The
Giants have won two of the last three World Series but they wouldn’t have made
it that far last year if it wasn’t for their comeback from a 3-1 series deficit
in the NLCS. The Cardinals, who came out on the wrong side of that series, will
be looking to replicate their 2011 success which led to a World Series title.
Meanwhile the Reds, equipped with a healthy Joey Votto, will look to build on
their 97-win 2012 campaign. However, none of these teams landed the top spot on
this year’s pre-season power rankings.
1. Washington Nationals
The
Lowdown: When last we left the Nats, they were in shock after blowing a
six-run lead to the Cardinals in the divisional series. However, Nationals
faithful need not worry; General Manager Mike Rizzo has put together a squad as
capable of winning a title as any in the league.
Offense:
The Nationals had a better offense in 2012 than most realize, finishing 10th
in runs scored. Denard Span was added in free agency while Bryce Harper will
benefit from a year of experience under his belt. Meanwhile Ryan
Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche, Ian Desmond and
Jayson Werth make round out one of baseball’s quietly greatest lineups.
Pitching:
Steven Strasburg for a full season, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, Dan Haren
and Ross Detwiler as a starting rotation. Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen and
Rafael Soriano in the Bullpen. The names speak for themselves. The Nationals
have the best pitching in baseball.
The
Outlook: The Nats should easily win the East and will likely have the best
record in the National league for a second consecutive year. Look for them to
win 95+ games and contend for their first World Series.
2. San Francisco Giants
The
Lowdown: The Giants are looking to become the first time in 13 years to win
three World Series titles in four seasons. They’re ascent into dynasty status
will be dependent on the offense, which cost them a trip to the playoffs in
2011.
Offense:
The 2012 season was a quality bounce back for what was an abysmal offense the
year before. The continued presence of Buster Posey-reigning NL MVP and the
league’s best hitting catcher-should be as impactful as any player in the
league. It’s tough to know what you’re getting from Pablo Sandoval but if he’s
able to play at the level he’s capable of, him and Posey should be a formidable
duo. The Giants should also see solid contributions from Angel Pagan, Marco
Scutaro and Hunter Pence.
Pitching:
A quality pitching staff has become a staple of the Giants organization. Matt
Cain and Madison Bumgarner provide the game’s best one-two punch while Ryan
Vogelsong is a very capable third starter. The only question mark on this staff
is former Cy Yong winner Tim Lincecum. He’ll be looking to bounce back from a
disastrous 2012 that saw him post the worst numbers of his career.
The
Outlook: The Giants are capable of taking home the World Series title yet
again. Look for them to accumulate 95 wins and earn another division title.
3. Cincinnati Reds
The
Lowdown: The Reds overcame Votto’s summer knee issues through the surprise
play of rookie Todd Frazier and stellar pitching. The Reds will try to earn
their third NL Central crown in four years with the possible benefit of a full
season from Votto; one of the game’s best hitters.
Offense:
Votto’s increased playing time should be a major boost to what was a mediocre
offense last season. The addition of Sin Soo Choo should be an upgrade while
Frazier and Jay Bruce should continue to see improvement.
Pitching:
The Reds allowed the second-least runs in the MLB last year but they could
be due for some regression. Cy Young candidate Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos
appear to be a very good top two. But the three-four-five combo of Homer
Bailey, Mike Leake and Bronson Arroyo could be a concern. All three pitched
very well last year but have struggled as recently as 2011.
The
Outlook: The Reds are good enough to win the Central again this year. Their
dual aces and litany of power hitters provide some hope for a playoff run.
Don’t be surprised to see the Reds playing deep into October.
4. St. Louis Cardinals
The
Lowdown: The Cardinals looked primed for a second consecutive championship
before they blew a 3-1 series lead to the Giants. They bring back nearly
everyone for year two of the post-Pujols era, looking to bring a 12th
World Series trophy to St. Louis.
Offense:
While the offense has all the potential to be a top unit, there are legimate concerns
about nearly everyone in the lineup. Allen Craig and David Freese aren’t
totally proven yet. Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday are getting up there in
age. Yadier Molina should be due for some negative regression after a stellar
2012.
Pitching:
The Cards let Kyle Lohse walk instead of seeing if he could replicate his 2012
success. That’s a good move considering the depth they possess at starting
pitcher. Adam Wainwright, Jaime Garcia, Lance Lynn and Jake Westbrook make up a
fantastic quartet. Pitching will not be an issue this year in St. Louis.
The
Outlook: While the Reds are favorites to win the Central this year, the
Cardinals should give them a good race. Expect the Red Birds to at least grab a
Wild-Card spot. Then, October is where they do their real damage.
5. Atlanta Braves
The
Lowdown: All-time great Chipper Jones’s career ended in disappointment
amidst a rain of garbage last year as they fell to St. Louis in a one-game
playoff. The Braves made a lot of noise this offseason as they lost a few
starters (Jones, Michael Bourn) and gained a couple others (Justin Upton, BJ
Upton).
Offense:
This lineup doesn’t have the clout of the top four teams but there’s some real
talent here. Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Justin Upton are young up and comers
while BJ Upton and Brian McCann (when he returns) should provide consistent production.
This offense should be able to make up for the losses of Jones and Bourn but
may not be a top-10 unit.
Pitching:
The staff is led by wily veterans Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm but the fate of
the unit may rely on the development of Kris Medlen. If he can replicate last
year’s results, this will be one of the league’s most formidable trios. Meanwhile
the bullpen is solid, anchored by closer Craig Kimbrel.
The
Outlook: If the young guns are able to continue developing, the Braves
should be able to grab a wild card spot.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers
The
Lowdown: The Dodgers spent themselves into contender status in the past few
months. But all the major moves have masked the major shortcomings on this
team. Unless they’re able to make even more moves, this team will have some
major holes.
Offense:
For all the moves they’ve made in the past few months, the lineup still isn’t
really above average. Luis Cruz, Dee Gordon, A.J. Ellis and Skip Schumaker
should all see opening-day action. The big bats, Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley
Ramirez, aren’t the hitters they used to be and Carl Crawford will likely start
the year on the DL (not that he matters).
Much like the last few years, the offense will rely on the health of
Matt Kemp and Andre Eithier.
Pitching:
Zach Greinke will likely avoid starting the year on the DL. But any type of
injury trouble for the former Cy Young winner should strike fear in the hearts
of Dodgers faithful after the team committed nine figures to him this winter.
Then, of course, there’s no reason Clayton Kershaw won’t continue to post CyYoung-worthy
seasons. The rest of the staff is deep
but full of question marks. Does Josh Beckett have anything left in the tank?
How will Hyun-Jin Ryu fair in the MLB? Is Chris Capuano really still around?
The
Outlook: As it stands, the Dodgers are a walking albatross. Ramirez,
Gonzalez, Beckett, Crawford and Greinke make far more than they’re worth. With
a nearly-unlimited budget, this may not matter. However, this doesn’t make the
Dodgers any more of a complete team. Unless they pull off some deadline magic,
they’ll be on the outside looking in come October.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
The
Lowdown: The D’Backs fell on hard times last year after a surprise 2011
campaign. They struggled in one-run games and were one of the most unlucky
teams in baseball. However the team parted with some key young players in the
offseason which will hurt their 2013 chances.
Offense:
Obviously the Diamondbacks are
without their best offensive player from 2012 after the Upton trade. But there’s
a lot of quiet talent of this offense. Paul Goldschmidt, Jason Kubel and Miguel
Montero make up the most underrated trio in the league. This offense will be
better than most expect, especially with the acquisitions of Cliff Pennington
and Cody Ross.
Pitching:
Top prospect/Golden child Trevor Bauer was inexplicably traded in the offseason,
but the staff should survive with depth and experience. Trevor Cahill, Ian
Kennedy, Wade Miley and Brandon McCarthy are young, underrated and provide a
solid quartet.
The
Outlook: If everything breaks right, the D’ Backs will make the playoffs.
However, the most likely scenario sees them finishing just outside the playoff
picture for a second year in a row.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates
The
Lowdown: The Pirates led the central division until mid-July last year
before totally collapsing and finishing with a losing record for the 20th
consecutive season. They remained most quiet in the offseason.
Offense:
After a historically slow start, the offense performed decently well for the
second half of the season. Andrew McCutchen is one of the league’s best while
Neil Walker, Garrett Jones, Pedro Alvarez and Russell Martin provide some pop
in an otherwise below-average lineup.
Pitching:
The fate of the 2013 season lies with the pitching staff. At first glance,
this starting five looks excellent. That is, until you start to break down the
concerns. James McDonald is prone to incredible stretches, but has never had a
full, quality season. AJ Burnett is now 36 and there has to be some concern
that last year was a mirage. After that Jeff Karstens, Wandy Rodriguez and
Jonathan Sanchez round out a good but not great staff.
The
Outlook: The Pirates will struggle to compete with the Reds and the Cardinals but will avoid their 21st consecutive losing season.
9. Philadelphia Phillies
The
Lowdown: The Phillies learned the hard way last year that not everyone can receive a major long-term
deal. The team struggled through injuries to finish .500 and out of the
playoffs for the first time in six years.
Offense:
Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley aren’t getting any younger. Both
Howard and Utley missed huge chunks last year and neither are the players they
once were. New addition Michael Young was terrible for Texas last season and
likely won’t make much of a positive impact for the Phils. In fact, there’s a
good chance that Ben Revere, acquired from Minnesota, will be the most valuable
hitter in the lineup.
Pitching:
After one year of performing well together, the Phillies dream team of
pitching was totally average last year. Roy Halladay missed nearly the entire
year with an injury and early reports out of Spring Training say the 35-year
old has lost some speed on his fast ball. Cliff Lee wasn’t as bad as his win
total indicated last season but he isn’t a Cy Young type anymore either. Meanwhile
Kyle Kendrick and John Lannan aren’t sure things at the four and five spot. Cole
Hamels is still one of the league’s best but there’s nothing but question marks
behind him.
The
Outlook: The best case scenario is Lee and Halladay have bounce back seasons,
Kendrick and Lannan perform well and the infield hits well and stays healthy as
the Phillies earn a wild card spot as a last hurrah of this era. But, the most
likely scenario involves them struggling to stay healthy and missing the
playoffs for the second consecutive year as they struggle to figure out what to
do with an abundance of bad contracts.
So that’s that for the National League.
Those are the nine teams with any sort of chance at representing the NL in the
World Series. In the coming days we’ll have the same for the American league.
Stay Hungry, My Friends.
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