2007 NL East Preview

The Atlanta Braves dominated the national league east division for almost two decades but last season the torch was passed to the New York Mets. The Mets seem to have done just about everything right to get ready for the new season. Here’s what the NL East preview looks like in 2007.

The Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are the two best baseball clubs in the division. The question is, which is better? New York has the slightly better starting rotation and dependable closer in Billy Wagner. Philadelphia has added former White Sox starter Freddy Garcia, which will certainly be a big boost. But the health of closer Tom Gordon is a concern.

Both the Phills and Mets offer power hitting line-ups, while the guys from the City of Brotherly Love have a better bench and the NL New Yorkers are more skilled in defense. This season it could come down to one being the winner of the division and the other making it into the post-season via the Wild Card. Stay tuned for picks on baseball games to see which club makes it to postseason play.

The Florida Marlins were a great surprise last season, fielding a young and talented team that was in contention for the final playoff spot well into the last few weeks of the season. They have the best pitching in the division but lack enough firepower to vault past either the Mets or Phillies.

The Atlanta Braves have faltered as of late due to the fact that over the years they have dismantled what was an excellent pitching staff. The rotation has class guys in John Smoltz and Chuck James, but it also needs Tim Hudson to step up and pitch like he used to in Oakland. Hitting is definitely a good step below that of Philadelphia and New York. Bobby Cox is still a smart manager and one of the best baseball managers in all of baseball. When Cox in the dugout, you can never count Atlanta out.

Rounding out the bottom of the NL East is the team that calls our nation’s capital home. Former Washington Nationals manager Frank Robinson has been replaced with the youngest manager in the majors, Manny Acta. This team is rife with problems, including the lack of a pitching rotation, poor defense and an inadequate offense.

National League East Predictions

Projected Order of Finish:
Click on team name for individual team preview.

1) New York Mets
2) Philadelphia Phillies
3) Florida Marlins
4) Atlanta Braves
5) Washington Nationals