Collegiate Times

NL EAST

New York Mets

Third time's the charm, right? After two straight late-season collapses, there will be a different ending this time around. The biggest reason for their demise was due to the inability to close out games. New York solved that by bringing in single-season saves holder Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz. The revamped bullpen also helps preserve the energy of some of its starters, most notably Johan Santana. It also possesses two MVP-caliber players in shortstop Jose Reyes and third baseman David Wright. The only issues impeding this club are self-imposed. The Mets couldn't seem to find a sense of unity. But Jerry Manuel seems to be the guy that can bring order to the team with his quiet nature, and it'll be able to recover from back-to-back years of embarrassment.

Philadelphia Phillies

The 2009 edition of the Phillies return to the field with essentially the same lineup as last years World Series Champions. True, they've replaced outfielder Pat Burrell with slugger Raul Ibanez, but it won't be enough for a division that got better over the winter. Their lineup is impressive. The infield trio of first baseman Ryan Howard, second baseman Chase Utley and shortstop Jimmy Rollins is as formidable as any in the game. But it's their pitching that's going to weigh them down. Staff ace Cole Hamels was untouchable in the 2008 playoffs. But apart from Hamels, their rotation lacks any power whatsoever. On top of that, Brad Lidge isn't going to be the guaranteed save he was last year. It's hard enough to go perfect once; no one can do it twice.

Florida Marlins

They have the potential to be the 2009 version of the Rays. They have one of the league's youngest teams and a quality pitching staff that could see success if they can stay healthy. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez has become hands down the most talented player in the league. Pitching-wise, Josh Johnson showed ace potential after he returned from Tommy John elbow surgery last season and could team up with Ricky Nolasco to be a very effective one-two punch. Second baseman Dan Uggla has become a viable slugger, and rookie Cameron Maybin is looking to show his worth in center field. Most likely, the Marlins are a year or two away, but if pieces fall into place, they could make a playoff run.

Atlanta Braves

Chipper Jones is the face of the franchise 14 years later. But he's the face of a very different looking team. It's pitching rotation has been completely redone with the addition of Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez and Kenshin Kawakami. Prospects Kelly Johnson and Jordan Schafer have played well this spring, and it has added former Angel Garret Anderson to help platoon the outfield. The bullpen, one of its strengths, remained intact. A healthy Jones could mean the Braves contending for the NL East pennant that they won 14 straight times.

Washington Nationals

The NL East's bottom-dwellers aren't going anywhere new in 2009. They've made some moves in acquiring pitcher Daniel Cabrera and outfielder Adam Dunn to complement their abundance of young talent, but they won't be contenders in what has become the National League's most competitive division.

NL CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs

The long, painful wait may be over. Their bullpen took a hit when they lost Kerry Wood, but they mitigated it by signing Kevin Gregg. With Carlos Marmol as a strong set-up man, Woods' absence won't be noticeable. Mark DeRosa posted career numbers for the Cubbies last season and his versatility will certainly be missed, but their lineup is still formidable. Outfielder Milton Bradley was a solid pick-up. They also post a rotation that features Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ryan Dempster. Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome had a dismal second half of his rookie season, but he should bounce back strong. Another key cog in the Cubs' lineup is Geovany Soto, who will look to follow up his Rookie of the Year campaign with another solid season behind the plate. The Cubs flamed out in three straight games against the Dodgers in the Division Series, but this year, they'll shake off their postseason woes and finally reach the World Series.

St. Louis Cardinals

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