The Washington Nationals are looking like the cream of the crop in the weak National League East for 2015, as they’ve been predicted to win around 94 games. Where do some of the other NL East teams’ over/unders lay for their win totals?
Atlanta Braves: Over 71.5 -120/Under 71.5 -110
No team has had more of an alarming fall than the Atlanta Braves. The Braves went into a free fall in 2014 in which they finished with just 79 wins after posting 96 wins in 2014. Worse yet, the bottom is yet to be reached. Atlanta has in essence put up the white flag for 2015, and will instead concentrate on a two-year rebuild under new team president John Hart. The Braves will build towards the 2017 season when they move into a new stadium. The Braves will continue to have solid pitching, but their atrocious offense may be even worse in 2015. The Braves are now without outfielders Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, and catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis. The departures of pitchers Ervin Santana, Aaron Harang, and Kris Medlen deplete a good staff of depth. Everybody is down on the Braves and should be. But we’ll make a contrarian move against the public and call for OVER 71.5 wins.
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Miami Marlins: Over 82.5 -107/Under 82.5 -113
Don’t look now, but the Miami Marlins are getting some love as one of the more improved teams in the NL. The Marlins boast an outfield that is touted as potentially one of the best in the game. Giancarlo Stanton signed a whopping $325 million deal to demonstrate that the much-maligned Miami ownership is indeed trying to build a winner. Miami did improve from 62 wins in 2013 to 77 wins last year, but there is a considerable lack of depth to match the hype. New arrivals such as third baseman Martin Prado, right hander David Phelps, second baseman Dee Gordon, right hander Dan Haren, shortstop Miguel Rojas, and right hander Mat Latos have made the Marlins attractive to many. But to us, Miami is an unproven reach. UNDER 82.5 wins is the call.
New York Mets: Over 82.5 -112/Under 82.5 -108
It has been six miserable years of sub-.500 baseball for the New York Mets, who have made the playoffs just once (2005) since losing the 2000 World Series. The Mets are the beneficiary of playing in a weakened NL East in which their pitching staff is looking to be second only to the Washington Nationals. Rookie of the year Jacob deGrom leads the rotation. Hopes are high that Matt Harvey can return successful from Tommy John surgery and that Fireballer Zack Wheeler can develop more consistency. Third baseman David Wright will be counted on to regain his former productive form, after recovery from a shoulder injury that caused his production to far fall below his career numbers. Again, we don’t buy into hype here, and the Mets are another reach. There is not enough depth or proven pop in the lineup. UNDER 82.5 wins is the call.
Philadelphia Phillies: Over 68.5 -105/Under 68.5 -125
Manager Ryne Sandberg inherited an empty cupboard full of rotten perishables that had gone far beyond their expiration date. The Phillies are coming off back to back 73-89 seasons, and there is little here to inspire confidence for improvement in 2015. In fact, this season is shaping up as Armageddon. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins was shipped to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguers and outfielder Marlin Byrd was sent to the Cincinnati Reds for a minor leaguer as well. The fact that retired outfielder Jeff Francoeur was signed is the ultimate testament to Philadelphia’s pathetic state. The Phillies may not be done dismantling as they are shopping right hander Jonathan Papelbon, left hander Cole Hamels, and first baseman Ryan Howard. Sandberg had better teams as manager of the Iowa Cubs. A 100-loss season beckons. UNDER 68.5 wins is the call.
Washington Nationals: Over 94 -125/Under 94 -105
The Nats made a huge splash with the signing of Detroit Tigers right hand ace Max Scherzer. Bryce Harper showed signs of developing into a NL MVP last year. Harper tore it up in the National League playoffs last year with a .882 slugging percentage and three home runs. At the age of 22, Harper has nothing but upside. The Nats will benefit from a weak NL East that is theirs to lose. The bullpen remains a concern about post season success but the starting rotation rates as truly elite and dominant. With the imbalanced schedule, a 100-win season is likely. OVER 94 wins is the call.
