National League, East Division

Overview: Another tough division to call, but it's really only between Phily and New York. These 2 teams will be battling it out all summer, but a healthy and productive Chase Utley down the stretch should be the difference. The Marlins and Braves will jockey for 3rd, and it'll be another long season in the nation's capital (for more reasons than one). 1. World Champion Philadelphia Phillies (90-95 wins) They had better hope that King Cole stays healthy. If he misses much of the season, they could be in trouble. I'm guessing he'll be fine, and along will a full season of Joe Blanton, the rotation should hold up. But you gotta wonder how much is left in Jamie Moyer's tank. As always, they'll score plenty of runs in their shoebox ballpark, enough to win at least. I also boldly predict that this is the year Ryan Howard finally breaks the 200K threshold (and probably the 150RBI one too). 2. New York Mets (90-95 wins) Beyond Johan? It's too bad KRod and Putz can't start. John Maine and Oliver Perez are decent, but beyond that there's a lot of wishin' and hopin' for a division contender. Any lineup with Reyes, Wright, Beltran and Delgado will put a scare into you, and will scare the Phils for the better part of the year, until September rolls around. That when this team will crumble as they sadly have in year's past. 3. Florida Marlins (85-90 wins) All you can really say about this team is that they should come in last every stinkin' year, but somehow they put a scare in you. Hanley Ramirez is the BEST player in the league hands down, and Maybin is due for the big break out. The rotation is young and could be impressive. But ... new ballpark + added payroll = consistent success. Ah, Miami.

4. Atlanta Braves (80-85 wins) Any time you have Bobby Cox, you have a chance for winning. But this isn't the team that won a hundred division titles in a row. They may not be as bad as some people think, but I don't think they're that good either. Chipper's a stud, but I expect some regression (and injury). The pitching staff has a lot of potential (especially with rookie Hanson), but the OF is scary bad. Heck, Chipper's BA was higher than Francoeur's SLG! And I think Garret's done .... ouch. 5. Washington Nationals (60-65 wins) Sadly, probably still the worst team in baseball, but they're taking baby steps. Adam Dunn will fill a few seats, but he's sure not going to help them win. The OF has a ton of potential, but they also have some whack jobs. What could possibly keep them out of the cellar is good young pitchers fulfilling their potential. Might be a bit too much to ask for all at once.