From the article: 2009 National League East Preview
The Philadelphia Phillies repeated as NL East champs in 2009, capitalizing on a New York Mets collapse for the second consecutive season. And this time, the Phils turned it into their second championship. Can they repeat?
Baseball guide Scott Kendrick's picks:
- Philadelphia Philles: And they might be better this year.
- New York Mets: Good enough to win the wild card.
- Atlanta Braves: They'll contend a lot longer this year.
- Florida Marlins: Lost some top contributors that complemented Ramirez and Uggla.
- Washington Nationals: Adam Dunn should help, but he can't pitch, can he?
Phillies = Repeat
- Definitely the Phils, with Ibanez playing like an MVP.
- —Guest PHILLY 4 EVER
your crazy not to pick the braves
- This is how its going to end up looking: Our rotation (Lowe, JJ, Tim H, XV, KK or Hanson (preferred Hanson) and our defense is really good. Our offense lacks power, but hopefully we pick up someone. But pitching wins ballgames, and we've got that, so Braves, then the Marlins, then the rest of the division.
- —Guest Austin Redd
NY is happy!!
- Well of course the Yanks will win! Add Sabathia to Santana! Who's better? Jose or Derek?
- —Guest Cody
Blevins
- 1. Braves-- Deeper rotation... 2. Phillies-- Doomed fom last year... 3. Mets-- much better than last year will be doomed... 4. Marlins- young pitching with no experince... 5. Nationals- might do better with Dunn and Obama in office... NO GOOD NOTHING...
- —Guest Tyler
Mets Win A Relief
- Although SI stole my thunder, I predict the Mets to win the division this year. Their starting pitching and offense are essentially the same as last year (with a healthy Ryan Church and Carlos Delgado, and supposedly more dedicated - and fit - Luis Castillo - but he won't make the difference anyway). Their offense scored 799 runs and actually matched the Phillies. The Phillies won last year b/c of the difference in bullpens, something the Mets corrected. Based on last year, if the Mets can blow less than 25 saves this year, they should win the division comfortably...I think K-Rod and Putz will do that job. Oh, one other thing - didn't the Mets win 11 out of 19 games from the Phillies in their head to head matchups last year? - even with the bullpen from you-know-where...
- —Guest madatty
