What up, Ball Boys and Girls? The CBA talks ended, free agency has happened, fantasy baseball drafts are going, springtime, and baseball. It's all so fresh.
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Standings:
Atlanta Braves: 98-64, last season 88-73 and 1st.
Philadelphia Phillies: 90-72, last season 82-80 and 2nd
New York Mets: 85-77, last season 77-85 and 3rd
Miami Marlins: 70-92, last season 67-95 and 4th
Washington Nationals: 60-102, last season 65-97 and 5th
Let's give a warm welcome out west to the following players who will take the Diamond for their new teams. (Note these are players who will have an impact on their squad going into the new season)
Welcome to the NL East:
Atlanta Braves: C Manny Pina, UTL Orlando Arcia, 1B Matt Olson(Ext), RHP Collin McHugh, OF Eddie Rosario, RHRP Kenley Jansen,
Philadelphia Phillies: RHRP Corey Knebel, RHRP Jeurys Familia, LHRP Brad Hand, OF/DH Kyle Schwarber, OF Nick Castellanos,
New York Mets: RHP Max Scherzer, INF Eduardo Escobar, OF Starling Marte, OF Mark Canha, OF Nick Plummer, LHRP Adam Ottavino,
Miami Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara(ext), OF Jorge Soler, LHRP Richard Blier(ext),
Washington Nationals: INF Cesar Hernandez, RHRP Steve Cishek, UTL Ehire Adrianza, DH Nelson Cruz, RHRP Sean Doolittle,
It's time to say goodbye to some players whose impact will be missed by their previous teams.
Goodbye:
Atlanta Braves: OF Christian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, 1B Freddie Freeman, OF Jorge Soler, OF Joc Pederson
Philadelphia Phillies: RHRP Hector Nerris, RHP Vince Velasquez, OF/DH Andrew McCutchen, RHRP Archie Bradley
New York Mets: RHP Marcus Stroman, LHP Steve Matz, RHP Noah Syndergaard, LHRP Aaron Loup, SS Javy Baez,
Miami Marlins: OF Corey Dickerson,
Washington Nationals: None of note.
Each team in this Division has stars, and let's figure out who the most likely MVP candidates are from each team going into the season. These are the guys who will create the most fireworks for their teams.
MVP Award Candidates:
Atlanta Braves: 2B Ozzie Albies
Philadelphia Phillies: OF Bryce Harper
New York Mets: SS Francisco Lindor
Miami Marlins: OF Jorge Soler
Washington Nationals: OF Juan Soto
Now that we looked at the most prestigious batter's award let's look at the most prestigious pitching Award and candidates from each team in the NLW.
Cy Young Candidates:
Atlanta Braves: LHP Max Fried
Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Aaron Nola
New York Mets: RHP Max Scherzer
Miami Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara
Washington Nationals: LHP Patrick Corbin
Please keep your eyes glued on the below players because they are ready to show out during the 2022 season. Just trust me.
Break Out Player:
Atlanta Braves: OF Guillermo Heredia
Philadelphia Phillies: RHRP Nick Nelson
New York Mets: 1B Dominic Smith
Miami Marlins: 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Washington Nationals: OF Thomas Lane
Everyone in the MLB has to overcome adversity at some point and time in their career. For these guys, that point in their careers is 2022
Comeback Player Candidates:
Atlanta Braves: OF/DH Marcell Ozuna,
Philadelphia Phillies: SS Didi Gregorius
New York Mets: DH/INF Robinson Cano
Miami Marlins; LHP Jesus Luzardo
Washington Nationals: 1B Josh Bell
You might have heard of these guys; you might not have. After impressive 2021 from these young guns, we got a sample of what is to come. Keep them on your radars going into 2022
Rookie of the Year Candidates:
Atlanta Braves: LHP Kyle Muller
Philadelphia Phillies: LHP Bailey Falter
New York Mets: RHP Tylor Megill
Miami Marlins: RHP Edward Cabrera
Washington Nationals: C Keibert Ruiz
Manager of the Year:
Braves Brian Snitker
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2022 Prediction:
The thump in the Phillies lineup can cause opposing pitching nightmares; the Braves' consistency and the overall well-rounded team have me locking them in again to win the Division here. The Met would be a strong player, but no deGrom for the first month or two of the season HURTS! The Braves win the Division and crush the competition deep into the playoffs. With all the pop, the Phillies homer their way into the playoffs while the Mets sit comfortably in 3rd with this payroll they have. The Marlins and Nationals could honestly be a fight for 4th, and then one has to lose more, and that's how I see the NL East shaking down.