2010 NL East Preview

- Brennan Weiss

The ending of the 2009 regular season in the NL East division was not the most exciting for baseball fans around the country, but Philly unquestionably took it. The constant, heart-wrenching battle between the Mets and Phillies, both contending for the division championship down to the wire, with just a few games left in the 2007 and 2008 seasons was exciting as hell, but almost gave fans of both cities heart attacks. Going into play in 2009, the only contending teams seemed to be the Mets and Phillies, especially knowing their history. The restocking Braves had greatly weakened after losing some of the greatest starting pitchers in MLB history. The Marlins, who always give other NL East teams some difficulties (especially the Phillies), had a chance to contend, but they seemed to have faded off towards the end of the season. And finally, the Nationals… well, enough said. With a lot less drama amongst the teams last year, along with the Mets’ dozens of injuries, the Phillies easily won the division for the third year in a row. Though 2010 seems like another easy year for the Phillies, don’t count out possibly surprising teams like the Braves and Marlins, who have a multitude of young talent waiting to shine. The Mets could also have a bounce-back year, assuming that they have less than their entire starting lineup on the DL. I don’t want to say that the Phillies have this in their back pocket, but… there really is no need for 162 games to be played, since we all know the Phillies, well, have it in their back pocket.The Phillies and their fans have great expectations going into 2010. They could make Philadelphia almost as spoiled as New York if they clinched a third straight pennant, well maybe not, but my point is that Phillies’ fans are sitting on a high pedestal right now. If the Phillies’ core stays healthy, which is probably the largest issue in baseball, and the pitching stays strong and consistent, they could run away with the division title.

With J.A. Happ being a breakout player in 2009, along with Jayson Werth, the Phillies have some young talent to appraise this season. Young outfielder Dominic Brown might not be called up immediately (unless there’s an injury), but look for him to join the big league club somewhere after the all-star break. Brown was one of the main reasons why the Phillies were not able to acquire Roy Halladay before the 2009 trade deadline. Phillies G.M. Ruben Amaro Jr. refused to let him go. Also look for bounce-back performances from Cole Hamels, who fine-tuned his curve ball during the winter and spring, and Brad Lidge, who most likely will not be available opening day, but revenge will surely be in his eyes.

If you think the Phillies have some bright, young stars, just look at the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are weltering with amazing young talent. Tommy Hanson, who had a heck of a rookie campaign in ‘09, is ready to work alongside with developing Jair Jurrjens, newcomer Melky Cabrera, and the guy you have probably heard too much about this spring, right fielder Jason Heyward.

If the Braves’ young pitching steps up strong, and their back end of the bullpen including closer Billy Wagner can step up, then they definitely have a chance to beat out the sluggin’, fightin’ Phils. The Braves’ potential breakout player and rookie impact players all come from one guy. Yes, you guessed it, Jayson Heyward. Heyward, who was the highest ranked prospect in the major leagues, has been talked about all spring, especially after it was announced that he would be the Braves opening day starter in right field. Last year, Heyward his .362 with the Braves triple A team, Gwinnett, and .352 with the double A squad in Mississippi. As long as the Braves establish a strong starting rotation like they had in the ‘90’s, and a few sluggers such as Chipper Jones and Brain McCann stay healthy to produce consistently, they have a serious chance of contending.

Sorry to be blunt, but the Mets flat out stunk last year. Now, you must consider the amount of injuries they had, for at some points during the season their starting lineup resembled a minor league team. But, their regulars who weren’t injured didn’t even have the best year. David Wright was one of those guys, but knowing the kind of individual he is and how hard he worked to improve his power swing during the off-season, I am confident that he will return to form. There is no question about Johan Santana underperforming, but health has played an issue, as observed last year. If returning veterans Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, and Carlos Beltran came come back strong and add spark to the Mets lineup, then they could be in a similar position to that of 2007 and 2008; but this time, they must refuse to lose. The off-season acquisition of Jason Bay could also pay off for the Mets, but some doubt he will be able to perform like he did with the Red Sox, especially with the conditions and huge dimensions of Citi Field. A potential rookie star to keep an eye on is Jenrry Mejia, who “dazzled manager Jerry Manuel” during spring training, (nypost.com). Manuel even related Mejia’s cutter to the great Mariano Rivera. Not bad for a rookie, eh? If the Mets can learn to adjust to their new pitcher’s ballpark, and ditch the old “we rely on homers” motto, then they could surprise the baseball world and contend seriously for the NL East.

With arguably two or three possible powerhouse teams in the NL East, the Marlins will have a difficult time of contending this year, but like in years past, you can never count them out. The Marlins have a very ‘under the radar’ starting rotation, which includes ace Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, and Anibal Sanchez. Johnson, who is turning into one of the best pitchers in the National League, has been with the Marlins for five years, and is used to teams like the Phillies, Braves, and Mets. Knowledge of certain teams and their hitters can go a long way. He also has the chance of being the Marlins much-needed clubhouse and on-field leader, since he definitely has the attributes to do so. In addition to Johnson, look out for shortstop Hanley Ramirez to continue his tear in the major leagues, and for young outfielders Cameron Maybin and 2009 NL rookie of the year award winner Chris Coghlan to contribute greatly to the Marlins and put up some surprising numbers. If the Marlins don’t rely on just a couple of players, but rather on a multitude of players each game, they have a chance to linger at the top of the division for a long stretch of the season, and can be play a major role in determining who will win the NL East.

Finally, the Nationals.

Definitely expect at least 60 wins from the Nats this season, which would be a great improvement from last year. As dismal 2009 was for them, 2010 seems quite intriguing. During the offseason, the Nationals made some very smart free- agent signings, which include veteran Jason Marquis from the Rockies, Ivan Rodriguez from the Rangers, and Chien-Ming Wang from the Yankees.

In addition to the Nats new players, returnees Ryan Zimmerman, Christian Guzman, and Adam Dunn can add some pop to their offensive game. No matter how sick you are of hearing about him, I have to mention the young phenom, Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg was rated the second best prospect in the majors, after Jason Heyward, and even if Strasburg doesn’t appear in the majors right away, look for him to join the club midway through the season, and make a major contribution. Along with Strasburg, watch out for the speedy Nyjer Morgan, who established himself as a reliable big leaguer in ’09. Definitely expect him to have a terrific year. With a mix of proven veterans and an array of young talent, the Nationals have one of the most interesting teams in baseball, and even if their record doesn’t show it, they will definitely be watched during the season.

2009 NL East Final Standings:

1. Phillies
2. Marlins
3. Braves
4. Mets
5. Nationals

2010 NL East Predicted Standings:

1. Phillies
2. Braves
3. Mets
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

- Brennan Weiss