NL Prediction Time

Big time names switched affiliations over the winter and now find themselves floating around the National League. Who you ask? Well if you've been living under the proverbial rock or simply engaged in uncontrollable laughter after hearing a reference to Doug Gottlieb, you might have missed Johan Santana's move to Queens, Dan Haren's venture to the desert, or even Joe Torre's move to LA.  Don't worry though, The Daily Greaser's been keeping tabs on the Hot Stove while you were enjoying college basketball.  So, without further a due, here's a look at what you can expect from the National League in 2008.

National League

East: New York Mets

Tough call this year in the East with both New York in Philadelphia.  Last year we saw the Mets' catastrophic meltdown and watched as the Phillies swept in to snatch up the division crown.  This year, I give the edge back to the Mets.  The off-season acquisition of Johan Santana cannot be overstated--he's the best pitcher in baseball, hands down.  Plus, he's switching to the NL where, let's be honest, they only send up 8 legitimate hitters at a time.  The race will be a tight one, but New York's got a tough pitching staff, especially if Pedro Martinez comes back strong.  Jose Reyes is one of the most exciting players in all of baseball and David Wright is an absolute stud over in the hot corner.  Expect a close race.  Edge: Metropolitans 

Central: Chicago Cubs

Let's face it, the Central last  year was horrid.  I know the race got interesting with the Brewers' hot

start and late Cardinals' run, but nobody likes to watch baseball's version of the NBA playoff chase.  I happen to like my playoff teams well above .500.  Moving on, the Cubs have the edge this season.  Kerry Wood finally seems to be healthy, knock on wood.  But don't really knock on wood, because knowing Wood, in some taboo-ish way, he'll get injured again and The Daily Greaser will get lumped in the same category as Steve Bartman and that stupid goat.  And although he got mauled in his first save opportunity, I'd be willing to bet he's going to be fine this season.  Factor in Carlos Zambrano actually living up to his potential and winning the 20 games he should each season along with Derrick Lee playing the role of lumberjack, I'll go out on a limb and say Chicago will take the Central.

West: Arizona Diamondbacks

The West should be a pretty intriguing division to watch this season.  The Giants finally cut the tie with Barry Bonds and the Diamondbacks added a stud in Dan Haren.  The question is, will the D-backs repeat as division champs in 2008?  The answer: yes.  Brandon Webb followed up his 2006 Cy Young campaign with 18 wins in 2007.  Plus, Webb's a Wildcat.  Yes, 6-2 right-hander hails from Ashland, KY and played his college ball at the University of Kentucky--that ALWAYS gives you an edge.  But the race should be tough.  After all, the Rockies mustered up some postseason magic and made it to the World Series last year and the Padres still sport last year's CY Young winner in Jake Peavy.  The Dodgers could make some noise too with the addition of Andruw Jones in center and Joe Torre on the bench.  Still, Brandon Webb pitched in Lexington--edge: Arizona.

Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies

The Wild Card will most certainly come out of the East or West once again this season.

I like the Phillies this year.  Ryan Howard is an absolute machine and is good for at least 40 bombs and the consumption of 3 small children.  Add in shortstop Jimmy Rollins who quietly took home an MVP award and Gold Glove, and you've got yourself a contending lineup.  Cole Hamels is a star in the making and Jamie Moyer is well...well, he's old for one...but he'll still get even the youngest of guns off balance with that filthy change up.  Look for Philly to edge out San Diego and Colorado.

Recap

NL East: New York

NL Central: Chicago

NL West: Arizona

Wild Card: Philadelphia

Notes: Sadly, the Nationals do not complete the first undefeated season of all time--I lied; April Fools?