National League
AJ Herrmann gives this season's baseball predictions.
By AJ Herrmann
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San Francisco Giants
A team that could be much better than last year (a scary thought considering
the Giants went to the World Series in 2002) or much, much worse. Loss of former
MVP Jeff Kent should hurt, but free agent pick-ups Ray Durham and Edgardo Alfonso
are both All-Star caliber players who could help SF fans forget about Kent.
Starting pitching is still a question mark and closer Rob Nen is still not fully
recovered from off season arm surgery. Barry Bonds, of course, is still number
one on this team, and if he has any further injury problems the Giants could
drop out of the playoffs in what should be an ultra-competitive NL pennant race.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Has the best 1-2 pitching combo in baseball with ageless wonders Randy Johnson
and Curt Schilling. A good all around veteran team, but a number of players
are getting up there in age and might experience drop offs from there 2002 numbers.
Expected closer Matt Mantei has loads of talent but is a huge question mark
because of arm troubles that limited him to only 33 innings pitched the last
two years combined.
Atlanta Braves
Perennial contender’s loss of starting pitchers Tom Glavine and Kevin
Millwood to free agency hurts this teams chances, especially because both pitchers
signed with teams in Atlanta’s own division. They did pick up some decent
starters (Russ Ortiz, Paul Byrd, and Mike Hampton) to replace Glavine and Millwood
but the Braves pitching no longer strikes fear into its opponents. These guys
are still favorites because they seem to find a way to pull it out every year,
but don’t be surprised if they miss the playoffs for the first time in
11 years.
Competing for a Playoff Spot
Philadelphia Phillies
Perennial losers vaulted into contention with the signing of 1B Jim Thome and
SP Kevin Millwood. A scary lineup that should be the best in the national league
and might even rival the Yankees for the best in baseball. Starting pitching
was decent last year and if young prospects Brandon Duckworth and Brett Myers
finally put it together, this team could very easily end the Braves streak of
eleven straight NL East titles.
New York Mets
A team that seriously underachieved last year signed SP Tom Glavine and in the
off season brought in manager Art Howe from the A’s. If 2B Roberto Alomar,
1B Mo Vaughn and catcher Mike Piazza return to form, these gusy should be in
the playoff race.
St. Louis Cardinals
Won the NL Central last year in a tight race, then made no moves during the
off season. Closer Jason Isringhausen won’t be ready until May due to
offseason shoulder surgery. Starting third baseman Placido Polanco signed with
the Phillies. This team still has talent, but if they start off slow they might
find themselves hopelessly behind the Astros and maybe even the Cubs.
Houston Astros
Free agent pick-up Jeff Kent should provide some offensive punch for a team
that sometimes struggled to score runs last year. If young pitchers Roy Oswalt
and Wade Miller continue to improve, these guys could steal the NL Central crown
from the Cardinals.
Should be Competitive
Chicago Cubs
Great young starting pitching foursome of Mark Prior, Matt Clement, Kerry Wood,
and Carlos Zambrano could make history by becoming the first three teammates
to each strike out 200 batters in a season. Barring injuries these guys should
establish themselves as the best young pitching staff in baseball behind the
Oakland A’s. Last year’s weak offense wasn’t improved during
the off season, but if new manager Dusty Baker can get young prospects Bobby
Hill and Corey Patterson to produce, and Sammy Sosa continues to hit his usual
50 home runs, the Cubs could make a surprise playoff run this year.
— AJ Herrmann is a senior in high school who will attend Colby College
next fall.
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