National League Preview

The National League had some familiar postseason faces in the Nationals, Cardinals, Pirates, Dodgers and Giants. The Cardinals made their fourth straight NLCS appearance, falling to the eventual World Series champion, the Giants. The offseason led to some major overhauls for some of these teams. The Giants lost several key pieces, the Dodgers completely shifted their roster around and the Nationals spent big money on one player. Money doesn’t equate to championships, but it certainly can help when used properly.

National League East

5. Philadelphia Phillies

Things have gone from bad to worse for this aging roster. After finally parting ways with Marlon Byrd and Jimmy Rollins in the offseason, the Phillies have appeared to finally accept rebuilding. Teams still don’t seem interested in Ryan Howard and they cannot find a deal for Jonathan Papelbon. Teams have checked in Cole Hamels and it appears he wants out. It could be a rough stretch for the Phillies.

Rotation: Cole Hamels, Aaron Harang, Jerome Williams, David Buchanan, Sean O’Sullivan

Catcher – Carlos Ruiz; First – Ryan Howard/Darin Ruf; 2nd – Chase Utley; SS – Freddie Galvis; 3rd – Cody Asche; LF – Ben Revere; CF – Odubel Herrera; RF – Grady Sizemore/Jeff Francouer

4. Atlanta Braves

The Braves home run, all-or-nothing offense failed them miserably in 2014. It had led to an offseason self-implosion, trading away any asset to be prepared for a run when their new stadium is complete in 2017. Gone from last year’s club are Justin Upton, Evan Gattis, Jason Heyward, Dan Uggla (released in 2014), Ervin Santana, Aaron Harang, Jordan Walden and about anyone who had value. They are about to take a major step back as many of their newly acquired prospects develop. The team did manage to acquire Shelby Miller and now Trevor Cahill to add to their rotation. It isn’t all bad for the Braves. Julio Tehran and Alex Wood are all-star level pitchers. Freddie Freeman has a great bat and Andrelton Simmons is the best defensive shortstop in the game.

Rotation: Julio Tehran, Alex Wood, Shelby Miller, Mike Minor and Trevor Cahill

Catcher – Christian Bethancourt; First – Freddie Freeman; 2nd – Jace Peterson; SS – Andrelton Simmons; 3rd – Chris Johnson; LF – Johnny Gomes; CF – Melvin Upton Jr.; RF – Nick Markakis

3. New York Mets

The Mets are much improved and actually finished 3rd in the division last season thanks to a Braves collapse. They have rebuilt their team with young pitching and their offense will hold them back. Matt Harvey is set to return and will compete for a Cy Young award. Yet, the team lost Zach Wheeler and will have to rely on other pitchers now. The team is still young and there aren’t quite enough pieces to make the playoffs, but they will be much more competitive. They return Jacob deGrom and added Michael Cuddyer in the offseason.

Rotation: Bartolo Colon, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Jonathan Niese, Dillon Gee

Catcher – Travis d’Arnaud; First -Lucas Duda; 2nd – Daniel Murphy; SS – Wilmer Flores; 3rd – David Wright; LF – Michael Cuddyer; CF – Juan Lagares; RF – Curtis Granderson

2. Miami Marlins

The Marlins appear to be committed to winning. We’ve seen this before and then they shipped their signed players less than a year later to Toronto. However, they poured $325MM to Giancarlo Stanton, even after he almost suffered a career-ending injury when he was hit in the face. Christian Yelich, a fantastic all-around player, is a believer in the team as he signed an extension with the club. Martin Prado, Dee Gordon, Mat Latos, Dan Haren and Michael Morse all came to town. Ichiro Suzuki provides depth in the outfield and the Marlins are ready to win. Jose Fernandez will not return until June/July so the rotation will have to weather the storm without him. Marcell Ozuna put up good numbers and could be a better hitter in 2015. The Marlins will make a push for the wild card. Giancarlo Stanton might have won the MVP had he not been injured. He may hit 40 home runs this season.

Rotation – Henderson Alvarez, Mat Latos, Tom Koehler, Dan Haren, Jared Cosart and Jose Fernandez

Catcher – Jarrod Saltalamacchia; First – Michael Morse; 2nd – Dee Gordon; SS – Adeiny Hechavarria; 3rd – Martin Prado; LF – Christian Yelich; CF – Marcell Ozuna; RF – Giancarlo Stanton

1. Washington Nationals

The Nationals lost to the Giants in the NLDS last season and appear to have the best rotation in all of baseball. They will deal with early injuries but should win the NL East handily. They added Max Scherzer to a record-contract for a pitcher and the next GM, or couple, will be feeling that sting. If their offensive pieces are healthy they will be a force, but the pitching will carry them a long way. The rotation is so deep that Stephen Strasburg is listed as a number three starter and former all-star and ace of not only the Nationals, but the A’s, Gio Gonzalez is a number 5. They will have to solve some additional bullpen issues as the season develops. The team has one of the best shortstop’s in Ian Desmond and a great, young 3rd basemen in Anthony Rendon.

Rotation – Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez.

Catcher – Wilson Ramos, First – Ryan Zimmerman; 2nd – Yunel Escobar; SS – Ian Desmond; 3rd – Anthony Rendon; LF – Jaysen Werth; CF – Denard Span; RF – Bryce Harper

National League Central

The National League Central might be the best division in all of baseball. The division winner may not win 90 games because of how competitive the division is from top-to-bottom. Last year the Cardinals took the division with the Pirates taking the Wild Card. The Brewers led the division most of the year, but completely collapsed. The Red were torn apart by injury. The Cubs significantly improved their team in the offseason.

5. Milwaukee Brewers

This team completely fell apart and missed on the playoffs. The rotation has some depth, but lacks a true ace. Questions exist if Ryan Braun is regressing are real concerns and age is not on the this teams side. Carlos Gomez is one of the best players in baseball. Khris Davis could improve on his 20 home-run season. Pairing with Ryan Braun, despite if he is regressing, the Brewers have one of the best offensive outfields in baseball. The team believes they have young players that will contribute and they will be back in the mix for the division crown. On the infield Jonathan Lucroy is one of the better catchers, while Aramis Ramirez still can contribute. Scotter Gennet outperformed and Jean Segura is showing us that he isn’t an all-star shortstop.

Rotation: Kyle Lohse, Matt Garza, Wily Peralta, Jimmy Nelson, Michael Fiers

Catcher – Jon3. athan Lucroy; First – Adam Lind; 2nd  – Scooter Gennett; SS – Jean Segura; 3rd – Aramis Ramirez; LF – Khris Davis; CF – Carlos Gomez; RF – Ryan Braun

4. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds traded away Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon, showing signs that their budget cannot handle anymore. The team is getting older and the window to win is starting to close. Johnny Cueto is in his free agent year and after watching Max Scherzer sign for record-money, the Reds will have to see him go. The Reds had injuries to Joey Votto and Jay Bruce and both were not the same. Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco had great seasons, but at least one of those are likely to regress. They acquired Marlon Byrd to bolster their offense but it is unlikely they are going to get on base much more. They rank towards the bottom in that area and Brandon Phillips continues to regress.

Rotation – Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, Mike Leake, Anthony DeSclafani, Jason Marquis

Catcher – Devin Mesoraco; 1st – Joey Votto; 2nd – Brandon Phillips; SS – Zach Cosart; 3rd – Todd Frazier; LF – Marlon Byrd; CF – Billy Hamilton; RF – Jay Bruce

3. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are getting better, but this still isn’t their year. Their young hitters are going to need time to learn how to hit in the Major Leagues. They still have questions in their rotation if it will be deep enough. They made plenty of moves, including adding their new coach, Joe Maddon. Jon Lester, Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler were other pieces brought in by the team. Vegas is going crazy over the Cubs and it is hard not to. Kris Bryant, the Savior of Chicago, will be with the club some time this season. Jorge Soler looks like he is ready to hit now. Javier Baez and Addison Russell will be knocking on the door in no-time. Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro were offensive forces this past season as well. It is coming together for the team, but it won’t be enough.

Rotation: Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks, Travis Wood/Jacob Turner

Catcher – Miguel Montero; 1st – Anthony Rizzo; 2nd – Arismendy Alcantara; SS – Starlin Castro; 3rd – Mike Olt; LF – Chris Coghlan/Kris Bryant; Dexter Fowler; RF – Jorge Soler

2. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals won the division last season and improved their outfield by trading for Jason Heyward. Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina are aging and both could regress offensively. Kolton Wong was fantastic in the post-season, yet the spring did not go well. Mat Adams will be asked to hit left-handed hitters more often, though the club signed Mark Reynolds for power off the bench. The team has gotten their money out of Jhonny Peralta at shortstop and will need his production yet again, despite his age. Randall Grichuk appears to be a bench player this season and there has to be concerns if he is a Major League starter. Michael Wacha missed most of last season to a rare injury, but all signs show he is ready to go this season. Adam Wainwright had some shoulder issues last-season and every time his name appears in a headline you have to take a deep breath. With all that said, the pitching has depth to survive minor injuries and Molina should be healthy, he is the team MVP. Heyward has been making adjustments to his swing and approach and if he can show his 2012 offensive side, the Cardinals will be much better offensively.

Rotation: Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, John Lackey, Carlos Martinez (for the time being).

Catcher – Yadi Molina; 1st – Mat Adams; 2nd – Kolton Wong; SS – Jhonny Peralta; 3rd – Matt Carpenter; LF – Matt Holliday; CF – Jon Jay; RF – Jason Heyward.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have a deep ballclub and will platoon with any team in baseball. They will be ready for matchups and they’re hungry for a division title. The team has been on this successful period without many of their top prospects being ready. Many of those prospects are on their way or ready this season. Andrew McCutchen is only behind Mike Trout when it comes to the centerfield position. Starling Marte shined in the second half of the season. Gregory Polanco wasn’t good on his arrival in the Bigs, but had plenty of at-bats to figure it out. Neil Walker quietly had a great season at second-base. Josh Harrison had a great season last year but is likely to show signs of regression. The club lost leader, Russell Martin but there is enough veteran leadership to carry through. This is the season the Pirates break through to win the division.

Rotation: Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, AJ Burnett, Jeff Locke

Catcher – Francisco Cervelli; 1st – Pedro Alvarez; 2nd – Neil Walker; SS – Jordy Mercer; 3rd – Josh Harrison; LF – Starling Marte; CF – Andrew McCutchen; RF – Gregory Polanco.

National League West

The NL West has been dominated by the Dodgers in recent years. Even though they have won the division, they overhauled their roster this season. The Rockies and Diamondbacks appear to be rebuilding, while the Padres are all-in after being busy this offseason. The World Champion Giants lost some pieces to their team but they cannot be counted out. It should be a battle in the NL West for the top spot.

5. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies have one of the best offensive teams in baseball, especially at home. Troy Tulowtiski and Carlos Gonzalez are great players, but the club  doesn’t have any pitching. The organization hasn’t put enough into putting a winning ball club on the field and it will show again in the West. Nolan Arendao is a great 3rd baseman, even though he is young. Rumors will be rampant again this season if the club does not compete will they trade some of their stars.

Rotation: Jorge De La Rosa, Kyle Kendrick, Jordan Lyles, Tyler Matzek, Jonathan Gray

Catcher – Willin Rosario, 1st- Justin Morneau; 2nd – DJ LeMahieu; SS – Troy Tulowitski; 3rd – Nolan Arenado; LF – Corey Dickerson; CF – Charlie Blackmon; RF – Carlos Gonzalez

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

The D’backs are looking to rebuild and improve their roster behind Tony La Russa. They have been trading away their better, young players for assets. Wide Miley and Trevor Cahill have both been dealt. The club has Paul Goldschmidt to build around and will look to develop Yosmani Tomas, though he will probably transition to the outfield. The pitching will be thin until Patrick Corbin returns to the rotation and is led by Josh Collmenter. The D’Backs will not have enough pitching or offense to finish in the top 3 of the division and will be on the outside looking in.

Rotation: Josh Collmenter; Jorge De La Rosa; Jeremy Hellickson; Chase Anderson, Patrick Corbin

Catcher – Tuffy Gosewisch; 1st – Paul Goldschmidt; 2nd – Aaron Hill; SS – Chris Owings; 3rd Yosmani Tomas; LF – David Perlata; CF – AJ Pollock; RF – Mark Trumbo.

 3. San Francisco Giants

The Giants are coming off a great World Series run, led by Madison Bumgarner. Yet, the team lost Pablo Sandoval to free agency, Michael Morse and now Hunter Pence is hurt for the first several weeks of the season. The rotation had plenty of question marks past Bumgarner and they will be glaring this season. The Giants did not retain the guys they needed to in order to remain in playoff contention. Jake Peavy should be better over the course of a full season with the Giants, but Tim Lincecum isn’t ‘Big-Time Timmy-Jim’ anymore. Matt Cain needs to remain healthy. Someone on the offensive end is going to have to produce. The Giants do have Buster Posey and Joe Panik should continue to be a good player.

Rotation: Madison Bumgarer, Matt Cain, Tim Hudson, Jake Peavy, Tim Lincecum

Catcher – Buster Posey; 1st – Brandon Belt; 2nd – Joe Panik; SS – Brandon Crawford; 3rd – Casey McGehee; LF – Nori Aoki; CF – Angel Pagan; RF – Hunter Pence

2. San Diego Padres

It has been a long time since anyone could get excited about Padre baseball. But, new GM AJ Preller has made a splash in acquiring Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers in the same offseason along with James Shields. The Padres have a good rotation, because they’re in San Diego, many tend to overlook them. They now have enough offensive firepower to make the rotation worthy. The club will now look to compete for the West title as well as a playoff spot. The Padres look like a team ready to win, but they may not have enough to get there. Bringing these players together in the same year can be difficult. Defense, especially in the outfield could be their downfall. Wil Middlebrooks and Yonder Alonso will have to become more consistent players offensively in order to win.

Rotation: James Shields, Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross, Ian Kennedy, Brandon Morrow

Catcher – Derek Norris; 1st – Yondor Alonso; 2nd – Jedd Gyorko; SS – Alexi Amarista; 3rd – Wil Middlebrooks; LF – Justin Upton; CF – Wil Myers; RF – Matt Kemp

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers pried Andrew Friedman away from the Rays and then got busy in the offseason after losing to the Cardinals in the NLDS. The clubhouse had been rumored to be on edge often. They brought in good clubhouse figures and improved on the defensive end. While they lost Hanley Ramirez, Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon, the team should be better offensively. They have the best pitcher in all of baseball and their number 2 starter is one of the best as well. The Dodgers are looking for a World Series and this could be the team that gets them there, though the rotation has some questions past Ryu. Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick, both new faces, will be patrolling the middle infield. Rollins is wanting to win another World Series as he gets closer to retirement.

Rotation: Clayton Kershaw, Zach Grienke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy, Brett Anderson

Catcher: Yasmani Grandal, 1st – Adrian Gonzalez; 2nd – Howie Kendrick; SS -Jimmy Rollins; 3rd – Juan Uribe; LF – Carl Crawford; CF – Joc Pederson; RF – Yasiel Puig

NL East – Nationals
NL Central – Pirates
NL West – Dodgers
Wild Cards – Cardinals, Marlins

NLCS – Nationals over Marlins

World Series  – Nationals vs Mariners