As we begin our look at the National League, the NL East promises to be
a battle throughout the 2019 MLB season.
As we head into the 2019 MLB season, there is one thing that
is a given when it comes to the National League East – the Miami Marlins are in
for a rough season.
The reason? Every other team in the division has a realistic
chance at making the postseason, either by winning the division or by emerging
as a Wild Card. However, for whatever team does not win the division, the
getting into the postseason will be a difficult task, given the strength of the
National League as a whole.
Each of the teams in the NL East also have a weakness that
could prove fatal to their postseason plans. Every team in the division has a
flaw that can be exploited, one that could lead to disappointment. Of course,
even if both Wild Card teams come out of the NL East, one team will have their
season end prematurely.
So how will the 2019 MLB season shake out in the National
League East? Let us continue our look around each division, and preview what
should be an entertaining division to watch.
5. MIAMI MARLINS
The 2019 MLB season is not about contending for the Miami
Marlins.
Instead, it is about identifying those pieces that can be a
part of the future for the franchise. The previous core that was in place,
including MVPs Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton, along with All
Stars J.T. Realmuto and Marcell Ozuna, have all been traded away. While
some of the prospects received could end up being a key part of the Marlins
rebuild, they will need to identify those already on the major league roster
who can be part of the long term solution.
Although they have struggled, some of those pieces may be in
place. Jose Urena is going to be the Opening Day starter once again, which has
brought about some laughter given his less than impressive showing in such a
role last year. However, Urena had a strong end to the season, posting a 6-0
record with a 1.80 ERA and a 0.911 WHiP over his final seven starts.
Offensively, former prospect Brian Anderson finally had his
breakout season, as his 3.9 WAR was the second highest on the team last year.
Lewis Brinson may have had a miserable rookie season, but he has been scorching
the ball thus far in Spring Training. Drew Steckenrider may be the Marlins
closer of the future, and could end up in that role by the trade deadline.
There are some pieces at the major league level for the
Miami Marlins to feel optimistic about. However, despite Derek Jeter’s
insistence that the Marlins contend soon, patience will be a virtue.
4. ATLANTA BRAVES
The Atlanta Braves roster should be better in 2019. The
problem is, so will most of the NL East.
It is easy for the fanbase to dismiss what the Braves have
done this offseason. After all, they were quiet for the latter part of free
agency, watching as the rest of the division made deals to improve their
rosters. Yet, it is not as though the Braves just stood still and did nothing.
Instead, they added more pop to their lineup. Josh Donaldson
is in town on a one year deal, and if he is healthy, the former MVP would
provide the Braves with a power element that they really did not have. The same
can be said about the Evan Gattis, who is coming back after four years in
Houston. Nick Markakis is also making his return, having signed a one year
contract.
However, there are concerns for the Braves, particularly in
the bullpen. Aroldys Vizcaino and A.J. Minter performed well in the closer
role, but that may not be enough. With a closer like former Braves pitcher
Craig Kimbrel sitting out in free agency, it is understandable that there is
concern that Atlanta has not done enough to upgrade the roster.
As it is, the Atlanta Braves are better than they were in
2018. Unfortunately, the same can be said about most of the division as well.
3. NEW YORK METS
At the very least, no one can say that New York Mets general
manager Brodie Van Wagenen stood around and waited for the offseason to come to
him.
Tasked with making the Mets a contender, Van Wagenen did
just that. He overhauled the bullpen, adding closer Edwin Diaz while bringing
back Juerys Familia to handle the eighth inning. Robinson Cano will take over
at second, while Jed Lowrie will serve as a utility player. The Mets should
even have some offense behind the plate, with Wilson Ramos in the fold.
New York even took care of adding depth. The outfield and
rotation proved thin last season, when injuries hampered both spots on the
roster. While the likes of Hector Santiago and Carlos Gomez may not be the most
exciting of players, they are solid veterans who can handle the opportunity if
they are needed due to injury.
In the end, those injury concerns are the biggest issue for
the Mets. Yoenis Cepsedes is already going to miss a portion, if not all, of
the 2019 MLB season. The rotation, as talented as it is, is not exactly a
bastion of health. An injury or two could derail the Mets hopes for the year.
Brodie Van Wagenen proclaimed the New York Mets the team to
beat in the National League East. While one cannot help but admire his
optimism, his prediction seems unrealistic.
2. PHILADELPHIA
PHILLIES
The biggest story surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies
involved their pursuit of Bryce Harper, but they still had a successful
offseason before he put the pen to the paper.
As the Phillies looked to avenge their late season collapse,
they made a number of moves to improve the lineup. Andrew McCutchen signed a
three year deal, and Jean Segura was acquired in trade. Carlos Santana was sent
to Seattle, allowing Rhys Hoskins to return to first. David Robertson was
brought in as the new closer. J.T. Realmuto adds an excellent all around
catcher to the roster. And the Phillies inked Aaron Nola to a very team
friendly four year extension.
However, Harper was the topping on the cake. Philadelphia’s
offseason would not have felt complete. Yes, they have plenty of options in the
outfield, and will likely need to make a trade or two, but those moves can help
the present, as well as the future.
As it stands, the Phillies biggest issue remains in the
starting rotation. Not only do the Phillies lack a left handed starter, but the
rotation beyond Nola and Jake Arrieta is filled with question marks. Adding
Dallas Kuechel as a free agent, or trading one of those excess outfielders for
a starter would help alleviate that problem.
While the Philadelphia Phillies have had a strong offseason,
anything less than a playoff berth will be considered a failure. They should
contend for the postseason, but that rotation could be the reason they fall
short of expectations.
1. WASHINGTON
NATIONALS
The Washington Nationals may have lost Bryce Harper, but
that does not mean that the team is going to
Instead, the Nationals have a strong lineup, and should
weather the loss of their best known player. Victor Robles will likely take his
spot in the lineup, pairing with Juan Soto to give Washington an impressive
pair of young outfielders. Brian Dozier adds some pop to the lineup, and the
catcher position has been entirely revamped with Yan Gomes and Kurt Suzuki.
Yet, the most impressive addition involved signing Patrick
Corbin to a six year deal. He gives the Nationals three aces atop their
rotation, a formidable presence for any team to go up against. With Anibal
Sanchez and Jeremy Hellickson also signed as free agents, the Nationals
rotation will be a strength.
The problem is, as strong as the rotation may be, the
bullpen is a mess. Sean Doolittle has emerged as a solid closer in the Nation’s
Capital, but there are plenty of question marks otherwise. Understandably,
Washington has been linked to Craig Kimbrel, but they are reluctant to surpass
the luxury tax, making that addition unlikely.
No comments:
Post a Comment