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Major League Baseball's spring training has arrived with a big fat target on the Philadelphia Phillies back. For the second time in their 127 year history, the Philadelphia Phillies will be defending a World Series title. However, this year's National League East will be a much tougher test for them fightin' Phil's.
New York Mets
The newly stocked New York Mets will be the team to beat in the NL East. The Mets were demoralized after posting 29 blown saves in 72 chances last year. The bullpen had a sad 6.23 ERA during its last 17 games seeing the Mets go 7-10.
The bullpen's woes were even worse than the year prior, when the Mets went 5-12 down the stretch in one of the worst meltdowns in baseball history.
The Mets cut the fat and added some muscle by adding closer Francisco Rodriguez (aka K-Rod) and set-up man J.J. Putz to the bullpen. Rodriguez, a young high-kicking righty lead the majors with 62 saves last year for the Halos. His career ERA is a solid 2.35, and he has converted 208 saves in 241 saves opportunities.
Meanwhile, the 6'5'' 205 pound Putz is coming off an injury-plagued year in 2008. His numbers are also impressive, as he saved 101 games, in 125 chances, for the Settle Mariners. He gives the Mets a solid one-two punch out of the bullpen.
Add a fresh new Mets bullpen to a decent rotation, and you have a good recipe for success. Add in a talented group of hitters like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Ryan Church, and Carlos Delgado, and one has to make the case for the Mets to win the NL East.
Philadelphia Phillies
The parade and euphoria surrounding the World Series victory seems like only a few weeks ago for the Philly faithful, but the World Series champions have already reported to camp. Manuel's fight-en Phil's must march on and get ready for a new year of battle.
The Philadelphia Phillies are as talented as any team in the majors and will certainly contend for the NL East or NL Wild Card this year. First year GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has done an outstanding job at protecting the team's core by re-signing its star players.
After parting ways with fan favorite Pat Burrell, the organization signed free agent Raul Ibanez to a $30 million, three-year contract. The Phillies re-signed post season heroes Jason Werth and Cole Hamels to multi-year deals and signed superstar first baseman Ryan Howard to a 3 year deal.
Time will tell, but you can't count the Phillies out of the division hunt. Spending a reported $132 million in 2009 and having their All Star second baseman Chase Utley scheduled to return by opening day will keep things interesting. It's tough to repeat, but this team has the talent, and more importantly the will, to make it happen.
Florida Marlins
The Marlins started as an expansion team in 1993 and have since won a mind blowing two World Series titles. Currently, the organization is pursuing a new stadium that has an estimated cost of $515 million.
Before you counter with the recession and stimulus speech, fans should support the new stadium. The team has the lowest attendance record in the majors. A shame since they have an outstanding farm system, operate on a low payroll, and have some of the best young players in the league.
Last year's Florida Marlins won a respectable 84 games and had a fantastic September.
The team is led by Manager Fredi Gonzalez, who received a contract extension to 2011, much to the delight of his players.
The infield is as talented as any, minus some defensive issues. When you have the likes of Jorge Cantu, Dan Uggla, and Hanley Ramirez, you're going to win games.
Trading talented and productive first baseman Mike Jacobs might have been a mistake. He offered spectacular production from first base. However, this fits the Fish's MO and it won't be the last time the organization shocks me. The official report explains the move as a defensive upgrade over Jacobs.
Unfortunately, the Marlins pitching is also their weakest link, so they will need to score runs to stay in close games. Two pitchers that should build on last year's success are righties Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco.
If the Fish can stay healthy they should find themselves in the hunt again this year.
Atlanta Braves
Have you ever heard the phrase "you can't keep a good man down"? One has to assume Bobby Cox will need to "right" the ship soon. However, when you play three teams in the division that play more like American League power teams, you better have an answer.
The Braves thought the missing link was Ken Griffey Jr., but unfortunately, he chose the sad Seattle Mariners. The Braves do possess some power with Chipper Jones and productive catcher Brian McCann, but their remaining lineup hits for average only.
If you can't win by hitting alone, you better have solid pitching. The Braves had been the master in this domain, but not as of late.
Singing Derek Lowe should reignite times past and help the braves in a big way. The team also signed Japanese phenomenon Kenshin Kawakami. Tim Hudson is also on the team, but is coming off Tommy John surgery, and could miss the entire season. But if Jair Jurrjens can build on last year's success, then the Braves should have a solid rotation.
In what seems like a desperate move, the Braves signed Tom Glavine. Glavine should rebound from last year's woes and help the Braves round out their nice rotation.
Lastly, Bobby Cox should channel coaching great Earl Weaver's baseball philosophy, "Pitching, Defense, and the Three Run Homer." It might help the master get back on track.
Washington Nationals
Teams below the Mason Dixon Line have not fared well in the NL East as of late. Add the MLB-leading losers, the Washington Nationals, to this list. The Nationals only won a horrific 59 games last year.
The big news out of the Nationals organization was the signing of slugger Adam Dunn to a two-year, $20 million contract. Joining Dunn is Josh Willingham, both of whom should help this team score some runs, even though Willingham is officially a reserve. Other players that should help include Cristian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman.
Their pitching will continue to be shaky, especially after they let go of work horse Tim Redding. Can this team win on the arms of John Lannan, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera, Odalis Perez, and Collin Balester or Jordan Zimmermann? With Washington's weak bullpen, it seems like an obvious answer.
With a new stadium and a terrible team, Washington D.C will run out of patience soon. General manager Jim Bowden and manager Manny Acta have a tough job and a future very much in doubt. The good news for fans though, is after losing 102 games, the Nationals can only get better.
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by Ryan
BetSportsWeb.com