The National League produced the World Series Champion last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, but this season looks to be somewhat of a down year for the National League. Let's look at it division by division:
NL East
The NL East will be the strongest division this season with the Phillies and Mets being the favorites to win it. Sports Illustrated has the Mets as their World Series Champ but I wouldn't go that far. The Phillies win this division in another tight division race, with the Mets snatching that Wild Card.
The Phillies are just too balanced in every phase of the game, starting with their lights-out pitching that includes starting pitcher Cole Hamels and arguably the best closer in Brad Lidge.
NL Central
Perhaps one of the strongest divisions in recent year, a dropoff is expected for the NL Central in 2009. The Cubs continued the curse by getting swept by the Dodgers. Will this season break the curse? Highly unlikely. They may win their division if they can beat out the Brewers, but once the playoffs start, I don't see them doing any damage. Some may be wondering where the Cardinals are in this preview. The Cardinals will be non-factors this season, limping to a 70-75 win season. Sorry Cards fans.
The Cubs win the division by a few games over the Brewers only to continue the curse by losing in the first round.
NL West
The NL West may end up being the most lopsided division in all of baseball when 2009 comes to a close. With Manny Ramirez returning to the Dodgers, this team has the potential to win 90 games and completely dominate this division. It may be close early, but the season is 162 games, so be patient. Dodgers win this division by 10 games, and this division once again is mediocre.
NL Division Winners: Dodgers, Phillies, Cubs
NL Wild Card: Mets
NL Champ: Phillies
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