Why 3 NL East Teams Will Make Playoffs: Early Results and Rotation Predictions
April 13, 2012 by Michael Nargi
Filed under Fan News
The Philadelphia Phillies look to be the big dogs in the National League East again this season. However, the talent in the starting rotations of the other teams in the division can keep these five teams close all year.
A week into the season and the NL East has two of the top five rotations in baseball based on starting pitchers’ ERA. The Phillies are first with a 1.67 and the Washington Nationals are fifth, boasting a 2.41 ERA.
As far as strikeouts are concerned, the New York Mets‘ starting staff leads all of major league baseball with 37 and right behind them are the Nationals with 36.
This division is one of the best in baseball, and all five of these teams are good enough to make the playoffs in 2012.
The Nationals have drastically changed their pitching rotation for the better, as did the new-look Miami Marlins. The Atlanta Braves have a solid staff as well with young, dominant arms, and the New York Mets can have a viable starting staff if Johan Santana can remain healthy all season.
From top to bottom, the NL East pitchers will shine in the league this year and are already proving it.