NL East Preview: Watch out for the Mets

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Can the Philadelphia Phillies repeat?

It's easier said than done.

While the Phillies possess a loaded lineup with Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth that shouldn't have an problems with producing runs, I'm a little concerned about the Phillies' pitching.

Ace southpaw Cole Hamels (wasn't he outstanding in the postseason?) has had arm issues in the preaseason and that really worries me. He's tested it out and reports no problems, but you just never know. After Hamels, the Phils don't really scare you. Tough guy Brett Myers has a nasty right-cross and occasionally features great stuff, while old man Jamie Moyer keeps you guessing with a slow -- I'm mean Little League slow -- changeup. Yes, he's still winning at 100 years old, but this has got to be the year he finally becomes the Crypt Keeper, right? Then there's Joe Blanton, big deal. So, see, it's not a very impressive staff. Are Philly fans confident in that rotation?

This is why I think the New York Mets finally have a real shot at winning the National League East. Well, if they don't collapse in September ... again!

The Mets shouldn't be able to blame their bullpen this year. They went on and landed setup man J.J. Putz (he can still close on a lot of teams) and Francisco Rodriguez, better known as K-Rod, who notched 62 saves last year. The bullpen is now a strength.

Johan Santana leads the staff ... he's still nasty but not as overpowering as in years past. The Mets are also iffy in the rotation with Oliver Perez and John Maine. But they also have the offensive goods with third baseman David Wright (.302 BA, 33 HRs, 124 RBIs), shortstop Jose Reyes (.297 BA, 16 HRs, 113 R, 56 SBs), and center fielder Carlos Beltran.

I think the Mets have all the pieces to overtake the Phils, finally. How many times can the Mets get kicked in the stones before they finally stick up for themselves?

The Florida Marlins are littered with young talent -- shortstop Hanley Ramirez is a complete 5-tool stud -- but don't have enough juice to contend in the division. They should finish third just like last year.

Florida, however, does have the best rotation in the division in Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco (15-8 record, 3.52 ERA, 186 Ks, 1.10 WHIP ... I'm starting to believe, but need to see another highly productive year), Chris Volstad, Anibal Sanchez and Andrew Miller. I'm also interested in watching center fielder Cameron Maybin develop. He's got the pieces to become a very nice player in the upcoming years. Dan Uggla can rake, but it'd be nice to see him hit for a little average, too.

The Atlanta Braves did some nice things in the offseason -- signed Mr. Consistent Derek Lowe and also helped out the staff by trading for Javier Vazquez. Is this Kenshin Kawakami any good? I'll hold judgement until I see more footage. Add Jair Jurrjens to the rotation, and the Braves will be competitive on the mound. Problem is they only have Chipper "Stop Crying About The World Baseball Classic" Jones to spearhead the offense. I'll bet Larry gets hurt again this year -- ribs, wrist or back ... bank on it.

The Washington Nationals don't have a chance. This team really stinks -- sort of like an overused Port-A-Pottie on a hot day. I like the signing of outfielder Adam Dunn (he'll hit his complimentary 40 HRs again and bat .220) and I like closer Joel Hanrahan's stuff. I'm also looking forward to watching top prospect, Jordan Zimmermann, pitch at some point this year. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is an above average player, and outfielder Lastings Milledge should keep improving. But you'll still need your homemade Ninja mask to watch these guys play. Only go to games if the tickets are free.

PREDICTION 

1. Mets

2. Phillies

3. Marlins

4. Braves

5. Nationals

(Coming tomorrow: NL Central preview by Jim Ingram)