by Scott Rickenbach
Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023NL East Division Preview for MLB 2023
Atlanta Braves – Looking very strong again and already their division title possibilities increased with Mets losing closer Edwin Diaz to injury and Phillies losing star first basemen Rhys Hoskins to injury. The Braves have great pitching including Strider and Fried and Wright as starters and a superb bullpen. Very solid lineup too and just such a solid organization from top to bottom and some extra motivation coming into this season after last season’s surprising post-season exit.
Miami Marlins – Couple of good starting pitchers but weak lineup and a bullpen that I really can’t trust. The lineup is the biggest concern again in Miami. They do have some great starting pitching and that is what allows them to be as competitive as they are but only a very bad Washington team is insuring they stay out of the basement in this division this year.
New York Mets – Tough loss with top reliever Edwin Diaz lost to a season-ending injury. But still this team was already strong and then made some huge offseason acquisitions. You still have to like the Mets chances of challenging the Braves for the top spot in the division. Other bullpen arms can step up and this New York team was different was Showalter was brought in. Can aging arms in the rotation hold u? Definitely a very dangerous lineup that opposing team do not relish facing.
Philadelphia Phillies – Another team dealing with a tough injury loss with star first baseman Rhys Hoskins lost to a season-ending injury. The fact Phillies made it to World Series last year was no fluke. However, Bryce Harper also going to miss time to start the season. This Phillies team could struggle until Harper comes back but at least Trea Turner is a huge addition to the lineup. Still plenty of pop on this team and really like the speed of Turner at the top of the lineup also. Plus solid rotation and strong bullpen here in Philly. Definitely should be an intriguing battle between the Phillies, Mets, and Braves for the top spot in the division.
Washington Nationals – Going to be a long season in DC. The Nationals have fallen dramatically in the last 3 seasons and have question marks everywhere. Starting pitching, bullpen, lineup, all have concerns. The rebuild is on in DC. They have added some young arms to the pitching staff and look to build for the future but this season when you look at what they have and this rebuilt lineup, this looks like a team that is going to again lose the majority of its games. Will look to fade this team often with run line plays or when we get solid money line value.
