The rest of the NL East depends largely on the play of the younger guys. The Marlins are led by Ace Josh Johnson, star Hanley Ramirez, and sophomore Mike Stanton lead a young team that probably won't make much of a dent in the pennant race but could still surprise people.
The Nationals are still a joke though they have some nice pieces (Drew Storen, Jordan Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmerman) while the Mets are the on the very opposite end of the spectrum. They are fielding an All-Star team (from six years ago) with so many bloated contracts, aging bodies, and off-field distractions that even Charlie Sheen would blush.
The Atlanta Braves are the most intriguing team in the NL East since they're fate relies solely on the progression and impact of their youngsters. They are paced by sophomore phenomenon Jason Heyward, incoming rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman, and have studs Jair Jurrjens, Tim Hudson, and Tommy Hanson in the starting rotation. They narrowly made the playoffs last year and are hoping to again impact the landscape of the National League.
The NL Central is arguably the worst in baseball this year. The loss of Adam Wainwright immediately makes the Cardinals an outside contender for the central crown. As usual, the Cubs and Astros' are in the Central cellar and should quickly be on the market looking to sell their assets. The Central should come down to the Reds and Brewers in what may be the tightest race in all of Baseball.
The Reds are stacked with reigning MVP Joey Votto at first, All Star Brandon Phillips anchoring the middle, and 100 mile an hour flame thrower Aroldis Chapman shoring up the bullpen, they are a tough out for anyone. The Brewers however, stocked up in the offseason by acquiring starting pitcher Shawn Marcum, and former Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke to join future superstar Yovani Gallardo. Powerhouse Prince Fielder powers a lineup that includes fellow All-Star Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks. They are another one of those teams that should compete mightily for one of the four available National League playoff spots.
The National League West was last year's most intriguing race with unheralded San Diego coming out of nowhere and pitching their way into contention, this league is as tight as any. Los Angeles has some young arms and young guns of their own with southpaws Clayton Kershaw and Ted Lilly pacing their rotation. None of the West teams, not even Colorado and their Ace Ubaldo Jiminez, are a match for the San Francisco Giants, who were last year's "team of destiny" and National League Champions. Their rotation is stacked from top to bottom with flame-throwing young arms, namely, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner, and "The Freak" Tim Lincecum.
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