Andy Capwell’s 2014 Baseball Predictions: National League

The baseball season is here! I love baseball, in fact, I plan my summer vacation around going to Fenway Park to catch the Red Sox. I also have been known to make a trip or two to Hadlock Field to watch the Portland Sea Dogs! It's always fun to try and predict which teams will make it to the post season.National League:

East:
1. Washington Nationals: I love the pitching. They also have a good core on offense with Harper and Zimmerman.
2. Atlanta Braves: The pitching took a hit with injuries and they lost all-star catcher Brian McCann to free agency. They still have plenty of young bats and young arms. The NL East is a weak division and they could get a wild card spot.
3. New York Mets: I think the Mets are headed in the right direction. Their minor league system has a lot of blue chip players and they are going to boost the lineup in the next season or two.
4. Miami Marlins: Good young arms and young all over the place. The team will play home games with few fans in the stands.
5. Philadelphia Phillies: This team have aged quickly. Just a few years ago they were at the top of the division and now the older players have dragged the team down.

Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals: The team just keeps winning. They have plenty of pitching, both starting and relief.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates: A young, exciting lineup with improving pitching. The Pirates are improving year after year.
3. Cincinnati Reds: Close to winning the division. Maybe a pitcher or two away.
4. Milwaukee Brewers: Good pieces on offense, thin on pitching.
5. Chicago Cubs: Theo is still a few years away from getting the Cubs back from contention.

West:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: They have the best pitcher in baseball with Clayton Kershaw. Solid pitching staff and good bats. The health of Matt Kemp is key.
2. San Francisco Giants: Plenty of pitching, struggling with their bats.
3. San Diego Padres: Improving. Need another pitcher or two.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks: Exciting offense, thin of pitching, especially with the loss of Corbin.
5. Colorado Rockies: Not horrible, just playing in a tough division.

I like the Dodgers and Nationals in the NLCS with the Dodgers going to the World Series.

Tomorrow my American League predictions!