Breaking Down the 2011 MLB Season- Part 4 NL East

Today I continue my detailed breakdown of the upcoming baseball season by moving to the National League. Now before you dismiss the National League as the lesser league that can't even win an All Star Game (except last year of course), let me point out that the National League yielded two of the last three World Series winners. It's very possible that this year could also see a team from the senior circuit hoisting a World Series trophy at season's end. Anyway, here's part 1 for the NL, predicting where teams will finish in the NL East.

The Phillies starting rotation will awe, dominate, and quite possibly bring a title back to Philly.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

OFFENSE- B-

Once one of the Phillies greatest strengths, it took a major blow with the losses of Jayson Werth (to free agency) and Chase Utley (injury, return date uncertain). Howard will continue to crush the ball, but unless Victorino and Rollins can post better OBP's, it might not matter.

STARTING PITCHING- A++

The Phillies have one of the best starting rotations the game of baseball has ever seen. Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels all have ace potential, and will carry this team into the playoffs. If the offense can make a decent contribution look for the Phillies to go all the way this year.

BULLPEN- B

After a horrible 2009 season, Brad Lidge was able to reestablish himself as a valuable closer. With a repeat effort, he and Ryan Madson should head an effective bullpen.

2. Atlanta Braves

OFFENSE- B

McCann, Heyward, and new arrival Dan Uggla are all elite offensive players. However, the rest of the offense is comprised of uncertain veterans (Chipper Jones, Alex Gonzalez) and developing youngsters (Freddie Freeman). If all the pieces come together, this offense could be very good and help the Braves contend for the NL Wild Card.

STARTING PITCHING- B+

Atlanta's rotation might lack the flare and dominance of the Phillies' starters, but it nevertheless is a solid unit that will get the job done. Tim Hudson won 17 games last year, and Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hunters are talented youngsters. If Derek Lowe can rebound from recent struggles, the rotation will receive a huge boost.

BULLPEN- B-

Atlanta's bullpen is full of youth and potential; however, handing the reigns of closer to an unestablished young player (Craig Kimbrel) is always risky. The setup men (Venters and Moylan) look solid, so the success of the bullpen will ultimately depend entirely on Kimbrel's development.

3. Florida Marlins

OFFENSE- C+

Hanley Ramirez is one of the best offensive players in the game, second only to maybe Pujols. However, most of the team's other hitters (Omar Infante, John Buck, Gaby Sanchez) are contributing players at best. This team needs Mike Stanton to develop quickly if they're going to score enough runs to win ball games and even have an outside chance at a playoff spot.

STARTING ROTATION- B-

Josh Johnson is an ace when he's healthy. However, in order to really have a successful rotation, the Marlins will need Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez and newcomer Javier Vazquez to pitch to their potential.

BULLPEN- C-

Closer Leo Nunez is decent but does little to inspire confidence in the fans. Clay Hensley and Ryan Raburn were both effective in relief last year.

4. NY Mets

OFFENSE- B-

Angel Pagan is largely underrated as a leadoff man, and Wright and Reyes are superstars. If Carlos Beltran and Jason Bay can stay healthy and out of slumps, this offense will be very good. Right now, however, there are simply too many uncertainties.

STARTING ROTATION- C-

The injury to ace Johan Santana hurts a lot. Guys like Mike Pelfrey and R.A. Dickey can keep the Mets in games, but their rotation completely lacks elite star power. Look for the new additions of veterans Chris Young and Chris Capuano to fight to reestablish themselves as legitimate starters in New York.

BULLPEN- B+

Francisco Rodriguez, despite beginning to experience some decline, still has top 5 closer potential. The loss of lefty specialist Pedro Feliciano will hurt, but Manny Accosta and Bobby Parnell should succeed in the Mets bullpen.

5. Washington Nationals

OFFENSE- B-

There is reason for Nats fans to have hope here. Newcomer Jayson Werth, coupled with Adam LaRoche and Ryan Zimmerman, will drive in more than enough runs to keep the fans happy. This is far from a playoff team, but they have both the talented base and promising youngsters (like Byrce Harper and Stephen Strausberg) to give fans hope for the future.

STARTING PITCHING- D

Unfortunately, this team is still the Nationals, and the praise must stop with the offense. Every single one of their starters, with the possible exception of "ace" Livan Hernedez, will struggle to post an ERA below 4.

BULLPEN- D+

Drew Storen is largely an unknown at closer, and despite limited success by Tyler Clippard and Sean Burnett, this unit be a question mark.