It seems like only yesterday when a bloop single sailed over the head of Derek Jeter, giving the Arizona Diamondbacks the World Series victory to close the 2001 season. But finally, after a four-month layoff, opening day is only two weeks away. Here's a breakdown of the National League, division by division.
East
Besides their counterparts in the Bronx, no team will look more different this year than the New York Mets. After a World Series appearance in 2000, the Mets stunk up the joint in 2001. This year's team has been renovated, starting with pitching. The Mets' starting rotation is totally different than last year's, though Al Leiter remains the staff ace. While the south-paw is 36, he is still going strong.Gone to the Anaheim Angels was last year's number two starter Kevin Appier, replaced by Shawn Estes, a former 20-game winner who has battled inconsistencies for the past few seasons. The Mets also traded for Jeff D'Amico, who though often-injured, has nasty stuff.
The Mets signed another injured yet talented arm in Pedro Astacio, who has the stuff to be one of the finest in the league. While Astacio has ability, he has never realized his vast potential. New to the lineup are a host of mashers. Robby Alomar moves Edgardo Alfonso to third base, Mo Vaughn comes in at first, and Roger Cede?±o and Jeremy Burnitz are new additions to the Mets offense.
Prediction: If Alfonso and Vaughn stay healthy, the Mets offense will be awesome. The pitching is a bit suspect - D'Amico has already had injury scares this spring. With a healthy staff, the Mets will win over 90 games.
The NL East also houses the team that could shock the world this season: the Florida Marlins. The team features five young arms who all throw well into the '90s. Though perhaps not yet ripe, if these pitchers realize some of their vast potential this year, Florida could have its second winning season in franchise history.
A.J. Burnett is 24 and threw a no-hitter last season. Ryan Dempster was an all-star in 2000, and at 24 has one of the best up-sides in the league. Brad Penny, who is 23, came up last year and pitched to a stellar 3.69 ERA. Matt Clement, a former Padre top prospect, could breakout and become a star if he learns to control his lively stuff. Finally, Josh Beckett is possibly the best pitching prospect in baseball. At 21, his stuff is electric and he could be a star for the next decade.
Prediction: The Marlins finish over .500 and battle the Mets for the division until September.
Central
The Central race will be a battle between three squads, the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals improved on one of the National League's best infields, signing Tino Martinez, a solid if not spectacular offensive player, who is also tremendous at defense. The Cards, which have struggled to find a "shut-em-down" closer for the past few years, also signed the A's Jason Isringhausen.The Astros have a great set of young arms, led by Roy Aswalt. With a healthy Billy Wagner closing and a healthy Shane Reynolds starting, the Astros pitching could lead them to a division win. The Cubs are the other team that should contend for the Central crown. Chicago added Moises Alou and Fred McGriff to bat behind Sammy Sosa in the lineup.
Even with their hitting, what the Cubs could excel in is pitching. Kerry Wood is the staff's ace, and when healthy, is as good as it gets in baseball. Scouts are "gaga" over Mark Prior, the 21-year-old pitcher who was called the best college pitcher ever after going 15-1 for USC last season. Frank Thomas said short of Curt Schilling, no one in the majors has better stuff than Prior. He will start the season in the starting rotation. With Jason Bere as a solid veteran fifth starter, the Cubs will also rely on right-hander, Juan Cruz, a young flame-thrower with vast potential.
Prediction: Cubs battle before falling apart in July. The Cards win more than the 93 games they won last season and battle into September with Houston for the division crown. Don't fret Houston fans; the Astros will get the wildcard.
West
For years, the NL West has been the most unpredictable division in baseball. It's tough to bet against the reigning world champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, while Arizona's 1-2 punch of Schilling and Johnson is tough to beat in the post-season, during the regular season Arizona's lack of depth in the staff is exposed. The return of closer Matt Mantei from injury bodes well for the D'backs.
With manager Dusty Baker, the San Francisco Giants are never to be counted out. While Barry Bonds most likely won't repeat last year's season, he is still, even in his late 30s, the best all-around player in the game. Jeff Kent should improve on his lackluster 2001 season and the Giants should contend for the division.
The other threat in the NL West are perennial underachiever Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers added a wildcard in Japanese lefty Kazuhisa Ishii, who some scouts say has some of the best stuff in the majors. He is added to a rotation with ace Kevin Brown. If the Dodgers can realize their vast potential, they could also compete for the division title.
Prediction: Giants beat out the Diamondbacks and win the division. Arizona misses the playoffs.
