It's almost spring time (but you wouldn't know it here in Iowa with all the snow we're getting) and this can only mean one thing, it's baseball season. And this can only be another preview.

NL East

The Mets had an amazing season last year, winning the East in amazing fashion. This year will be very much different, if the Mets are to win the NL East, it won't come easy to them. I have no doubt that the NL East will be very competitive, the team to watch out for is the Atlanta Braves.

They are a squad with a lot of young talent. If they can keep the pitching staff intact, they will be a team to beat in the East. But look out for the Phillies and dare I say it, even the Marlins. My pick to win the East is the Mets though, but they need their pitching staff to be strong. Whoever has the best pitching staff this season will win the East.

NL Central

One of the biggest storylines going into the 2007 season has to be the "new and improved" Cubs. Cubs manager Lou Piniella has a lot of pressure on him to do what Dusty Baker couldn't do and that's get the Cubs to the World Series. With the acquisitions of Alfonso Soriano, Cliff Floyd and Ted Lilly. It is important for the Cubs to stay healthy, if they can stay healthy, they can have a decent year.

But the Cardinals are the pick to win the NL Central, they are just by far a better team than everybody else in the Central. Houston does not look like they can make much of an impact, but Cincinnati and Milwaukee have an opportunity to really bust out and make a difference this season. I can see either one or both of these teams competing in the Wild Card race.

NL West

The NL West is truly a mysterious division. This is one of those divisions where anybody could win. It will be a close race throughout the season and well into September. The Padres won the division last season, but don't expect them to win it this season.

The team that will win the NL West this season is the Dodgers. They were very strong last season, but stumbled towards the end. If they can stay healthy, it will be tough because they lost Eric Gagne, their star closer. A well-balanced blend of veterans with young talent, expect the Dodgers to get at least 85 wins this season.

NL Wild Card

Milwaukee in my mind has a really strong chance of winning the NL Wild Card this year. In my mind, this is a "make or break" year for the Brewers. They have a talented young squad. They have great hitters in Prince Fielder and Bill Hall and great pitchers in Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano. This is the year that Milwaukee steps out of their shell and makes some noise in a weak National League.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Nostvick.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Predictions: 2007 National League baseball?
We want to hear your view. Write now!