Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Reasons Why They Will Win the NL East

After 50 games, the Philadelphia Phillies own a National League-best record of 31-19. The unbelievable part is they have yet to play in a single game with their preseason opening day lineup. 

What has saved them? Their pitching. The Phillies starting rotation owns a Major League-best with 36 quality starts. The bullpen has also done well. Ryan Madson is a perfect 9-for-9 in save opportunities. While surprises like Michael Stutes and Antonio Bastardo have made the Phillies bullpens one of the most balanced in the National League.

With the Mets and Nationals still struggling to right their ship, the quest for the NL crown is a three-team race. The Marlins have came out firing, but a recent DL trip for ace Josh Johnson has the fish searching for answers. The Braves are doomed for a midseason crop off. Can elders Chipper Jones, Tim Hudson, and Derek Lowe keep up with the rest of the pack? Lowe and Jones have both missed time with minor injuries. By the end of July those three players will be a combined 112 years old. 

Begin Slideshow