2010 MLB Preview: NL East

This is the first of the 2010 MLB Division Previews! We start with the NL East, which has been the home of the two time NL Champion Philladelphia Phillies. Will Jason Bay save the Mets? Find Out All This and more in the first MLB Preview!

PHILLADELPHIA PHILLIES
If the Phillies, who have appeared in the World Series the past two seasons, needed to get even better, they pulled off the blockbuster of the offseason by Trading away postseason hero Cliff Lee to Seattle for Prosepects, and then trading for Roy Halladay. Halladay, who has been the best pitcher North of the Border for a long while now, heads to a Phillies team that was this close to winning the World Series for the second straight season.
This club really hit the long ball well in 2009, and expect them to do that again this season. The club is led by Ryan Howard, who hit 45 homeruns and 141 RBI's last season. The Club made the right move in signing Raul Ibanez, and he didn't dissapoint, as he hit 34 homeruns and 93 RBIs. Chase Utley continued as the game's best Second Baseman with his 31 homeruns and 93 RBIs. The Club lost a big bat in Pedro Feliz, but brought back former Phillie Placido Polanco to play the hot corner. Polanco won't have the offense that Feliz had, but he's versatile and he can play any position in the infield. Let's not forget about Jimmy Rollins, the man who puts the Phillies in motion. His .250 average may convince some folks that he no longer belongs in the leadoff spot, but he does everything you want in a leadoff man. he works the count, gets on base, and can head from first to third in a heartbeat if the opposing pitcher doesn't check on him. What may be the most scary about Rollins is how scary accurate his predictions can be. He recently said that the 2010 Phillies may be even even better than they were last year, and that's bad news for the rest of the National League.
Rotationwise, this team is solid, starting with the Ace, Roy Halladay. Halladay won 17 games in 2009 in Baseball's Toughest Division. Expect him to get even better now that he has switched leagues. Cole Hamels had an off season in 2009, finishing 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA. Expect him to get more wins, less losses, and to bring that ERA down to around 3.00. J.A. Happ was the game's best Pitchig Prospect and may have been their best pitcher last season, as he was 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA. In The Bullpen, Brad Lidge was 48 for 48 in Save Chances in 2008, but led Baseball with 11 Blown Saves in 2009. Expect him to get Back On track. When he has that slider working, it's almost impossible to hit.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Washington Nationals are a team on the rise. They've got a future Hall Of Famer catching for them in Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, and they have a very underrated Pitcher in Jason Marquis who has become the Ace of the Staff. He can hurt you not just while pitching, but with the bat as well, as he is one of the National League's best Bunting Pitchers. Scott Olsen is a former Florida Marlin who is looking to get back on Track.
Their entire offense is Adam Dunn, a guy who hit 38 homeruns and 105 RBIs. Ryan Zimmerman is an underrated Third Baseman, and he hit 33 homeruns and 106 RBIs last season.
The Washington Nationals are obviously waiting in the wings for Stephen Strasburg, the best young pitcher in quite some time. Don't sleep on the Nationals.

FLORIDA MARLINS
The Marlins are led by Josh Johnson, who just flat out dominated, finishing 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA. Hanley Ramirez is the Best player on the Marlins, with a .342 average and a .410 OBP. Dan Uggla hit 31 homeruns and 91 RBIs. The Marlins will be looking to move up in the division this year.

ATLANTA BRAVES
This is Bobby Cox's final Season managing the Braves. The Braves rotation is led now by Tommy Hanson, finishing 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. Jair Jurjens, Tim Hudson and Kenshi Kawakami finish out the rotation. They newest slugger and First Baseman is Troy Glaus. Expect him to have a great year now that he is in Atlanta. Right Fielder Jason Heyward could be one of the biggest breakout stars of 2010. The way the ball Jumps off his bat is Scary! Brian McCann is one of the best catchers in baseball. In the bullpen, Billy Wagner is looking to return to the form he had as a member of the Mets, Astros, and Philiies.

NEW YORK METS
Jason Bay may be the Biggest prize the Mets have reeled in since Johan Santana back in 2008. If there's one thing the Mets are wishing for, it is for their key players (Beltran, Santana, Jose Reyes) to be healthy. David Wright lost his swing in 2009, going from 33 homeruns in 2008 to just ten in 2009. He's gonna have to get back into the swing of things if these Mets are to be competetive in the NL East.
Beyond Johan Santana, the Mets are questionmarks in the rotation. Mike Pelfrey, John Maine are capable starters, but Oliver Perez, Jon Niese, and Fernando Nieve aren't going to light the world on Fire. Carlos Delgado is gone, but Daniel Murphy has a lot of potential at first base. Jeff Francoeur will be looking to get back on track.
Francisco Rodriguez is a great closer, and the bullpen is capable. Sean Green, Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell, and Pat Misch are all capale. The Mets signed another Japanese Pitcher, Ryota Igrashi.

2010 Is a Make or Break Season for the Mets. If they don't make the Playoffs, expect Heads To Roll.

My Division Picks
1.PHILLIES
2.METS
3.BRAVES
4.MARLINS
5.NATIONALS

Yankees Win 27th World Series Championship

Hideki Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBIs as the New York Yankees won their 27th championship with a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.


Hal Steinbrenner talks about the Yankees winning the World Series.

Well, the New York Yankees are back where they are used to being..On top of the baseball world! This World Series was way better than the one from last year, with Baseball's best team beating the defending World Series Champions. This was an incredible six game series! Congrats to guys like A-Rod, Hideki Matsui, C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixiera for finally getting to become World Champions!

To the Phillies, they played a great series and should not be too dissapointed. What a class act by Charlie Manuel, congratulating the Yankees for winning it all.

Congratulations to the New York Yankees on their 27th World Series Championship!

Utley, Lee Help Phils Stay Alive in World Series

Chase Utley homered twice to tie a World Series record and the Phillies forced a sixth game by beating the Yankees, 8-6, Monday night. Cliff Lee pitched into the eighth inning to get his second win of the series.


Baseball Tonight recaps Game Five.

Game Six Is Tommorow Night On ESPN!

BBTN Minute: Keys For Game 3

Baseball Tonight looks at what are the keys to winning Game 3 of the World Series

Watch Game Three Of The World Series Tonight On Fox!

Yanks Top Phils, 3-1, Tie World Series 1-1

Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui homered as the Yankees tied the World Series at a game apiece, with a 3-1 win in Game 2. A.J. Burnett struck out nine in the victory.



Buck Showalter looks at how the Yankees won Game 2


It's now onto Philly, where Game Three Of The World Series Will be played Saturday Night.

Lee, Utley Lead Phillies Past Yankees, 6-1

Cliff Lee continued his postseason mastery and Chase Utley homered twice off CC Sabathia as the Phillies beat the Yankees, 6-1, Wednesday in Game 1 of the World Series.


Baseball Tonight breaks down Cliff Lee's Domination of the Yankee Hitters.

This was the perfect start for the Phillies. They wanted to win at least one in New York. The tide will really be in Philly's favor if they take Two from them, which is a definite possibility with Pedro Martinez going for the Phillies tonight! I picked New York to win in seven games, but they did not look good in that opening game!
Cliff Lee just schooled the Yankee batters. Cliff Lee was so good, he Nonchalantly caught pop ups that were hit his way and even made an amazing behind the back flip!That one run was unearned, coming on a throwing error by Jimmy Rollins in the ninth that allowed Derek Jeter to score the Yankees only run.

Game Two is tonight!

2009 World Series Preview

The 2009 World Series is finally here! The Philladelphia Phillies, winners of last year's World Series, are playing the New York Yankees, who have made it back here thanks to the performnaces of guys like A-Rod, C.C. Sabathia, and Mark Texiera.

The Phillies and Yankees played each other in Yankee Stadium back in May, with the Phillies taking two of three games from the Yankees. Afterwards, Phillies Shortstop Jimmy Rollins said the following:"
How great would that be? A World Series here, us against the Yankees? We've proved we can put on a pretty good show." Rollins last night made a prediction about how he thinks the World Series will go:
"If we're nice, we'll let it go six. But I'm thinking five, close it out at home."

Here is a position by position breakdown to see which team has the edge:
FIRST BASE: Ryan Howard Vs Mark Teixiera
Both Howard and Texiera have been clutch this season. Both players have stepped up when their team has needed them. Texiera hit a walkoff homerun in Game Two of the American League Division Series.
SECOND BASE: Chase Utley Vs Robinson Cano
Chase Utley is baseball's best Second baseman. Robinson Cano is a pretty good double play guy at second base.
THIRD BASE: Alex Rodriguez vs Pedro Feliz
A-Rod has been on a tear this postseason. He is the best third baseman in the game.
SHORTSTOP:Jimmy Rollins vs Derek Jeter
Although Derek Jeter may be baseball's most decorated shortstop, Jimmy Rollins is a pretty good player in his own right.
LEFT FIELD: Raul Ibanez vs Hideki Matsui/Johnny Damon
Raul Ibanez has been a real nice signing for the Phillies. Matsui and Damon have both hit well and played well in left.
CENTER FIELD: Shane Victorino Vs Melky Cabrera
Shane Victorino has done it all for the Phillies this year. He has hit homers and stolen bases, Victorino is the heart of the Phillies lineup.
RIGHT FIELD: Nick Swisher vs Jayson Werth
Jayson Werth hit two homeruns in the clinching NLCS Game Five. Swisher may be the most laid back guy in the Yankee Clubhouse.
CATCHER: Jorge Posada Vs Carlos Ruiz
Carlos Ruiz is the second best catcher in the National League, behind Yadier Molina. Jorge Posada is a veteran backstop. It's just a a shame that he and A.J. Burnett can't get on the same page.
CLOSER: Mariano Rivera vs Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge was perfect in the regular season and postseason last year. This year, Lidge led all of baseball with ten blown saves. Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer in the history of baseball. He is almost unbeatable on that mound in the ninth inning.

Here is my pick for the winner of the 2009 World Series.
NEW YORK YANKEES
The Phillies are good, but the Yankees are better. The Yankees are going to win this series, but Philly will play hard. I am expecting the Yankees to win this series in six or seven games, but they will win it all.

Phillies One Win From World Series, Angels Beat Yankees

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins had a game-winning hit with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, and the Phillies are one win away from repeating as National League Champions.

J-Roll and other Phils talk about the winning hit.


In the ALCS, The Los Angeles Angels won a dramatic game 3 Monday afternoon, outlasting the New York Yankees in 11-innings. The Angels scored the game-winning run with a two out double by Jeff Mathis.

Game Four of the ALCS is tonight on Fox!

Homers Power Phillies to 8-6 Win Over Dodgers

Baseball Tonight breaks down the Game One Victory.

Game One of The ALCS is tonight on FOX between the Angels and the Yankees.

NLCS Preview

NLCS Preview: Phillies Vs Dodgers


The Dodgers have the pitching, but the Phillies have the offense. It's a real strength versus strength matchup. Game One: Clayton Kershaw is opposed by Cole Hamels for Game One.

Watch The NLCS on TBS or listen to it on ESPN Radio!

Phillies Rally to Beat Rockies, 5-4, Win NLDS

In a rematch of last year's NLCS, The Philladelphia Phillies will once again play the Los Angeles Dodgers.


The Phillies and Rockies talk about the game.

My Division Series Picks

New York Yankees Over Minnesota Twins In Five Games
Boston Red Sox over Los Angeles Angels in four games
Los Angeles Dodgers over St Louis Cardinals in Five Games
Philadelphia Phillies over Colorado Rockies in Four Games.

National League Division Series Previews

Rockies-Phillies


Dodgers-Cardinals

3-Year-Old Tosses Dad's Foul Ball Back

A Phillies fan scooped up a foul ball and gave it to his toddler-- only to watch her throw it right back.

What an anazing moment right there!

Video:Phils' Eric Bruntlett Unassisted Triple Play To End Game!

Man, I knew the Mets were out once Beltran and Delgado got hurt, but this is the most incredible way I have ever seen to end a ballgame! Wow!

Pedro Martinez To Start Wednesday

Pedro Martinez will make his long awaited debut in front of a nationwide television audience.

Pedro will start on Wednesday night against the Chicago Cubs.

To make room for Pedro, veteran pitcher Jamie Moyer was moved from the rotation to the bullpen.

The Phils have a stacked rotation. Cliff Lee, J.A. Happ, and now Pedro Martinez. It will be interesting to see how an agressive team like the Cubs will respond to facing him.

Phillies Sign Pedro

Pedro Martinez has signed a one year deal with the Phillies.

Pedro was a big signing for the Phillies, who may also be in the hunt to trade for Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay.

Pedro Martinez can thank the World Baseball Classic as to why he has a job right now.

It would be weird to see Pedro pitching against the Mets. Can't wait to see that happen though!

Milton Bradley's Adventures In The Outfield

Milton Bardley had a tough day today as the Cubs lost to the Twins 7-4 in interleague play. He hit a two run double in the sixth inning, but good starts don't always lead to good finishes, at least in Milton Bradley's case.
An inning later, Milton lost a ball in the sun and was charged with an error an inning later when he made a bonehead play by catching a ball for the second out and throwing it into the bleachers. Milton forgot how many outs there were! The guy makes 10 million a year for the next three seasons and forgets how many outs there are in an inning!
The more I see Bradley play, the more I compare it to Raul Ibanez and how he's playing for the Phillies, there's no comparison in how these two moves have played out for their teams.

Watch the video! Major League Hillarity will follow!
"Milton Bradley's Adventures In The Oufield"

The One MLB Pitcher Who's Jersey I really Want

Antonio Bastardo, Starting pitcher of the Philladelphia Phillies.

MLB Highlights 4-21-09

Mets Vs Cardinals


Athletics Vs Yankees


White Sox Vs Orioles


Rangers Vs Blue Jays


Braves Vs Nationals


Marlins Vs Pirates


Rays Vs Mariners


Tigers Vs Angels


Padres Vs Giants


Royals Vs Indians


Dodgers Vs Astros


Rockies Vs Diamondbacks


Reds Vs Cubs


Brewers Vs Phillies