2013 MLB Picks and Predictions: Updated National League Division Favorites

2013 MLB Picks and Predictions – Updated National League Division Favorites: While picking the winners of each division in the majors prior to the start of the season is often the most-popular and profitable method, there is nothing wrong with waiting until the season is a couple of months old to pick the division winners. After all, there is no substitute for the knowledge that comes with seeing teams in action during the regular season. Not to mention the fact that some preseason favorites will inevitably suffer devastating injuries. With the 2013 MLB season more than 60 games old, now is the perfect time to revisit each division and predict which teams will come out on top. On that note, here is a closer look at the frontrunners for each division in the National League.

NL East: Atlanta Braves

Atlanta is running away with the NL East, and the Braves’ formula for winning is simple. They are currently second in the majors in ERA and first in WHIP, and they back up their stellar pitching with an offense that ranks second in home runs. Offseason acquisition Justin Upton has been a major upgrade to the middle of the lineup, and first baseman Freddie Freeman is blossoming into a star. Meanwhile, rookie Evan Gattis’ production has been a pleasant surprise. Throw in the deep rotation that currently has four starters with ERAs in the mid-3s or lower and flame throwing closer Craig Kimbrel, and it is no wonder Atlanta has been so successful. More importantly, preseason division favorite Washington has been abysmal on offense, and injuries to star hitter Bryce Harper and star pitcher Stephen Strasburg along with the possible suspension of fellow ace Gio Gonzalez seem likely to keep the Nationals underachieving the rest of the way. The Braves are in the driver’s seat in this division.

NL Central: Cincinnati Reds

While the St. Louis Cardinals have the best record in baseball and are currently leading the Central Division, Cincinnati is lurking just 3.0 games back despite missing ace Johnny Cueto for much of the year to go along with an injury to Ryan Ludwick and slow starts from sluggers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Even with the less-than-ideal start, the Reds still rank ninth in the majors in runs scored, fourth in ERA and second in WHIP. Granted, St. Louis currently leads the majors in ERA, but the Cardinals have been getting incredible performances from a lot of young pitchers like Shelby Miller and Lance Lynn. More often than not, young pitchers tend to wear down over the course of the year, and the Reds only stand to get healthier both on the mound and at the plate. I expect both teams to make the playoffs, but look for Cincinnati to run down the Cardinals over the long haul and claim its second straight Central Division crown.

NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks

Although Arizona’s 2.5-game lead in the NL West isn’t huge by any means, the Diamondbacks are looking more and more like the contender in the division with the fewest flaws. The Dodgers and their bloated payroll are once again a mess, the Rockies are on offensive juggernaut but have suspect pitching, even the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants don’t look great. Granted, it’s nothing new to see the Giants struggle on offense, but their normally stellar pitching has also been disappointing. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have a potential MVP candidate anchoring their lineup in Paul Goldschmidt, and Arizona’s offense will only get better when Aaron Hill returns from injury. The NL West has a knack for being tough to predict, and while San Francisco can’t be counted out, the Giants pitching issues have opened the door for Goldschmidt and the Diamondbacks. Look for Arizona to capitalize on the opportunity.

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