National League Preview

By Josh Roth


NL East Standings

1. New York Mets

2. Atlanta Braves

3. Philadelphia Phillies

4. Florida Marlins

5. Washington Nationals

NL Central Standings

1. Chicago Cubs

2. Milwaukee Brewers

3. St. Louis Cardinals

4. Cincinnati Reds

5. Houston Astros

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

3. San Francisco Giants

4. Colorado Rockies

5. San Diego Padres

Wildcard

1. Atlanta Braves

2. Philadelphia Phillies

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

4. Milwaukee Brewers

5. St. Louis Cardinals

NL MVP

1. Manny Ramirez, LAD

With Manny back for his first full year with the Dodgers, he should put up monster numbers. It also helps with Furcal and Hudson at the top of the order right in front of Manny, he should put up a lot of RBIs.
2. Aramis Ramirez, ChC

Here is the dark horse in the competition. He has quietly been one of the top third baseman in the league. Last year he was more patient and with his homerun total to be around 30 hit should bode well for his OPS. Not only that, but he will drive in more runs and put more numbers up due to the addition of Milton Bradley, but Bradley needs to stay healthy, which could be a big question mark. He still put big numbers up even without Bradley though.
3. David Wright, NYM

If the Mets do make the playoffs expect David Wright to be right in the mix for the MVP award. He will no doubt put up the numbers to win the award and is a fan and press favorite.
4. Albert Pujols, StL

It is obvious why his name is on the list, considering he is the best hitter in the National League and probably in all of baseball. Oh yeah and he won the award last year. The only question one may ask is why he is so low, well I think he will have enough competition this year and his team will likely miss out on the post season.
5. Ryan Braun, Mil

The best hitter on the Brewers and is turning into one of the best hitters in the National League. He has nice protection with Fielder, Hardy and Hart. He could improve his chances if guys like Weeks and Hall produce and if the Brewers make the playoffs. However, I think the Brewers will just miss the playoffs, thus decreasing his chances on winning.
NL Cy Young

1. Dan Haren, Arz

Many people may consider Brandon Webb to be the best pitcher on the Diamondbacks, but I think this year Haren will be. Haren strikeout rate was at his highest point last year, had his lowest WHIP number last year, and walked only 40 guys last year (that makes for a good K/BB ratio!). Expect big things from him this year with an ERA right around 3.00, quite possibly below that.
2. Johan Santana, NYM

Expect big things for Johan in his second year with the Mets, not that he didn't do well last year. He might be the best pitcher in baseball, but I see him coming up a little short. However, it won't be a surprise if he wins it.
3. Derek Lowe, Atl

Derek Lowe had a very good last year and if he would have gotten more wins could have made a case for the CY Young last year. He is an underrated pitcher, partly because he doesn't put up big strikeout numbers. If the Braves make the playoffs he should get more attention and should be a big reason why they get there.
4. Tim Lincecum, SF

Coming off a Cy Young year I expect a little drop off, but should still be a top ten, probably top five pitcher in the National League. Lincecum struck out a whopping 265 guys last year, but did walk over 80 guys. If his walk totals stay high and he winds up striking out less he may be less fortunate. He is only 24, going on 25 and should be a CY Young candidate for the years to come.
5. Yovani Gallardo, Mil

This guy has ace stuff and will clearly be the Brewers best pitcher with C.C. Sabathia being gone. The big question will be health which has hampered him a bit in his early career. If he does have a healthy year expect him to put up big strikeout numbers, a low WHIP, and a low ERA.

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