Yesterday saw a look at the American League East, and today we're swapping leagues while staying out east. Last year's predictions for this division were much more on the money, other than being swapped around at the bottom. Like last year, this division has a clear favorite, though the wild card chances are probably greatly diminished.
Last year: 96-66 (1st in NL East), lost in NLDS; 3 wins above COAS Prediction
How do you improve a team that finished with the best record in the National League last year? Add the best free agent pitcher. Max Scherzer bolsters an already fantastic rotation that brings back Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman, Doug Fister, and Gio Gonzalez. That's arguably the best rotation in baseball. Their lineup is no real slouch either, even given that a lot of people think Bryce Harper is overrated. It'll be a shock if anyone other than the Nats win the division.
2015 Prediction: 97-65
Last year: 77-85 (4th in NL East), Missed playoffs; 17 wins above COAS Prediction
I'm going to put my documented hatred of Jeff Loria aside to say... this team actually looks decent this year. They've got a decent rotation that will probably see Jose Fernandez return at some point from Tommy John surgery, which will help bolster the ranks. Their lineup intrigues me though. They added Ichiro in the offseason, though he will probably end up coming off the bench more often than not, considering the young talent they have in the outfield. Now that he's recovered from getting hit in the face by a pitch, we can watch Giancarlo Stanton launch baseballs out to left. I don't think they'll contend for the division, but they'll be in the Wild Card hunt.
2015 Prediction: 84-78
Last year: 79-83 (T-2nd in NL East), Missed playoffs; 11 wins below COAS Prediction
The Braves are back on the way down now, I think. Their rotation is still decent, and the bullpen will protect most late leads. Their lineup concerns me though. Nick Markakis was a good addition, and brings a clutch factor from his time in Baltimore last year, but they've lost a lot of impact. Jason Heyward was traded so the Braves could get something for him, which is good, but they don't have the pieces to replace him. Also, I'm not sure how Melvin Upton, Jr. (formerly B.J.) still has a starting Major League job.
2015 Prediction: 75-87
Last year: 79-83 (T-2nd in NL East), Missed playoffs; 3 wins below COAS Prediction
I'm just not sold on these guys. Jacob deGrom is a good piece of the rotation, and will have to continue to step up while Matt Harvey gets the rust out following Tommy John surgery, but I'm not sure what to expect out of their lineup. Curtis Granderson gets on base at the top, but he's nowhere near what he used to be, and neither is David Wright. They might surprise some people, but I'm not counting on anything from this club.
2015 Prediction: 74-88
Last year: 73-89 (5th in NL East), Missed playoffs; 1 win above COAS Prediction
I got into a comment debate with a Yankee fan a couple weeks ago about Kris Bryant, with his argument being that right now is more important than five or six years down the road. I told him to ask Phillies fans how that's going. I feel bad for Ryne Sandberg; he's going to have a rough year. Cole Hamels is probably the one good piece this team has, and odds are he'll be traded within the next few months. Other than that, this is an overpaid mess of a club. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are either on the verge of washed up or about three levels beyond it, and there isn't much behind Hamels other than Cliff Lee. If the front office is smart, they'll take a smaller haul for Hamels, try to deal Papelbon at the deadline, and go into full tank mode.
2015 Prediction: 61-101
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