NL Predictions

I have introduced the season. Now I get to predict the results.
NL East:
Phillies are very strong, but can they hold up against the mighty Mets. I know that every year the Mets seem to choke away the opportunity to get to the playoffs, but this year I think their bullpen is much stronger and can hold leads for them. The Phillies don't show me the fire power that can propel a team to a NL East title. Especially with that shaky #5 starting spot with Chan Ho Park. Now the Marlins will stay in the mix, but will never really get the chance to pull in front down the stretch. The Braves look like they might make some noise at times, but will never make anybody sweat. And the Nats, well, we know that story.
Winner: Mets
Wild Card possibility: Phillies

NL Central:
Well, this may show some bias. As a Cubs fan, I can't go against my team, especially after they have not won a title in 100 years. Still, team favorites set aside, they are all alone. Milwaukee now has a very shaky starting rotation. No Sheets or C.C. Their #1 starter this year is Yovani Gallardo, a young gun who is promising, but not stellar. Their offense is powerful enough to get them enough wins, though. The Cards are going to contest as well. They have Albert Pujols, arguably the best player in baseball. They have a strong offense, but missing pitching components. After the disappointing display for the Astros in the spring, I have high doubts about them. The Reds and Pirates are just not looking ready to contend yet. They've got a few years to grow.
Winner: Cubs, best in the NL
Wild Card possibilities: Cardinals, Brewers

NL West:
This division is pretty weak, but highly contested. I see Los Angeles running away with this down the stretch, but the D'Backs will give them a run for their money. The experience of Manny down the stretch is important for the success of the Dodgers, as well as the holding up of their pitching. They currently have a 8 man starting rotation that will be cut down, but it still shows they aren't exactly sure what they want to do. They balance young and experienced, which is very important. And frankly, they are just all-around better than the D'Backs. The only thing the D'Backs with threaten with is the strength of their starting rotation. The Giants and Rockies will battle for a wide open third place spot that could go either way. It all depends on who gets hot and who stays healthy. In a year, though, the Giants could be very dangerous. And the Padres, whew! They could be the worst team in the majors. Tons of holes that won't get filled easy.
Winner: Dodgers
Wild Card possibilities: no one

Wild Card:
It comes down to the Phillies, the Brewers, and the Cardinals. This race will come down to the wire. I think the Phillies are just to dangerous. They are a team that plays fairly consistent. Their players don't, but the players who get hot compensate for the ones who are cold. The Brewers and the Cardinals show long streaks where the whole team is hot or cold. That won't win you enough games.
Wild Card: Phillies

Division Series:
1. Cubs
4. Phillies
Cubs win in 5

The Phils are a dangerous team come playoff time, they've proofed that. The Cubs seem to choke it away. This year, though, they see another great hitter in Milton Bradley and they have a tough rotation and a solid bullpen. Just a little too strong for the Phils.

2. Mets
3. Dodgers
Mets in 4

The Dodgers are tough, but not tough enough. Once the Mets can get over the hump and get into the playoffs, they will play to the end. They will not let anyone take away their opportunity this time. The Dodgers can't hang on against a team with revenge on their mind.

NLCS:
1. Cubs
2. Mets
Cubs in 6

The Mets are a tough team, but they will run out of gas. We saw K-Rod choke up his greatest shot at a title with a struggling series vs. the Red Sox last year, and J.J. Putz will choke under the pressure that is new to him. The hitters will struggle against a varied Cubs rotation and bullpen, and the Cubs will tear up the starters for the Mets. It's a long shot, but the Cubs will have a shot to end a 100 year drought.

Look for my next article on my AL predictions. Then, I will have my World Series prediction. Can the Cubs end a 100 year drought, or will my AL champ keep that streak alive? Keep reading my articles to find out!