2013 MLB Picks: NL East Division Odds and Predictions – Washington Nationals the Favorite

2013 MLB NL East Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Vegas Favorites and Odds to Win 2013 National League East: Since its current lineup was created in 1995, the NL East has been the division of dynasties. It began with the Atlanta Braves winning the first 11 NL East crowns, followed by the Philadelphia Phillies winning five of the next seven. That being said, Philadelphia’s reign finally came to an end last year when the Washington Nationals won the division title for the first time in franchise history. Now, the question becomes whether or not Washington is set to become the latest NL East dynasty or if last year’s division crown was merely a sign of the East becoming a little more wide open. For a closer look of what to expect for the 2013MLB season, here is a look at how the National League East teams stack up.

1.      Washington Nationals: Washington led the majors with 98 wins last year, and a strong argument can be made that this year’s roster is even better. For one, Stephen Strasburg won’t have an innings limit, and he, Jordan Zimmerman and Gio Gonzalez and Dan Haren will anchor one heck of a rotation. Meanwhile, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard and newcomer Rafael Soriano give the Nationals a trio of flamethrowers at the end of games. As for the offense, young players like Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa should only get better, and sluggers Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth are both healthy after missing time with injuries throughout 2012. Plain and simple, Washington looks like the frontrunner for the division title and the NL pennant.

2.      Philadelphia Phillies: Yes, the Phillies were a massive disappointment last season, but talks of their demise as a contender may be a bit premature. Remember, Roy Halladay is now healthy and will rejoin Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in a loaded starting rotation while Mike Adams and Jonthan Papelbon are waiting to close out games in the later innings. More importantly, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are also healthy and should provide a major boost for an offense that was abysmal last year. Offseason addition Michael Young and Delmon Young should upgrade the lineup, as well. Health will be a constant concern for this aging roster, but if the injury bug stays away, the Phillies are still capable of winning a lot of games.

3.      Atlanta Braves: A busy offseason saw both B.J. and Justin Upton come to town, giving the Braves a potentially dominant offense. After all, the Upton brothers will join a lineup that already boasts Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla, Brian McCann and Jason Heyward. On the mound, Atlanta has a dynamic duo at the end of games in Jonny Venters and unhittable closer Craig Kimbrel, but getting to the late innings with the lead could be an issue. The aging Tim Hudson is the only proven starter in the rotation, and while Kris Medlen and others have shown plenty of potential, there are still question marks. Throw in the volatile personalities of the aforementioned Upton brothers, and the Braves have chance to make a playoff run but are far from a sure thing.

4.      New York Mets: The Mets have David Wright to anchor their lineup, but after that, this team has nothing but question marks. Ace Johan Santana is coming off arm surgery, the bullpen doesn’t have a reliable closer, and the lineup is relying on young players like Lucas Duda and Ike Davis maturing rapidly. Remember, defending NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey is now a Toronto Blue Jay, and 20 of New York’s 77 wins from a year ago went with him. The Mets are going to struggle in 2013.

5.      Miami Marlins: The Cleveland Spiders technically own the record for the worst single-season record in MLB history, going 20-134 in 1899. I’m not sure the Marlins will challenge that mark, but they could make a run at the modern-era record of 40-120 set by the 1962 New York Mets. Owner Jeffrey Loria fleeced Miami into funding his ballpark and promptly gutted the Marlins’ payroll by trading away star players for what amounts to magic beans. Giancarlo Stanton is the only decent player left on the roster, and as soon as his contract is up, he will likely be headed elsewhere, as well. Miami is going to finish in the cellar of the NL East in 2013. The only question is whether they will make a run at being the worst team in league history.

2013 MLB NL East Division Odds
5116 Atlanta Braves +185
5117 Miami Marlins +12500
5118 New York Mets +2000
5119 Philadelphia Phillies +300
5120 Washington Nationals +115

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