Before I look into the crystal ball and predict the divisional winners for 2008, I thought I’d throw out my picks for the teams most likely to exceed expectations this season.
National League: Atlanta Braves. With all the talk about Mets and Phillies, everyone seems to have forgotten about the Braves. but they look like a solid team to me and are likely to contend throughout the season. I’m not saying they will win it, but I expect them to be in the hunt with the mets and Phillies into September. the outfield is a little weak, but Francoeur is a solid player, and Diaz in left is at least average. Kotsay is an offensive hole in center, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Josh Anderson take over at some point during the season. The infield is solid, as is McCann behind the plate. The rotation has steady veterans at the top with Smoltz, Hudson, and Glavine. Hampton has looked good this spring, and I really like young Jair Jurrjens in the fifth spot. Chuck James will give some depth when he returns from injury.
Keys to success: Keeping Chipper Jones healthy,Raphael Soriano stepping up in the closer role, and finding an answer in center field.
American League: Tampa Bay Rays. I’ve blogged about the Rays recently, so I won’t go into details here, other than to say I really like the look of this team. One indication of the quality players here: in my fantasy draft held this weekend just about every position player and most of the major pitchers were drafted. That has never come close to happening with a Tampa Bay team before.
Keys to success: Continued development of their young stars, Percival coming through in the closer role, avoid having a rash of injuries.