Since I am partial to the East, I figured we’d start with them both. You may be asking, “Why not be partial to the west, since you’re the west coast fan?”. Well truth is I’m a transplant, and though I enjoy watching the A’s, Giants, Dodgers and Angels. I can’t deny that my first two loves are on the eastern seaboard. You can try and guess which two teams I grew up watching (hints: 1 is AL, 1 is NL. One of the teams have recently relocated).
National League East:
Atlanta Braves:
- What went right in 2007: Despite having one of the worst cleanup hitter in baseball, this team actually still contended for the divisional crown.
- What went wrong in 2007: They didn’t win the AL East for like the 8 millionth time.
- What they need to do in 2008: Not bring back Tom Glavine, seriously what’s he like? 65? I could hit one off him…
- Outlook: Since the two teams above them are known choke artists, I think it is safe to say the Braves are always the favorite to win the NL East.
Florida Marlins:
- What went right in 2007: Hanley Ramirez realized his ridiculous potential and became the feel good mid-round draft pick of the fantasy season.
- What went wrong in 2007: They finished last in the NL East, and then traded away arguably their best player (Miguel Cabrera).
- What they need to do in 2008: Fill their stadium, JUST ONCE!
- Outlook: When you start out at the bottom the only way is up, or at least even keel. I wouldn’t be expecting too much from the team whose stadium is named after a brand of Orange Juice (and hotel in vegas).
New York Mets:
- What went right in 2007: They kicked the crap out of the NL and looked like the first NL team in awhile that could actually beat the AL!
- What went wrong in 2007: THEY CHOOOOOOOOOOOOOKED!! Worse than Jenna Jameson when she doesn’t get tapped on the head first (that’s important).
- What they need to do in 2008: Bring in more expectations of grandeur (Johan) so that when they once again blow it, they can twist that knife deeper into the hearts of Mets fans around the world.
- Outlook: All systems go, until September, then I’ll have the hankies ready.
Philadelphia Phillies:
- What went right in 2007: They made the post season!
- What went wrong in 2007: They didn’t make it far in the post season!
- What they need to do in 2008: Stop talking trash in Spring Training! Seriously Jimmy Rollins, just shut up!
- Outlook: With Philidelphia Free-swinging Ryan Howard cutting down to 3 chicks a night during Spring Training (from as many as 5-6 last season) the Phillies will be ready “come” April.
Washington Nationals:
- What went right in 2007: They didn’t finish dead last in the division and they got a snazzy new stadium.
- What went wrong in 2007: Gave up home run 756 to Bonds, had 11 different starting pitchers, played in the biggest dump of a stadium EVER!
- What they need to do in 2008: Being NY Mets lite (or young) is not a bad way to go. After getting Willy Mo Pena for a Cheeseburger and lap dance they had money to blow on ex-Mets Lastinsg Milledge and Paul LoDuca.
- Outlook: Don’t they know the phrase: If it ain’t Met, don’t fix it!
Next: The AL/NL Central, where good baseball comes to die and cheaters like Miguel Tejada and Roger Clemens come to hide.
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