MLB Midseason Report: NL East

NL East Standings 7/3/08
1. Philadelphia Phillies 46-39
2. Florida Marlins 44-40
3. New York Mets 41-43
4. Atlanta Braves 40-45
5. Washington Nationals 34-52

The NL East is yet another division full of surprises. The biggest surprise of them all is the New York Mets being two games under .500 and on their 2nd manager. The Mets were a World Series favorite (my pick to win it all), but have been anything but that. The Mets still have a loaded team and I believe still have a chance to make a run at this division. Lots of things have to change though for that to happen. Pedro Martinez needs to lower that over 7 ERA he has and Johann Santana has to be the Cy Young pitcher we all know he can be. John Maine and Oliver Perez will fall in line if Johann and Pedro get it together. The Mets if they plan on making the playoffs must acquire some relief. They need set-up men for closer Billy Wagner. Wagner himself needs to get it together. Tha! t is only the pitching. Carlos Beltran is the big key to the Mets success. He needs to be the MVP of the second half of the season for the Mets to make the playoffs. Jose Reyes will get it together, and David Wright is already red hot. I think the Mets do rally and challenge Philly for the NL East crown. Speaking of Philly, these guys have sluggers top to bottom. Chase Utley was a candidate for first half MVP, Jimmy Rollins was MVP last year, Ryan Howard was two years ago, Pat Burrell has been superb, and Shane Victorino is coming around finally and stealing bases in bunches. The Phils are the team to beat in the NL East. Philadelphia if they plan on contending for a championship need 1 or 2 quality starters and maybe a reliever. If Philly lands Cici Sabathia, Ben Sheets, or Erik Bedard these guys can make a run at a World Series. The Florida Marlins once again are a surprise team. A bunch of kids once again have the Marlins 4 games over .500. Hanley Ramirez is ! the leader of this team and if the Marlins do stick around Ram! irez is an MVP candidate. The Marlins will finish around .500 but I cannot see them playing in October. The Braves continue to have woes. John Smoltz could be done forever and Atlanta looks to once again be playing golf in October. Chipper Jones has been a great story with his high average, but that will be the only story unless amazingly they acquire more talent. Atlanta is dead. The Nats well, are awful just as expected. Washington has a small payroll and has a roster consisting of prospects and average Major League players. They once again will remain in the cellar of this division. Here is how the NL East will look at the end of the season:

1. Philadelphia Phillies- NL East Champions
2. New York Mets
3. Florida Marlins
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Washington Nationals

Tomorrow I will have the NL Central Midseason Report.