2008 National League Preview

In 2007, the National League had many fascinating stories towards the end of the season. The foremost being the historic collapse of the New York Mets and their failure to make the playoffs. Paired with that, you have the unexpected success of the Colorado Rockies. Will 2008 bring another surprise ending? Again, we look into the crystal ball too see what’s in store.

Looking to put the dismal failings of last season behind them, the 2008 version of the New York Mets made a bunch of off-season moves in attempt to improve and prevent another disaster. Departing from Flushing was troubled outfielder Lastings Millegde and veteran catcher Paul LoDuca. The two were sent to the Washington Nationals in exchange for outfielder Ryan Church and defensive catcher Brian Schneider. The other of their major moves would be the acquisition of pitching ace Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins. Commonly referred as the current best pitcher in all of baseball, The Mets are hoping that Santana’s talent can provide a boost to an aging pitching rotation. Pedro is nearing 40 years of age and no one really knows how old “El Duqué” Orlando Hernandez is. One would expect that both Carlos’ (Beltran and Delgado) would make at least one trip to the DL. The key to the Mets success would lie in the squad maintaining their health throughout the season.

The Philadelphia Phillies made some off season moves to help their case to repeat as National League East Champions. They traded for closer Brad Lidge and signed So Taguchi. Both of these acquisitions should give MVP short stop Jimmy Rollins something new to run his mouth about. Providing even more competition to the east will be perennial powerhouse Atlanta Braves. Tom Glavine returns to the place where he made a name for himself. Although Andruw Jones has hopped town for Los Angeles, you would think slugger Mark Teixeira can fill the offensive void left by Jones. Expect the NL East race to be a dogfight going deep into the end of September.

Moving to the central, the Chicago Cubs can only improve upon their first round playoff departure during the 2007 season. With solid hitting and Carlos Zambrano no longer pitching for a contract, the Cubs look to be the team to beat in the Central Division. In that same breath, do not by any means count out Prince Fielder and the Milwaukee Brewers. If Ben Sheets can avoid time on the DL, the Brewers can be one of the best teams in the NL.

Lastly out west, a regime change has taken place in Los Angeles. Former Yankee manager Joe Torre has taken over the helm for the boys in blue. Add to the mix a new face in the above mentioned Andruw Jones and some big moves took place this off season. However, it won’t prove to be enough with the rest of their aging team. Former stars like Nomar Garciaparra and Jeff Kent won’t produce enough for new team members to make a difference. Coming off their miracle run to the World Series, the Colorado Rockies aim to make another post season appearance in 2008. The Rockies are defensively one of the best teams in the majors.

Ken Griffey Junior starts the season seven homeruns short of the 600 club. Many are left to just imagining where his numbers could have been if he stayed healthy for his entire career. Former ace Randy Johnson is 16 wins away from reaching 500 lifetime wins. His chances of hitting this number rest in the condition of his troublesome back.

The season begins Sunday in Washington DC as the Nationals unveil their new ballpark against division rivals the Atlanta Braves. Let the games begin. See you in October!

-Matt Armstrong