should be that he will continue leading this team and being the embodiment of the team's spirit. Just don't expect him to be the J-Roll of 2007.
Expect great things from:
Ryan Howard had a miserable 2009 World Series. After being red hot in the NLDS and NLCS, Howard hit only .174 and struck out 13 times. 2010 saw a drop in his strikeouts but also a drop in his Home Runs and RBI. Howard struggled again in the 2010 NLCS. He hit .318 but had no Home Runs, no RBI and struck out 12 times. 2011 was about the same as 2010 and his playoff performance ended with him tearing his ACL and being carried off he field. Howard missed nearly all of 2012 and when he did play he did not have the same power and comfort in his swing that he used to have. Howard is now well rested, healthy and determined to make up for lost time. The pattern of Howard's career has been a slow spring, an even slower first month and a half and when the weather heats up so does Ryan Howard. Howard has already hit four spring home runs and appears to be determined to recover the form that made him a superstar.
Time for him to step up:
Domonic Brown was thought to be the replacement for Jayson Werth when he left for Washington. According to the Phillies at that time, everything was alright when Werth left because Brown would step in and be an improvement. He apparently had more speed and a better bat. For whatever reason Brown failed to live up to expectations and John Mayberry, Jr stepped up. The stories out of spring training have been that Brown has been working diligently on his fielding and has dedicated himself to improving his hitting. He will need to reach his potential if the Phillies are going to stay in the playoff hunt.
Is this his last chance?:
Charlie Manuel took over as Phillies manager in 2005. Since that time the Phillies missed the playoffs by small margins in 2005, 2006 and 2012 and reached the NLDS in 2007 and 2011, the NLCS in 2010 and the World Series in 2008 and 2009. No manager has been this successful in the history of the organization and he is loved by the players. With the large payroll, an aging team, three straight seasons of underachieving and a highly sought after managerial prospect in Ryne Sandberg sitting on the bench the Phillies may need to make a change if the team gets off to a slow start.
Prediction:
3rd place in NL East
New York Mets
74-88 (4th Place in NL East)
Who's new?*:
Greg Burke (P) promoted from minors, Gonzalez German (P) promoted from minors, Darin Gorski (P) promoted from minors, Brandon Lyon (P) free agent from Blue Jays, Shawn Marcum (P) free agent from Brewers, Hansel Robles (P) promoted from minors, Zack Wheeler (P) promoted from minors, John Buck (C) trade from Blue Jays, Travis D'Anard (C) trade from Blue Jays, Anthony Recker (C) waiver claim from Cubs , Wilmer Flores (SS) promoted from minors, Reese Havens (2B) promoted from minors, Brandon Hicks (SS) contract purchased from Athletics, Wilfredo Tovar (SS) promoted from minors, Collin Cowgill (OF) trade with Athletics, Juan Lagares (OF) promoted from minors, Cesar Puello (OF) promoted from minors.
Who left?*:
Manny Acosta (P) unsigned free agent, R.A. Dickey (P) trade to Blue Jays, Jack Egbert (P) unsigned free agent, Rob Johnson (C) free agent to Cardinals, Garrett Olson (P) free agent to Mariners, Mike Pelfrey (P) free agent to Twins, Ramon Ramirez (P) free agent to Giants , Jon Rauch (P) free agent to Marlins, Chris Young (P) free agent to Nationals, Josh Thole (C) trade to Blue Jays, Kelly Shoppach (C) free agent to Mariners, Mike Nickeas (C) trade to Blue Jays, Ronny Cedeno (IF) free agent to Cardinals , Jason Bay (OF) free agent to Mariners, Andres Torres (OF) free agent to Giants. Fred Lewis (OF) unsigned free agent, Scott Hairston (OF) free agent to Cubs.
What to expect:
Expectations should be low in New York. This team is clearly in a rebuilding phase and although they have some talent in the lineup it would be more likely that this team finishes in last than finishes in a playoff spot. The Mets have steadily lost their stars over the past three seasons as Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and R.A. Dickey departed. Johan Santana has had a rough few years with many arm problems but he is still listed as the team ace on the depth chart. The Mets may have a rough future ahead and a long way to go before they are a competitive team.
Why should you root for these guys?:
Considering the large market this team plays in they are in serious financial trouble. They were greatly damaged by the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme and the owners finances have a long way to go to recover. The farm system does have some potential but they are a few years away from seeing the fruit of the farm. With classy players like David Wright and Johann Santana it would be nice to see some good guys win for once.
Why might this season not turn out like Mets fans want?:
The farm system is still a few years away from producing any real talent and the team does not have the money to buy the talent it needs to compete. There are definite bright spots in the lineup like David Wright, Lucas Duda and Ike Davis, the pitching staff is no where near good enough to compete with the top three in this division.
Don't expect too much from him:
Shaun Marcum played a big role in increasing the expectations in Toronto in 2010. He then moved onto Milwaukee where he helped the Brewers reach the NLCS for the first time since 1982. The expectations for Marcum have been grand but the reality has been that he is a slightly above average pitcher (never winning more than 13 games) who is capable of showing flashes of better quality. You can expect him to help the Mets and be a strong part of their rotation but don't expect an R. A. Dickey type performance from him.
Expect great things from:
David Wright arrived on the Mets roster in 2005 as the team had a high payroll and high expectations. 2005 was not their year. The 2006 Mets thought it was their year and used an All Star studded line up to get within a game of the World Series before being knocked off by the Cardinals. All of the pieces of that 2006 team are gone with the exception of Wright. The Mets have something special in Wright: a player that will represent their team with class and will constantly give his all every game regardless of the score or the team's place in the standings. Wright takes the game of baseball seriously and treats it with respect. Wright may not be leading the Mets to a World Series but the organization couldn't ask for a better leader.
Time for him to step up:
Dillon Gee has been up and down, to the minors and back, since 2010. He finished 2-2 in 2010, 13-6 in 2011 and 6-7 in 2012. With Santana still having arm problems and R.A. Dickey trying to repeat his career year in another uniform, the Mets need someone to be the ace. Gee has potential, as shown by his 13 win season but the Mets need him to win between 15 and 20 and need him to pitch deep into games.
Is this his last chance?:
Johan Santana was the best pitcher in the American League from 2003-2007 winning two Cy Young Awards for the Twins and leading them to the playoffs several times in the early 2000's. He came to the Mets after their historic 2007 collapse and had a good 16-7 season. Unfortunately from that point on Santana has had health issues that have kept him from repeating the success he had in the American League. It looked like he might have gotten past the issues last season when he pitched the first no-hitter in Mets history. Almost immediately his arm troubles reappeared. Santana will need to complete a full season if he is going to remain in the Mets plans as they start to rebuild.
Prediction:
4th Place in National League East
Miami Marlins
69-93 5th place (last) in NL East
Who's new?*:
Henderson Alvarez (P) trade from Blue Jays, Arquimedes Caminero (P) promoted from minors, Jose Ceda (P) return from injury, Sam Dyson (P) waiver claim from Blue Jays, Braulio Lara (P) promoted from minors, Scott Maine (P) waiver claim from Blue Jays, Edgar Olmos (P) promoted from minors, Jon Rauch (P) free agent from Mets, Evan Reed (P) promoted from minors, Alex Sanabia (P) promoted from minors , Jeff Mathis (C) trade from Blue Jays, Kyle Skipworth (C) promoted from minors, Zack Cox (3B) trade from Cardinals, Adeiny Hechevarria (3B) trade from Blue Jays , Joe Mahoney (1B) waiver claim form Orioles , Placido Polanco (3B) free agent from Phillies, Kyle Jensen (OF) promoted from minors, Marcell Ozuna (OF) promoted from minors, Juan Pierre (OF) free agent from Phillies, Alfredo Silverio (OF) Rule 5 Draft pick from Dodgers.
Who left?*:
Heath Bell (P) free agent to Diamondbacks, Mark Buehrle (P) trade to Blue Jays, Chad Gaudin (P) free agent to Giants, Josh Johnson (P) trade to Blue Jays, Carlos Zambrano (P) unsigned free agent, John Buck (C) trade to Blue Jays, Brett Hays (C) claimed off waivers by Royals, Carlos Lee (1B) unsigned free agent , Gil Velazquez (3B) free agent to Yankees, Jose Reyes (SS) trade to Blue Jays, Donnie Murphy (IF) free agent to Brewers , Emilio Bonifacio (OF/2B) trade to Blue Jays , Scott Cousins (OF)waiver claim by Blue Jays, Adam Greenberg (OF) free agent to Orioles.
What to expect:
Marlins fans need to prepare for rock bottom. Some people suggested last year was rock bottom but this year will certainly be worse. The Marlins ownership has explained to fans that they don't need to pay huge amounts of money to supposedly superior players to finish last, they can do that with a small budget. They may prove it this year having lost nearly their entire 2012 starting lineup.
Why should you root for these guys?:
You don't necessarily need to root for the team, as the ownership has repeatedly dumped all the talent they have for magic beans only to promise the fans (and the players) the world while delivering the worst. You should root for Marlins fans who have suffered the ups and downs of this team since 1993. The Marlins were impatient to let their farm system develop so they spent a ton of money to build the 1997 World Champions. They immediately dumped the entire team. They rebuilt a strong young team and surprised everyone by beating the Yankees in 2003. They again dumped everyone. The team then spent a fortune signing Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, Carlos Zambrano and Ozzie Guillien and believed they would work well with Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson and Giancarlo Stanton. The season was a disaster from the change of uniforms (which made them look like they were on an employe softball team) to Ozzie Guillen offending the fans, the players and the owners by mid April to the mid season talent dump. The loyal Miami fans deserve a break.
Why might this season not turn out like Marlins fans want?:
The high expectations of last year are gone and with it the talent that created the expectations. The Marlins have completely retooled leaving many to speculate that the team only spent the money last year to get the funding for the new stadium. The Marlins did sign several new players including Placido Polanco and Juan Pierre but the lineup is not nearly strong enough to compete with the top three in this division and the rotation is not tremendously talented.
Don't expect too much from him:
Placido Polanco was a great player for the Detroit Tigers in their playoff run from 2006 until he left for Philadelphia in 2009. Phillies fans had high expectations for Polanco but by the beginning of his second year there were some who questioned whether Pedro Feliz was the better option. That is probably an unfair assessment since Polanco has suffered greatly from various injuries but he clearly is not the same player he was seven years ago. Expect Polanco to do what he can to instill a fighting spirit in the fish but don't expect an All Star performance.
Expect great things from:
Giancarlo Stanton was the one big piece from last year's Marlins that has remained. He will be the future of the franchise one way or the other. Either the team will build a winning team around him or Stanton's numbers will be so good that a team will overwhelm the Marlins with a package of prospects they can use to build a winning team. Stanton has denied that he demanded to be traded but given the feeling of doom surrounding the team this winter it would be hard to blame him for wanting to leave. Marlins fans should appreciate what they have in Stanton because talent like his is hard to find.
Time for him to step up:
Nathan Eovaldi was a big prospect for the Dodgers and one that they were not excited about giving up in the deal to get Hanley Ramirez. Eovaldi had a 1-6 record when he left the Dodgers but his record did not necessarily reflect his efforts. He often started the games strong but was hit hard the second time through the lineup. Eovaldi will need to focus his talents and go deep into games if he is to establish himself as the strong starter the Marlins thought they traded for.
Is this his last chance?:
Juan Pierre is back where he played his best baseball. With Juan Pierre on the base paths the Marlins had a constant threat in 2003. He was seemingly always causing havoc by either distracting the pitcher with his lead,stealing a base or creating panic in the outfielders who were trying to get the ball quickly before Pierre took off for the next base. Pierre had some success in Chicago with the White Sox but his stops in Los Angeles and Philadelphia were not up to his usual caliber (although his time as Manny Ramirez's replacement while Manny served his drug suspension was spectacular). Pierre would like nothing better than to win another World Series in Miami but he may have to settle for reminding the fans of the glory days.
Prediction:
5th Place in NL East
*-All roster changes are based on active rosters at the end of 2012 and active rosters as of the week of 3/3. Teams may have non-roster invitees in camp who are not listed in the "Who's New?" category.
