2008 Predictions

Well, we still have nine days until pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, but it looks like there are already some early predictions out there.

In this new column, I’ll be recording and updating projections from writers and analysts regarding team standings, individual stats, and so on. I’m sure this will be updated much more frequently as soon as Baseball Tonight slides back into its regular spring/summer time slot.

Today, we have MLB.com reporter Jim Molony taking a stab at the NL East. He projects the final standings to be:

1. Phillies
2. Mets
3. Braves
4. Nationals
5. Marlins

He notes that players’ health is imperative in the Phillies repeating as division champs and reiterates the Mets' need for Pedro Martinez to return to his old self, otherwise the Santana acquisition won't have as much punch as it would if there was a very solid #2 right behind him.

I'll be keeping an eye out for the opinions and predictions of ESPN's baseball crew. Let's have fun with this and see how often the professionals go back on their word.