NL East Contenders

This year, the NL East certainly appears to be the most competitive and intriguing division in all of the Majors. Four of the five teams can consider themselves at least marginally improved. Those being the Phillies, Marlins, Nationals, and Braves. Whether the improvements have been made through free agency, like the Phillies and Marlins, or trades, the Nationals, or the maturation process of young players, the Braves.

Phillies
With the acquisition of Jonathan Paplebon and a much improved bench, the Phils look to be the favorites for the season. Health is absolutely the key, slugger Ryan Howard blew out his Achilles tendon in the playoffs last year and is expected to be until June or July. Chase Utley's knees are failing, and his career may be in question. The rotation is and has been the focal point for the team. The three aces they can trot out could give them an early 3-0 lead in any playoff series. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hammels are as good as it gets at the top of any rotation. The 'pen is an interesting avenue. Paplebon is among the best in the game at the closer position. But after him, there remains question marks. Antonio Bastardo had a very effective year last year along with a few other. The problem lies with the hopes that the career years by many weren't just flashes in the pan. They will make the playoffs and contend for the division.

The Marlins
Perhaps the busiest offseason in the game, with a new manager, Ozzie Guillen, a new closer, Heath Bell, a new shortstop, Jose Reyes, and two new starting pitchers, Mark Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano. The key question with this group is the how all these HUGE personalities will mesh together. If the Skipper is one of the most outspoken people in the game, how will he expect his club to shut up and play ball? With the arrival of Reyes, Hanley Ramirez will be bumped to third base. His reaction wasn't exactly one of happiness, but more of bitterness. His attitude will influence his performance. With all-star closer Heath Bell, the back end of bullpen shouldn't be much of a concern, but depth with in the pen is. Ace Josh Johnson is coming off shoulder surgery which is always a huge worry with pitchers. A return to his previous form, all-star and Cy Young quality, isn't unprecedented, just pretty rare. If he has that return, this club may very well challenge for the league pennant.

The Nationals
Also a pretty busy offseason for the Nats. Gio Gonzales was acquired from the A's. Paired with Steven Stasburg and Jordan Zimmerman, they will rival the Phillies' top three at some point in the very near future. Edwin Jackson was added in free agency solidifying the top four. The bullpen is headed by closer Drew Storen, famously drafted 9 picks after Steven Strasburg in '09, set-up man Tyler Clipperard, an all-star last year, and new comer Brad Lidge. With Lidge's guidance the continued growth of Storen should persist. The bullpen is very deep, flame throwing righty Henry Rodriguez, converted starter Tom Gorzelanny, and lefty Sean Burnett will all be called on from time to time to batten down the hatches for a victory. Health was the major issue last year, along with strike outs, both of which skipper Davy Johnson looks to rectify. A bounce back year from the Bearded Warrior, Jayson Werth, and full seasons from Strasburg, 3rd baseman Ryan Zimmerman, and 1st baseman Adam LaRoche would definitely lead the Nats to the promised land of the playoffs. The only problem is centerfield/leadoff. Bryce Harper will settle into the CF position and hopefully shortstop Ian Desmond will hold down the leadoff spot thus rendering the problem solved. If everyone preforms to their abilities, the Nationals will contend for the division or one of the now two wild card spots.

The Braves
Not many moves of note for them this past year. They have been pretty adamant about using homegrown talent over the past few years. LF Jason Heyward in 2010, 1B Freddie Freeman last year, and either Tyler Pastornicky or Andrelton Simmons will take on the shortstop position this year. The suits want Pastornicky to start, but with the spring Simmons has had, the coaches believe he has won the job. A possible, however unlikely, conflict may ensue. Chipper Jones is coming off a knee injury last year and is 38. His bat hasn't seemed to slow down too much although his defensive range has diminished. The future hall of famer has said this will be his last year. The pitching for this club will never be an issue. They are so deep in starting pitching, it makes every club in the majors sick with envy. Anchored in the 'pen by closer Craig Kimball and lefty set-up man Jonny Venters, the starters don't even have to go a full seven innings to solidify a victory. Defense is pretty good, with some small weak points. The determent will fall on the bats. With the J Hey kid's sophomore struggles last year, its imperative that he bounces back. Chipper, perhaps the greatest switch hitter of a generation, will need to remain healthy, along with catcher Brain McCann for the offense to be anything more than anemic. They are contenders for a wild card spot, it just seems doubtful the Braves will contend for the division crown.