By Brian Borders
NL EAST
Atlanta Braves (96-66): The Braves made it loud and clear that they were the best team in the NL East this year, starting the season 12-1. The Braves seasoned ended in disappointment, and after a questionable call in the NL Wild Card game, they made sure that they would not be in that same situation this season.
What we saw: Coming into the season, the popular belief was that BJ and Justin Upton would be the biggest offseason acquisitions the Braves made. However, Chris Johnson, a throw-in in the Justin Upton trade, wound up hitting .321 and playing a lockdown third base. The Braves pitching staff was also great this season, carried by Tim Hudson in the first half, and Kris Medlen in the second.
Washington Nationals (86-76): Guess the Nats should have gone for it last year, huh? Despite perhaps the most talented roster in all of baseball, the Nats struggled to put it all together again this year. They finished the season strong, making a run at the second NL Wild Card spot, but for the majority of the season the Nats played subpar baseball.
What we saw: Yes, Bryce Harper suffered an injury during the season, and Stephen Strasburg wasn’t as dominant as last year, but the Nationals still but together a decent season. With a full array of healthy talent next years, including Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmermann, and Ian Desmond, the Nats should be back competing for the division next year.
New York Mets (74-88): Another rough year for the Mets, but at least they got to host the All-Star game. The future appears to be bright in New York, as David Wright will be there to help mentor all the young talent that the Mets have. Wright knows how to win, and his presence will only help to bolster the team.
What we saw: Matt Harvey exploded onto the scene this year. He has some of the best stuff in baseball, and with Harvey and Zack Wheeler at the top of the Mets rotation, they have a dominant 1-2 punch for years to come. David Wright continued to shine for the Mets.
Philadelphia Phillies (73-89): There was a time not too long ago when the Phillies were widely considered the best team in baseball. In the few years since then, the team has gotten older, and thus more injury prone. It was a rough year in Philadelphia in 2013, but if everyone comes back healthy, the Phillies could be much improved next year.
What we saw: Dominic Brown was a bright spot offensively. Cliff Lee had a phenomenal season in 2013, butCole Hamels had a down 2013. Hopefully, Roy Halladay will be able to come back healthy next season.
Miami Marlins (62-100): After the fire-sale of the offseason, the Marlins were expected to have a poor season. They are loaded with young talent, and hopefully it will all come together for a fan base that really deserves it.
What we saw: The Marlins have great young pitching, in Jose Fernandez, Henderson Alvarez, and Jacob Turner. As long as the Marlins don’t trade Giancarlo Stanton, the Marlins will have a good building block on offensive moving forward. If the Marlins get a lead, they also have one of baseball’s best closer in Steve Cishek.
St. Louis Cardinals (97-65): A wild card team in 2012, the Cardinals continued to improve without Albert Pujols. A very complete, all-around team that but together the best record in the National League, tying with the Red Sox for the best record in all of baseball.
What we saw: An explosive offense, which got even better in 2013 with the emergence of Matt Carpenter and Matt Adams. Allen Craig and Carlos Beltran continued to shine, while Yadier Molina had one of the best seasons in all of baseball. The pitching staff was also phenomenal, as they finished 5th in baseball statistically speaking.
Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68): Raise the Jolly Roger! It took 21 years, but one of the most talented teams in baseball finally earned its way back into the playoffs. One of the best stories in all of baseball, the Pirates earned the first NL Wild Card spot. The Pirates are loaded, and it should come as no surprise that the team has found itself in this position.
What we saw: Posting a combined ERA of 3.26, the Pirates pitching staff truly carried the team this year. They were phenomenal, including the rebirth of Francisco Liriano, and the emergence of young Jeff Locke (New Hampshire baby!). The offense, which ranked 20th in baseball, has very good talent with Andrew McCutchen , and midseason acquisition Justin Morneau.
Cincinnati Reds (90-72): The Reds are a very talented team, and they played like it for most of the season, earning the second NL Wild Card spot. The 2012 Central Division winners only got better during the offseason, as they acquired both Shin Soo Choo and Mat Latos.
What we saw: A talented offense with Shin Soo Choo, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. The pitching staff was much improved, despite the frustrations brought by Homer Bailey, perhaps the most talented Reds starter. Aroldis Chapman , the flame throwing closer, continued to shine in that role during the 2013 season.
Milwaukee Brewers (74-88): There was some optimism for the Brewers coming into the season, but first Ryan Braun was injured, and then suspended for the final 61 games of the season. With Braun back in 2014, the Brewers could be better, but they seem to have a lack of talent.
What we saw: Finally, after much waiting, Carlos Gomez emerged into the fantastic all-around player that many people expected him to be. The Brewers put together a strong season pitching the baseball, as Yovani Gallardo improved throughout the season.
Chicago Cubs (66-96): It’s going to take time, but eventually the Chicago Cubs will get there. Cubs’ fans have to trust Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, and know that they have an incredible farm system, which will eventually translate into major league talent.
What we saw: Despite Starlin Castro regressing, and Matt Garza being traded, the Cubs young talent still showed promise. Junior Lake emerged, and seemed to lock down an outfield spot in the coming seasons. Edwin Jackson, a big money signee, was disappointing, but with a better offensive production, he should be the ace of this team.
Los Angeles Dodgers (92-70): Remember when the Dodgers were 30-42 in last place, and manager Don Mattingly was coming under fire? Yeah, me neither. As soon as Hanley Ramirez came off the DL, and Yasiel Puig arrived on the scene, the Dodgers ripped off a 37-8 stretch which helped them easily run away with a weak NL West.
What we saw: Surprisingly the Dodgers only scored 649 runs, and finished 17th in total offense. But when you have Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, plus a dominant bullpen, you don’t really need to score that many runs to win a game. The Dodgers were led offensively by Puig, Ramirez, and Adrian Gonzalez. If Matt Kemp had played an entire season, the Dodgers would have been ever more dangerous.
Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81): For a while, it looked like the Diamondbacks might actually win the NL West. The Diamondbacks knew what they were doing in trading Justin Upton, freeing up Paul Goldschmidt to become one of the best players in baseball. It was a solid overall season for a team that finished with the same record as last season.
What we saw: The aforementioned Goldschmidt has a phenomenal season, and solidly put himself in the MVP conversation. The D-backs featured a middle of the back offense, which should improve next season, as young star Didi Gregorius has a full season under his belt. Arizona was had a solid pitching staff, led by Patrick Corbin and Wade Miley. The team should be even better next season with Daniel Hudson returning to the rotation.
San Francisco Giants (76-86): The defending World Champions struggled to remain consistent this season, as they ranked in the bottom half of baseball in both hitting, and surprisingly pitching. The Giants looked like a solid team coming into the season, and were certainly expected to contend in a weak NL West.
What we saw: Matt Cain wasn’t the same in 2013, and Tim Lincecum’s fall from Cy Young caliber continued during the season. There were flashes of brilliance from both pitchers, but as has been the recent problem in San Francisco, there simply wasn’t enough offense to go around. Although Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey and Hunter Pence were good, there isn’t enough depth in the Giants lineup.
San Diego Padres (76-86): It was expected that the Padres would again struggle this season, and that is exactly what happened. The Padres have the sixth best farm system according to ESPN’s Keith Law, which is a good sign for a struggling franchise. Let’s hope the Padres can turn it around it the coming seasons.
What we saw: The Padres weren’t very good at much of anything this season, as they struggled to hit in the enormous PETCO Park. Surprisingly, the stadium didn’t helping the pitching very much, as they finished ranked 20th overall. The Padres last had a winning season in 2010, but that could be changing shortly, as their prospects get more and more major league ready.
Colorado Rockies (74-88): What a career for Todd Helton! It’ll certainly be weird to see someone else consistently penciled in at first base in Colorado. Nonetheless, the Rockies were a team that suffered big time injuries, as Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki missed a combined 88 games. The Rockies faded late in the season, but they do have good young talent that shows promise for the future.
What we saw: A depleted offense, coupled with a horrendous pitching staff is not a good way to try and win baseball games. The Rockies seemingly lack talent in the pitching rotation, and until Jonathan Gray, their first round draft pick, appears on the scene, the team will be looking for an ace.
AWARD PICKS
MVP – Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates (.317, 21 HR, 84 RBI) à 27 steals
Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (16-9, 1.83 ERA, 232 K) à 236 innings
Almost too close to call, but for now I’ll go with McCutchen because he carried the Pirates
Cy Young – Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (16-9, 1.83 ERA, 232 K)
Rookie of the Year – Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins (12-6, 2.19 ERA, 187 K)
Manager of the Year – Clint Hurdle, Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68) à team went 79-83 in 2012
Third Floor Crew 