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2007 NL East Preview

Last updated March 26

Atlanta Braves

Projected Lineup
1. Kelly Johnson - 2B
2. Edgar Renteria - SS
3. Chipper Jones - 3B
4. Andruw Jones - CF
5. Brian McCann - C
6. Jeff Francoeur - RF
7. Scott Thorman - 1B
8. Ryan Langerhans - LF
Rotation:
1. John Smoltz - R
2. Tim Hudson - R
3. Chuck James - L
4. Mark Redman - L
5. Kyle Davies - R
Closer:
Bob Wickman - R
Relief:
Mike Gonzalez - L
Rafael Soriano - R

Front Office Lead: John Schuerholz
Manager: Bobby Cox
Signings/Acquisitions: LHP Mike Gonzalez (Pirates), LHP Mark Redman (Royals), RHP Rafael Soriano (Mariners), RHP Tanyon Sturtze (Yankees), 1B Craig Wilson (Yankees), SS Chris Woodward (Mets)
Departures: RHP Danys Baez (Orioles), 2B Marcus Giles (Padres), 1B Adam LaRoche (Pirates), C Todd Pratt (Yankees), LHP Horacio Ramirez (Mariners), RHP Chris Reitsma (Mariners), RHP John Thomson (Blue Jays), 1B Daryle Ward (Cubs)
Braves Team Page

Interesting Facts: To combat foot problems that have hindered him the last three seasons Chipper Jones is wearing cleats a size larger than normal and putting on extra socks to cushion the impact while running.
After winning nine straight Gold Gloves while using a Wilson outfielder's glove Andruw Jones will be using a Mizuno this season.

Update: The Braves have had for the most part a very good spring. Chipper Jones missed some games recently with a strained oblique, but he's back in the lineup. The starting pitching has been lights out so far. Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, Kyle Davies, Chuck James and Lance Cormier all have ERA's under 2.00. Cormier looked to be pitching his way into the starting rotation, but he was pulled from his latest start with shoulder stiffness. That could open the door for Mark Redman to start the season in the rotation. Mike Hampton is back throwing, and looks to be ready to return in late April or early May.
TSN.ca Analysis: The Braves historic run of division titles came to a crashing halt in 2006 when they finished 18 games behind the New York Mets. General Manager John Schuerholz, who is limited by budget constraints, looked to rebuild his bullpen and did a good job by adding power arms Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. With the bullpen up to snuff, the Braves will look to Tim Hudson to form behind ace John Smoltz. Hudson had a career worst 4.86 ERA. Mike Hampton, who missed the entire season following Tommy John surgery was injured this spring and will be out until at least May, forcing the Braves to add free agent Mark Redman. If Chuck James continues to develop and Kyle Davies can rebound from a poor 2006, the Braves starters could help them be more competitive. In order to fix the bullpen, the Braves sacrificed Adam LaRoche and are replacing him with Canadian Scott Thorman. Kelly Johnson takes over from Marcus Giles who the Braves couldn't afford to keep. If they can replace the offence of the departed players, Atlanta might be able to challenge the Phillies and Mets for the division.

Florida Marlins

Projected Lineup
1. Hanley Ramirez - SS
2. Dan Uggla - 2B
3. Miguel Cabrera - 3B
4. Josh Willingham - LF
5. Mike Jacobs - 1B
6. Jeremy Hermida - RF
7. Miguel Olivo - C
8. Alex Sanchez - CF
Rotation:
1. Dontrelle Willis - L
2. Scott Olsen - L
3. Anibal Sanchez - R
4. Ricky Nolasco - R
5. Sergio Mitre - R
Closer:
Jorge Julio - R
Relief:
Taylor Tankersley - L
Henry Owens - R

Front Office Lead: Larry Beinfest
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez
Signings/Acquisitions: 3B Aaron Boone (Indians), RHP Kevin Gregg (Angels), RHP Matt Lindstrom (Mets), RHP Henry Owens (Mets), RHP Felix Rodriguez (Nationals)
Departures: RHP Joe Borowski (Indians), LHP Adam Bostick (Mets), 3B Wes Helms (Phillies), RHP Matt Herges (Rockies), RHP Chris Resop (Angels), LHP Jason Vargas (Mets)
Marlins Team Page

Interesting Facts: Three Marlins finished in the top ten for OPS among NL players under age 26 (1-Cabrera .998; 5-Ramirez .833; 10-Jacobs .789).
Dontrelle Willis led the majors with 19 hit batsmen in 2006.

Update: After contemplating using Kevin Gregg, Henry Owens and others as their closer, the Marlins pulled the trigger on March 26th and acquired Jorge Julio from the Diamondbacks to close out their games. Julio had 15 saves last season, and was the Orioles closer a few seasons ago. Offensively, a lot of their starters are hitting under .200 this spring, but the big concern is with Jeremy Hermida, who is suffering from a bruised knee. He's only managed two hits in 35 at-bats. There's a strong likelihood that he could start the year on the disabled list.
TSN.ca Analysis: After surprising the baseball world in 2006 by posting 78 wins, the Marlins stayed quiet in the free agent market, but they didn't stay quiet when it came to manager Joe Girardi who the club fired despite their record. The 2007 Marlins won't have the advantage that last season's club had and opposing Teams now know that their young talent can play and be effective. Jeremy Hermida who the club expected big things from was a disappointment, while Dan Uggla seemingly came out of nowhere to produce solid numbers. The young pitching staff is still led by Dontrelle Willis, but the loss of Josh Johnson will hurt. Johnson is out for at least the first month and maybe the entire season, it all depends on the type of elbow problem he has. The bullpen is in flux with Joe Borowski now in Cleveland, making Kevin Gregg the front runner to close games. While the Marlins were a good story in 2006, it's hard to fathom that they'll be able to repeat last season's magic.

New York Mets

Projected Lineup
1. Jose Reyes - SS
2. Paul Lo Duca - C
3. Carlos Beltran - CF
4. Carlos Delgado - 1B
5. David Wright - 3B
6. Moises Alou - LF
7. Shawn Green - RF
8. Jose Valentin - 2B
Rotation:
1. Tom Glavine - L
2. Orlando Hernandez - R
3. Oliver Perez - L
4. John Maine - R
5. Mike Pelfrey - R
Closer:
Billy Wagner - L
Relief:
Ambiorix Burgos - R
Aaron Heilman - R

Front Office Lead: Omar Minaya
Manager: Willie Randolph
Signings/Acquisitions: C Sandy Alomar Jr. (White Sox), LF Moises Alou (Giants), RHP Jon Adkins (Padres), RHP Ambiorix Burgos (Chiefs), 2B Damion Easley (Diamondbacks), OF Ben Johnson (Padres), OF David Newhan (Orioles), LHP Scott Schoeneweis (Reds), RHP Jorge Sosa (Cardinals), LHP Jason Vargas (Marlins)
Departures: RHP Brian Bannister (Royals), RHP Heath Bell (Padres), RHP Chad Bradford (Orioles), OF Cliff Floyd (Cubs), RHP Roberto Hernandez (Indians), LHP Darren Oliver (Angels), RHP Henry Owens (Marlins), LHP Royce Ring (Padres), RHP Steve Trachsel (Orioles), SS Chris Woodward (Braves), RHP Victor Zambrano (Blue Jays)
Mets Team Page

Interesting Facts: Carlos Beltran leads active major leaguers with a career stolen base percentage of 87.6, while Jose Reyes is fourth at 80.8 percent.

Update: Not surprisingly, pitching has been the major story for the Mets this spring. Prospect Mike Pelfrey posted a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings and took the fifth starter job from Chan Ho Park. Pedro Martinez, who is recovering from shoulder surgery is now throwing four times a week, but won't likely be back before the All-Star break. On a more negative note, setup man Duaner Sanchez has a hairline fracture in his right shoulder and will be out for four months. Shawn Green has had a miserable spring and is the only position player that will be on a short leash when the season begins.
TSN.ca Analysis: After cruising to the division title, Omar Minaya did something in the off-season that he hadn't done in the previous two - he stayed fairly quiet. The Mets look to be sporting the best offence in the division - and likely in the entire National League. Jose Reyes immerged as a legitimate top of the order hitter and Carlos Delgado thrived in the Big Apple. The addition of Moises Alou should give support to David Wright who struggled in the second half of last year. With Billy Wagner still closing games and setup man Duaner Sanchez set to return in mid-April, the Mets bullpen looks as steady as it was last season. The major question for the Mets is their starting pitching. Staff ace Pedro Martinez is out until at least the All-Star break following shoulder surgery. Tom Glavine at the age of 40 will be looked to carry the club in Pedro's absence. Orlando Hernandez has already been slowed by arthritis in his neck, which doesn't bode well for staying healthy. John Maine and Oliver Perez showed flashes last season, but the Mets will likely need both to perform consistently to win the division.

Philadelphia Phillies

Projected Lineup
1. Jimmy Rollins - SS
2. Shane Victorino - RF
3. Chase Utley - 2B
4. Ryan Howard - 1B
5. Pat Burrell - LF
6. Aaron Rowand - CF
7. Wes Helms - 3B
8. Rod Barajas - C
Rotation:
1. Brett Myers - R
2. Freddy Garcia - R
3. Cole Hamels - L
4. Adam Eaton - R
5. Jamie Moyer - L
Closer:
Tom Gordon - R
Relief:
Ryan Madsen - R
Geoff Geary - R

Front Office Lead: Pat Gillick
Manager: Charlie Manuel
Signings/Acquisitions: RHP Antonio Alfonseca, C Rod Barajas (Rangers), RHP Adam Eaton (Phillies), RHP Freddy Garcia (White Sox), OF Karim Garcia (Japan), 3B Wes Helms (Marlins), RHP Alfredo Simon (Orioles), OF Jayson Werth (Dodgers)
Departures: 1B Jeff Conine (Reds), OF Dave Dellucci (Indians), RHP Gavin Floyd (White Sox), LHP Aaron Fultz (Indians), LHP Gio Gonzalez (White Sox), SS Jose Hernandez (Pirates), C Mike Lieberthal (Dodgers), RHP Rick White (Astros), LHP Randy Wolf (Dodgers)
Phillies Team Page

Interesting Facts: Jon Lieber led the NL by holding lead-off hitters to a .246 on-base percentage last season.
Ryan Howard didn't just hit them often, he hit them hard. Howard recorded the the longest home run of the season on April 23, jacking one 496 feet.

Update: The Phillies looked to have a dodged a bullet with the Freddy Garcia injury. Garcia, tabbed to be the second starter was recently pulled from a game with a stiff arm. It has been diagnosed as mild biceps tendonitis, and the team still hopes he can be ready to start the season - which is good news because the team has now lost Jon Lieber indefinitely with a strained abdominal muscle. 2006 MVP Ryan Howard is having a poor spring - he's only hitting .218 with 20 strikeouts in 55 at-bats. Shane Victorino is performing well and could do well as the Phillies second hitter in 2007.
TSN.ca Analysis: In sharp contrast to the Mets, the Phillies have six legitimate starting pitchers. In an attempt to close the 12 game gap from 2006, general manager Pat Gillick added oft-injured free agent pitcher Adam Eaton and traded away prospects to acquire innings eater Freddy Garcia to round out the staff. The Phillies bullpen should remain solid with closer Tom Gordon once again taking the ball. In his first year in Philadelphia, Flash had 34 saves and a decent 3.34 ERA. Offensively, the Phillies should be a juggernaut. MVP Ryan Howard should once again threaten the 60 home run mark, especially with Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins hitting in front of him. The offensive player to keep an eye on in Philadelphia is Pat Burrell, who had a tough season on the field and in the media. If Burrell can play up to his potential, teams will be less willing to pitch around Howard.

Washington Nationals

Projected Lineup
1. Felipe Lopez - 2B
2. Ryan Church - CF
3. Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
4. Austin Kearns - RF
5. Dmitri Young - 1B
6. Kory Casto - LF
7. Cristian Guzman - SS
8. Brian Schneider - C
Rotation:
1. John Patterson - R
2. Shawn Hill - R
3. Jerome Williams - R
4. Tim Redding - R
5. Matt Chico - L
Closer:
Chad Cordero - R
Relief:
Luis Ayala - R
Jon Rauch - R

Front Office Lead: Jim Bowden
Manager: Manny Acta
Signings/Acquisitions: 3B Tony Batista, 2B Ronnie Belliard (Cardinals), LHP Brandon Claussen (Reds), RHP Emiliano Fruto (Mariners), LHP Ray King (Rockies), OF Chris Snelling (Mariners), RHP Jerome Williams (Athletics), OF Dmitri Young (Tigers)
Departures: RHP Tony Armas Jr. (Pirates), LHP Joey Eischen (Tigers), RHP Kevin Gryboski (Pirates), RHP Brian Lawrence (Rockies), OF Luis Matos (Pirates), RHP Ramon Ortiz (Twins), RHP Felix Rodriguez (Marlins), 2B Jose Vidro (Mariners)
Nationals Team Page

Interesting Facts: Nick Johnson's OPS vs lefthanders of .938 was second only to Barry Bonds in the NL last season.
No NL batter saw more pitches last season than Felipe Lopez did with the Reds and Nationals (2951).

Update: The Nationals pitching staff is still in a state of flux, even though the season is starting in a week. Jason Simontacchi had earned a spot in the rotation, but a groin injury will cost him the opportunity to start the season with the club. When he's ready though, he'll take a spot in the rotation. Centre fielder Nook Logan is out with a groin injury and will be replaced by Ryan Church who shifts over to play CF. Replacing Church will be Kory Casto. Dmitri Young parlayed a training camp invite into the starting first base job when Travis Lee asked for his release. Canadian Shawn Hill looks to be in line to be the number two starter this season.
TSN.ca Analysis: While the Marlins who look to be on the right path in terms of rebuilding, the Nationals appear to be lost. Aside from Ryan Zimmerman and Felipe Lopez, the batting order has more questions than answers. Nick Johnson will likely be out until June, leaving first base to prospect Larry Broadway. The Nationals will hope that Nook Logan can steal a lot of bases and that Austin Kearns can finally stay healthy. Chad Cordero will close out games, and the return of Luis Ayala should help shore up what could be a good bullpen. Their starting rotation is basically John Patterson and four question marks. There are seven or eight pitchers battling for the spots, but they either have no major league track record or a “shaky at best” track record. Because this team is rebuilding - and likely won't contend for a few years, dealing Alfonso Soriano last season for players/picks really would have helped their development.