2008 Woodie Awards
MLB National League East and Central Season Preview
Jonathan Stone
Issue date: 3/9/05 Section: Sports
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The National League is arguably going to have three division races worth watching. On paper, the Braves, Marlins, and Mets have a shot at the East; the Cardinals, Cubs and Astros have a shot at the Central; and the Dodgers, Giants and Padres have a shot at the West.
NL EAST
The Atlanta Braves are the favorite to win the East Division. For the past decade they have been a dominate force. This year, John Smoltz is making his return to the starting rotation, and will be the number two pitcher behind Tim Hudson. The Braves lost outfielder J.D. Drew, reliever Antonio Alfonseca, and starting pitchers Jaret Wright, Russ Ortiz and Paul Byrd to free agency. They filled the voids by signing outfielders Raul Mondesi and Brian Jordan, along with closer Danny Klob, and they traded for Tim Hudson.
The Marlins and Mets, Atlanta's likely competition for the division, were also very active during the off-season. The Marlins lost ace pitcher Carl Pavano and closer Armando Benitez to free agency. In return, they signed pitcher Al Lieter from the Mets, closer Antonio Alfonseca, and All-Star first baseman Carlos Delgado. The Mets lost Richard Hidalgo, Al Lieter, and almost all of their bullpen to free agency. With the exception of closer Braden Looper, and Japanese All-Star setup man Dae-Sung Koo, nothing has been filled in the bullpen. They signed superstar centerfielder Carlos Beltran, and pitcher Pedro Martinez, both who bring leadership qualities to the team.
The Washington Nationals, fresh off their move from Montreal, are not expected to be a major force in the division. The Nationals stabilized their shortstop position and their leadoff spot by signing Christian Guzman. They also filled right field by trading for Jose Guillen, a spot left void since Valdimir Guerrero departed two years ago, and signed power-hitting third baseman Vinny Castilla. Despite the good-looking lineup, their stating pitchers aren't reliable, including newcomer Esteban Loaiza, and their bullpen cannot bridge the gap to closer Chad Cordero. Philadelphia is basically the same team as last year. They lost starting pitchers Kevin Millwood and Eric Milton to free agency, but they made up for them by signing workhorse Jon Lieber.
NL EAST
The Atlanta Braves are the favorite to win the East Division. For the past decade they have been a dominate force. This year, John Smoltz is making his return to the starting rotation, and will be the number two pitcher behind Tim Hudson. The Braves lost outfielder J.D. Drew, reliever Antonio Alfonseca, and starting pitchers Jaret Wright, Russ Ortiz and Paul Byrd to free agency. They filled the voids by signing outfielders Raul Mondesi and Brian Jordan, along with closer Danny Klob, and they traded for Tim Hudson.
The Marlins and Mets, Atlanta's likely competition for the division, were also very active during the off-season. The Marlins lost ace pitcher Carl Pavano and closer Armando Benitez to free agency. In return, they signed pitcher Al Lieter from the Mets, closer Antonio Alfonseca, and All-Star first baseman Carlos Delgado. The Mets lost Richard Hidalgo, Al Lieter, and almost all of their bullpen to free agency. With the exception of closer Braden Looper, and Japanese All-Star setup man Dae-Sung Koo, nothing has been filled in the bullpen. They signed superstar centerfielder Carlos Beltran, and pitcher Pedro Martinez, both who bring leadership qualities to the team.
The Washington Nationals, fresh off their move from Montreal, are not expected to be a major force in the division. The Nationals stabilized their shortstop position and their leadoff spot by signing Christian Guzman. They also filled right field by trading for Jose Guillen, a spot left void since Valdimir Guerrero departed two years ago, and signed power-hitting third baseman Vinny Castilla. Despite the good-looking lineup, their stating pitchers aren't reliable, including newcomer Esteban Loaiza, and their bullpen cannot bridge the gap to closer Chad Cordero. Philadelphia is basically the same team as last year. They lost starting pitchers Kevin Millwood and Eric Milton to free agency, but they made up for them by signing workhorse Jon Lieber.