2013 MLB Season Predictions: Projecting the division and award winners
By Matt Shetler
National League East
March 13, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (right) in the dugout during the spring training game against the New York Mets at Space Coast Stadium. The Nationals beat the Mets 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Shetler: Washington- I like what the Braves have done in the offseason and I think Atlanta keeps this race closer than people may think, but at the end of the day, the Nationals may be the most complete team in baseball. Their starting pitching will be dominant and they have the bullpen that can shorten games. This is a hard team not to like.
Matt Gajtka: Washington- The Nationals learned how cruel the playoffs can be, but don’t forget they had MLB’s best record and run differential last season. Most of their players have their best baseball ahead of them, including superstars Bryce Harper and Steven Strasburg.
Drew Shetler: Washington-This is a three team division. Philadelphia will be healthy and back in the hunt. Atlanta made sure they would be competitive by not just getting one Upton but getting both Upton’s. With them playing alongside with Jason Heyward they make one of the best outfields in baseball. Pitching wins championships and Washington has all the pitching.
Zac Weiss: Washington- The Nationals are such a complete team and have added Dan Haren in addition to a fully healthy Stephen Strasburg in the rotation. Drew Storen appears to be healthy and with Tyler Clippard comprise a great eighth-ninth inning tandem. The Braves have really improved in the off-season although Brian McCann being out to start the season may hurt. Both Upton’s now play for Atlanta and that will help. Yes, pressure is on Chris Johnson to replace Chipper Jones and no one will be able to, but he does have some pop behind his bat. Not many more pitchers were dominant than Kris Medlen and Craig Kimbrel.
I had the Phillies in second place until I saw the ups and downs of Roy Halladay. I doubt he becomes an ace again and Cole Hamels getting the ball on Opening Day proves that. Between Delmon Young, Ben Revere Dominic Brown and John Mayberry Jr. someone needs to step it up, especially with the health of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley in question. For the Mets, David Wright and Johan Santana are both going to miss the start of the season and those are huge losses. Lucas Duda needs to step up with his bat and I am intrigued to see the potential of Travis D’Arnaud. The Marlins organization is just a mess right now and the way they have treated their fans is criminal. I feel really bad for Giancarlo Stanton.