Division Analysis

This page will be updated as we begin to analyze the NL East for the 2009 season. Look for power rankings, as well as more detailed analysis on each team. For now, this is all old overview data from the NL East.

Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are the defending World Champions, and they’ve got a slightly changed lineup (no Abreu, now with Ibanez), but they still rely on the aging arms of Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer.  They’ve stil got Lidge in the ‘pen, and he was lights out last year. That said, they are the defending champions so they’re the team to beat.

New York Mets
The Mets have a new and improved bullpen after last year’s ‘pen helped fuel their collapse – yet again. But will the addition of K-Rod and Putz be enough to push the Mets over the top? That remains to be seen. Their offense isn’t getting any younger.

Atlanta Braves
The Braves have revamped their rotation, added Garret Anderson to the lineup, and have some young blood in the lineup with Jordan Schafer in center.  They don’t have any 20 game winners, but they’ve got 4 solid pitchers and Tommy Hanson waiting to enter the rotation mid-season – not to mention Tim Hudson lining up for an August or September return. If they make it to the postseason, they’ll have a ridiculous rotation/bullpen with all their arms.

Washington Nationals
The Nationals won’t do anything this season but lose. They’ll try hard, but they just don’t have what it takes yet. That is all.

Florida Marlins
The Marlins have a very very good, very young rotation this year. They could be very good and make the NL East a four team race. Lots of potential, lots of promise, and lots of empty seats in Miami.