NL East
Marlins – With the addition of Jose Reyes, a healthy Josh Johnson, and New skipper Ozzie Guillen, this team is primed to make a break through in the National League.
Phillies – This team will fall into a hole early on in the season with Chase Utley and Ryan Howard on the disabled list, which will be too big to overcome and win the division.
Nationals – Love the starting rotation with Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmerman. Outfield is questionable to start the season with Michael Morse on the disabled list, but the pitching can easily carry this team to the second Wild Card spot.
Braves – Any other division this team finishes in second place but not in this one. This bullpen is the best in division as long as Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters can put last season’s collapse behind them.
Mets – a big market team with no money. Where do I begin? Weak starting rotation. Johan Santana returns but can his arm last 30 starts? Jason Bay could not hit water sitting in a boat, and David Wright defines overrated.
NL Central
Cardinals – No Albert Pujols or Tony La Russa but others will carry team to division title. With Adam Wainwright anchoring the starting rotation, this team has the best rotation in the division. Expect the Cardinals to play more small-ball with a Pujols-ness lineup
Reds – Started spring training as the front runner to win the division, but has since lost three important options in the bullpen. Offense is very strong to keep them in the hunt all season, but good pitching always defeats good hitting.
Brewers – Defending division champs had a setback losing Prince Fielder and replacing him with rookie Matt Gamel. Aramis Ramirez is the new third baseman but is past his prime. Top of rotation is strong with Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke and Randy Wolf but then you wonder who the Brewers are sending out there every fourth and fifth day.
Pirates – This team is coming on strong and improving offensively with Andrew McCutchen leading the way. Bullpen is as strong as it has been in 10 years with Joel Hanrahan anchoring the bullpen. This team has the ability to be in the hunt for the division all season, but when A.J. Burnett and Erik Bedard are in the front of your rotation it usually sets off red flags.
Cubs - A very young team that is once again rebuilding. Carlos Marmol is their only bright spot. Don’t expect the World Series drought to end anytime soon.
Astros – This young team will be better than a year ago when they won only 57 games, but still expect a 90-loss season.
NL West
Giants - This team is strong with a good lineup and excellent pitching rotation with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. This team will return to the playoffs and have a good chance at representing the National League in the World Series.
Dodgers – When you have the Cy Young award winner in Clayton Kershaw and MVP Matt Kemp on your roster there is a good chance you will have a good season. Their faith is with Andre Ethier and the rest of the supporting cast. If they produce they win, if not then the Dodgers could see the cellar.
D’backs – Still a very young group with Paul Goldschmidt leading the offense. Questions are with Ian Kennedy and the rest of the starting rotation. Will Kennedy have a repeat of last season or go back to his days with the Yankees? Always like seeing a pitcher do well for two years before I become a believer.
Rockies – Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki will carry this offense, but starting rotation is not very strong. There is always trouble in your rotation when you have a 49-year-old as your number two starter.
Padres – Still a young team learning their ways. Good manager in Bud Black but offense is still weak and rotation will struggle after trading Mat Latos to the Reds.
Playoff Teams: Marlins, Cardinals, Giants Wild Card: Phillies and Dodgers
Wild Card Game: Phillies defeat Dodgers
Divisional Round: Phillies defeat Marlins, 3-2; Giants defeat Cardinals, 4-1
National League Championship: Giants defeat Phillies, 4-3
