Here are my predictions for the National League this season. If I may be cliché for a moment, I’ll just say that the following predictions are merely a guess into how we could see the standings shake out this season. You are allowed to disagree, as a matter of fact, it’s encouraged. The team with a star next to its name is my wild card pick. Along with each team I’ll give you a player to keep an eye on. He may not be the team’s superstar, but someone with a storyline to follow this year.
CLICK HERE FOR MY AMERICAN LEAGUE PREDICTIONS
NL EAST
1st Place- Washington Nationals
Player To Watch: P Gio Gonzalez – The former Athletics standout had a brilliant first year in the National League and it will be fun to see if he can repeat those numbers and provide the Nats with a real 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation alongside Stephen Strasburg.
2nd Place – Atlanta Braves*
Player To Watch: SS Andrelton Simmons – This youngster had a quiet debut last season in the bigs, but more people should notice him this year. He stood out as one of the stars for the Netherlands squad that made a run to the semifinals in the World Baseball Classic. He’s got a solid glove and can swing a quick stick too.
3rd Place – New York Mets
Player To Watch: P Matt Harvey – This is a young 24-year-old who will make a splash this season. He shot through New York’s minor league system and has a very good fastball that allows him to rack up strikeouts. He’ll be fun to watch in the coming years, starting with 2013.
4th Place – Philadelphia Phillies
Player To Watch: 3B Michael Young – After 12 seasons with the Rangers, Young has taken his act to the National League, where it will be interesting to see his transition with the Phillies. He’s a versatile player who could be a factor in Philadelphia. He’ll need to pick up offensive slack for a team that’s missed big performances from Ryan Howard and Chase Utley the past few years.
5th Place – Miami Marlins
Player To Watch: RF Giancarlo Stanton – Is there anyone else you can think of that you would even want to watch play for this team? Stanton is one of the best young power hitters in the game, but he’s buried on an awful team that he may not even be a part of for much longer. He can still swing it though, and hopefully he’ll break a few more scoreboards this season.
NL CENTRAL
1st Place – St. Louis Cardinals
Player To Watch: 1B Matt Adams – This youngster may start on the bench, but he’s on Mike Matheny’s roster to start the season for a reason. He could provide big power down the line. He’s a strong country-fed lefty who could overtake Allen Craig at some point as the starting first baseman.
2nd Place – Cincinnati Reds*
Player To Watch: CF Shin-Soo Choo – The Reds acquired Choo from the Indians and it could be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason. Choo provides a leadoff bat that will help an offense that already features Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier and Ryan Ludwick.
3rd Place – Milwaukee Brewers
Player To Watch: P Kyle Lohse – The Brewers just acquired Lohse, who was very under the radar last season for the Cardinals. It’s a steal if you ask me because Lohse could provide some more pop to a rotation that isn’t all that proven behind Yovani Gallardo.
4th Place – Pittsburgh Pirates
Player To Watch: OF Starling Marte – Many may expect the player to watch in Pittsburgh would be Andrew McCutchen, but the superstar has company in the outfield in young Starling Marte. He’s an extremely athletic prospect that crushed the ball this spring.
5th Place – Chicago Cubs
Player To Watch: 1B Anthony Rizzo – This guy proved last season he can play in the bigs and it’s now time for him to get more consistent. He had some solid seasoning in the minors over the past two years but this could be his breakout year.
NL WEST
1st Place – Los Angeles Dodgers
Player To Watch: OF Matt Kemp – The Dodgers superstar outfielder has some new friends in Hollywood. It’s time for the big payroll to mesh with an actual team and to see how Kemp’s leadership fits in with this band of highly overpaid misfits. Kemp will also need to prove he can stay healthy, something he didn’t do last year.
2nd Place – San Francisco Giants
Player To Watch: P Tim Lincecum – “The Freak” was under the microscope at the end of last season after a move to the bullpen. It will be a test of his physical abilities, but mostly his mental makeup, to see if he can return to his former self and in what role for the world champs.
3rd Place – Arizona Diamondbacks
Player To Watch: 3B Martin Prado – After being acquired in the Justin Upton deal from Atlanta, Martin Prado finds himself in an interesting spot in Arizona. Prado is a guy who can play a multitude of positions, but all he needs to do is hit the cover off the ball to help the D-Backs win games. It’s something he’s definitely capable of.
4th Place – Colorado Rockies
Player To Watch: C Wilin Rosario – This young catcher is quickly developing into one of the best in the game. He’ll have a lot on his plate this season as he attempts to juggle a mediocre pitching staff in Denver’s thin air. He’s also expected to provide quite a bit with the bat.
5th Place – San Diego Padres
Player To Watch: 3B Chase Headley – Though he’ll start the season on the disabled list with a broken thumb, Chase Headley is the superstar of the Padres. He was nearly traded last year at the deadline according to multiple reports. When he comes back, it’ll be a welcome sign for the Friars.
