Baseball: 2015 National League Preview

By Scott MacLean

Compared to the American League, things look a little more clear in the National League, with last years division winners seemingly in the best position to return to the playoffs; though as the Giants proved being the best team across the season isn’t necessarily the one that lifts the Commissioners Trophy.

National League East

Washington Nationals: They should coast in a relatively weak division. The starting rotation has talent and depth with the Max Scherzer signing to the extent that the talented Tanner Roark will have to wait his turn in the bullpen. Health is already an issue, with leadoff man Denard Span and potential breakout MVP candidate Anthony Rendon already likely to miss Opening Day; while the lineup could get unbalanced if Bryce Harper, their sole left-handed power bat, misses time.

Projected finish: 97-65

Miami Marlins: No doubting they are better and more experienced than last year and seem primed to make a leap forward this season. How Giancarlo Stanton deals with his monster contract will be a talking point, plus they’ll get a boost when pitching star Jose Fernandez returns from Tommy John surgery. Stanton and fellow youngsters Marcello Ozuna and Christian Yelich may already be the best outfield trio in the game.

Projected finish: 84-78

New York Mets: Have the pitching with Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom lining up behind Matt Harvey, who looked strong in Spring Training on his return from having Tommy John surgery. They will need contributions from the offense to push for the playoffs, with a return to form from David Wright critical to that, but likely to come up short.

Projected finish: 83-79

Atlanta Braves: They have their eye now on 2017 when their new ballpark opens and are rebuilding for that. With Freddie Freeman and signee Nick Markakis as their only decent hitters they’ll stink offensively, but watching the spectacular Andrelton Simmons play shortstop will still be worth seeing.

Projected finish: 70-92

Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies have started a rebuilding of their own in trading away Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd, but are finding it difficult to move highly-paid players Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon (both asking price), Cliff Lee (injury), and Ryan Howard (performance). Even if they keep those players it’s going to be a long season.

Projected finish: 65-97

National League Central

St Louis Cardinals: It’s hard to look past the Cardinals again, though questions are if Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, and Matt Holliday can remain at the top of their games entering their mid-30s. The trade for Jason Heyward (in the wake of the death last October of Oscar Taveras) adds a proven and outstanding young player; Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez should get extended runs in the rotation, and second baseman Kolten Wong is an emerging talent.

Projected finish: 92-70

Pittsburgh Pirates: In centre fielder Andrew McCutchen they have possibly the best position player in the NL, and Gerrit Cole is developing into a top-echelon pitcher. Behind them are a host of solid contributors, while infielder Jung-ho Kang, signed out of the Korean league, could provide a real X-factor if he adapts to the game Stateside.

Projected finish: 87-75

Chicago Cubs: Signing Jon Lester gives them a genuine ace to front the rotation, while Miguel Montero is an understated acquisition behind the plate. The real buzz is around third base megaprospect Kris Bryant, who hit nine homers in spring games, and he’ll complement fellow young hitters Anthony Rizzo and Jorge Soler. With all these parts melded together by the new manager, the brilliantly unconventional Joe Maddon, their future starts now.

Projected finish: 84-78

Milwaukee Brewers: After a strong start the Brew Crew fell away last year, and it looks unlikely they’ll rebound in 2015. A return to MVP-calibre form from Ryan Braun would be welcomed along with another strong season from catcher Jonathan Lucroy and centre fielder Carlos Gomez, but beyond Kyle Lohse the pitching staff looks underwhelming.

Projected finish: 78-84

Cincinnati Reds: The team has talent, with former MVP Joey Votto, third baseman Todd Frazier, starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, and flamethrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman. The issue is their veterans are in decline and often injured (including Votto), and lack quality depth. The likelihood is that they will be sellers at the July trade deadline and a focus on 2016. Projected finish: 71-91

National League West

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers reloaded after last year’s disappointing Divisional round exit, focusing on tightening up the defence. Veterans Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick will be better in that regard than their predecessors and will hit too, while rookie Joc Pederson will line up in centre field next to the enigmatic Yasiel Puig. The pitching, fronted by reigning NL MVP & Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, remains strong and should benefit from those behind them.

Projected finish: 97-65

San Francisco Giants: After a championship season where many things went right, little has since. Pablo Sandoval left for Boston and they struggled to sign any free-agents of note, ultimately deciding to bring back Jake Peavy and Ryan Vogelsong. They will count on continuity, experience, and manager Bruce Bochy’s nous, and of course postseason hero Madison Bumgarner; but will be without outfielder Hunter Pence for a few weeks after his arm was broken by a pitch.

Projected finish: 84-78

San Diego Padres: After an aggressive winter they’ll have almost an entire new lineup on Opening Day. Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, and Justin Upton might be a questionable outfield defensively but along with catcher Derek Norris should provide much-needed power, especially for a team that was inept offensively last year and plays their home games in spacious Petco Park. James Shields, their main free agent signing, should benefit from that environment.

Projected finish: 83-79

Arizona Diamondbacks: After losing nearly 100 games last year there is hope for improvement in the desert. Getting a full season from Paul Goldschmidt will be a start, and how Cuban signee Yasmany Tomas progresses will be watched with interest. But they may have the worst starting pitching in the majors and without improvements there they will struggle.

Projected finish: 67-95

Colorado Rockies:  So much of their fortunes rely on Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, neither of whom can seem stay healthy for extended periods, while 20 years on they’re still seeking the answers to pitching at altitude. Their bright light looks to be third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is a candidate for a monster season.

Projected finish: 66-96

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