The Phillies look to be the class of the division yet again. Behind stud pitchers Roy Halladay (19-6, 2.35 ERA, 220 K, 1.04 WHIP), Cole Hamels(14-9, 2.79 ERA, 194 K, 0.99 WHIP), and Cliff Lee (17-8, 2.40 ERA, 238 K, 1.03 WHIP) the Phills can dominate opponents on the mound. With the addition of former Boston closer Johnathan Papelbon (31 saves, 0.93 WHIP) opponents won't be able to steal games from the bullpen either. On the offensive side, the Phillies are dealing with injuries to Ryan Howard (who ruptured his Achilles' tendon in the post-season and will not return until mid-May) and Chase Utley (who is battling knee injuries and hopefully will not miss significant time) but are still solid at the plate. Jimmy Rollins (.268, 16 HR, 63 RBI, .338 OBP) and Hunter Pence (.314, 22 HR, 97 RBI, .370 OBP) are the leaders of the offense all will need to produce in Utley's and Howard's absence.2. Atlanta
The Braves are looking to return to the glory days of the 90s, and with the young core of players they look to be well on their way. Dan Uggla blasted 36 homeruns last season and will look to continue his torrid pace. Young star Jason Heywerd is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 in which his average dropped from .277 in 2010 to .227. His power numbers and OBP also took a dip and if he wants to develop into the star player he was heralded as, he must rebound strongly. The rotation for the Braves will be a strength yet again, led by Tommy Hanson (11-7, 3.28 ERA, 142 K, 1.17 WHIP) and Jair Jurrjens (13-6, 2.96 ERA, 90 K, 1.22 WHIP) both are in their mid-20s and will most likely improve on last year's impressive numbers.3. Washington
Hoping to finally make some noise in the division are the Washington Nationals. With stars Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, and Stephen Strasburg all set up for great seasons, this may be the year. Zimmerman missed 61 games in 2011 due to injury but still batted .289 and drove in 49 runs. He is healthy now and is poised for another big year. Werth had a down year in his first season in DC last year but will most likely revert closer to his career numbers (.264, .360 OBP). Strasburg came back from Tommy John surgery and, although it looks like the Nationals will limit his innings again, he will still be one of the most electric pitchers in the game. Behind Strasburg in the rotation are new acquisition Gio Gonzalez (who had a breakout year for Oakland last season), John Lannan, and Jordan Zimmerman. Every single one is a solid pitcher and to close the game out for the Nats will be former Phills closer Brad Lidge, who will provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse as well.4. Miami
5. New York
The Mets are looking to once again be the Mets. Loaded with talent, yet they can't do anything with it. After the debacle that was Jerry Manuel's tender with the club, the team brought on Terry Collins who promptly lost 85 games. There is hope in Flushing however, as the Mets do still have arguably the best third baseman in the game in David Wright (.254, 14 HR, 61 RBI in 102 games) and OF Jason Bay (.245, 12 HR, 57 RBI in 123 games). Johan Santana leads the rotation, but he hasn't pitched since 2010 and remains a huge question mark going into 2012. And that seems to be the narrative in New York, they have the talent, just no one around them. Unfortunately for the Mets, that sad story will continue into 2012.
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