A look ahead at the 2009 National League East Division:
Three storylines
- Three chokes in a row?: The Mets can't blow a lead in September for the third consecutive year, can they? It's a new start in a new stadium, and with Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, the bullpen can't help but be improved.
- Phillies go for an encore: Philadelphia returns essentially intact from its championship team last year. Can they maintain that edge?
- Going big at short: The AL East used to be the place for shortstops a few years ago. Now it's the NL East, with the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez, the Mets' Jose Reyes and the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins. Rollins is the only one with an MVP award (2007), but the other two are certainly on that path, perhaps as soon as this year.
Player in spotlight
Francisco Rodriguez, Mets: K-Rod set the saves record last season, but has a lot more pressure as the closer in New York. If he blows a few leads in April, we'll see if he holds up.
Best acquisition
Derek Lowe, Braves: He was brought in to be the Braves' new ace and had 26 strikeouts against two walks in the exhibition season. He'll stabilize a rotation that fell apart because of injuries last season.
Rookie to watch
Kenshin Kawakami, Braves: He's an old rookie, but a crafty one. The Braves went to Japan to bolster their rotation, and the 33-year-old Kawakami showed a lot of promise this spring, going 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in five spring starts. He had a stellar career in Japan, where he was a the Central League MVP in 2004 and led the Chunichi Dragons to a championship in 2007. Kawakami was Rookie of the Year way back in 1998 in Japan - could he become a rare two-time Rookie of the Year in 2009?
Predicted order of finish, with links to team previews:
- Philadelphia Philles: Won it all last year, and on paper, they might be better in 2009.
- New York Mets: Good enough to win the wild card, but the pressure is back on.
- Atlanta Braves: They'll contend a lot longer this year thanks to improved pitching.
- Florida Marlins: Lost some top contributors that complemented Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla.
- Washington Nationals: Adam Dunn should help, but he can't pitch, can he?
What you you think? Make your NL East picks and write why you think they'll come true.
