More darts in the dark

CB's turn:

NL East

1. Mets: Santana helps, but the continued maturation of Maine and Perez make them the team to beat. Rick Peterson is clearly the best pitching coach in baseball these days. Their line-up, however, will keep the race close. Carlos Delgado is Fred McGriff, Devil Rays edition.

2. Bravos: Forget the first two games, though the bullpen might be more troublesome than the rotation.

3. Phils: Nothing to worry about. Their bullpen imploded on Opening Day and it will again. Their rotation is equally suspect, beyond Hamels (who's never pitched a full season in the bigs) and Myers (who, at his best, is Kevin Millwood).

4. Nats: Only because the Marlins are in the same division.

5. Marlins: Not as much young talent as they'd have you believe. It'll be years before they're competitive again.

NL Central

1. Brewers: Braun and Fielder are beasts, their rotation is deep and their bullpen is ... questionable, much like the Cubs.

2. Cubs: Comparable to the Brewers, but, like most teams in the NL, not as good as you think.

3. Reds: Everyone's surprise team, which makes me wary.

4. Pirates: They'll improve to below average this year.

5. Astros: Nice line-up, no pitching.

6. Cards: Even a last place finish won't humble Tony LaRussa.

NL West

1. Dodgers: More talent than any team in the NL. I've been picking them for the last three years.

2. D'Backs: Not sold on their pitching after Webb and Haren. As for Brandon Lyon, closer -- see Reitsma, Chris.

3. Rockies: I'm not sold

4. Padres: I always underestimate them, and I will again. Pitching alone doesn't win ballgames.

5. Giants: Could be the worst team in baseball.

MVP: Ryan Braun (Clubbed 34 homers and 97 RBI in just 113 games -- let that sink in)

Cy Young: Johan Santana

ROY: Fukudome

Manager of the year: Ned Yost

First manager fired: Charlie Manuel (not fair, but management has been looking for an excuse, and Philly's hideous pitching will provide it)

Comeback player of the year Mike Hampton. Gulp.

The Braves will win the WC, with Arizona and Chicago close behind.

Comments

[Trae]

Hey hey...

Computers say we're gonna get the wild card. Woo!

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2008/04/place-your-bets.html