National League Preview 2009

The Philadelphia Phillies ended a 28 year drought last season, winning their second title in 126 years. No National League team has defended its title since the Cincinnati Reds in the 70's. So to say the least, the defending champs have their work cut out for them. Here is how I see the National League turning out.

NL East
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) New York Mets (wild card)
3) Florida Marlins
4) Atlanta Braves
5) Washington Nationals



For the past two seasons, the Mets have collapsed at the end of the season and the Phillies have surged past them. With a greatly improved bullpen (adding Francisco Rodriguez and JJ Putz) I don't expect the Mets to collapse. I do expect the Phillies to be better though. The defending champs bring back most of their team that won the title last year. They lost Pat Burrell but added Raul Ibanez, who brings more consistency. Both the Phils and Mets will make the playoffs this year. Watch out for the Marlins though. Their young pitching staff is very good and they will be in the race until September.

NL Central
1) Chicago Cubs
2) St. Louis Cardinals
3) Cincinnati Reds
4) Milwaukee Brewers
5) Houston Astros
6) Pittsburgh Pirates



The Chicago Cubs were awfully good during the regular season last year, and there is no reason not to expect the same. They will enter the playoffs with a chance to end their 101 year drought. St. Louis brings in one of the games best hitters in Albert Pujols, who will compete for the MVP trophy, but they don't have enough depth. The Reds will surprise many this year, as their young pitching staff will only improve. Without CC Sabathia pitching every three days down the stretch, expect a big drop off for the Brewers.

NL West
1) Los Angeles Dodgers
2) Arizona Diamondbacks
3) Colorado Rockies
4) San Francisco Giants
5) San Diego Padres



Manny Ramierz is back and expect the Dodgers to be back in the playoffs. The Dodgers lost ace Derek Lowe but Chad Billingsly is ready to take over that roll. With guys like Matt Kemp, Andre Eithier, and James Loney, the Dodgers should be primed for a good year. Arizona will be the only real competition, but will fall a tad short.

NLDS
Phillies over Dodgers
Mets over Cubs

NLCS
Phillies over Mets

World Series
Phillies over Red Sox

The rivalry will grow even more as both the Phillies and Mets will make the playoffs and I have them playing with a trip to the World Series on the line. In the end, the Phillies will parade down Broad Street for the second year in a row.