2010 MLB Post Season Predictions: NL East

As September starts to inch closer, the race to the post season is heating up. As teams are starting to fall by the wayside in the hunt for October, there are some definite contenders still left. The American league is starting to become as confusing as the National League with teams making some dynamic strides toward extending their seasons. In the first installment of this series, I predicted the Padres to take the West. Today we will look to the National League East for our analysis.

The National League East was supposed to be dominated by the Mets and Phillies this season, but the Mets faltered early and haven't lived up to the hype since April. The Braves, however, have had an amazing season and look to advance deep in the post season. The Phillies cannot be counted out just yet though. With rosters getting ready to expand, it should get very interesting in this race. One of the closest races in the National League (only 2.5 games separation as of Aug. 26^th), it may come down to the wire for this division. I know who I want to win the division, but that is not likely to happen. The braves appear to be in a solid position to take this one.

September will really tell in this race. Being so close, I tend to favor the Braves. Not because they are a better team or anything like that, but because of their farm. September is a time when the rosters expand and the super stars on every team get an extra day off from time to time. This gives some much needed rest and recuperation to these players and can make the difference at the end of the year. For the Braves, their farm can definitely carry them through these days off. They have a lot of talent stored up in the minors and may even find a new super star or two when the rosters expand. Their dynamic pitching in AAA can also be a boon against many of the teams. Like the Padres have proven this year, strong arms and good gloves can win a division. The Phillies have some talent in their minors, but there is a lot to be desired from them. I don't really think that the Phils have the pieces to carry them through September. This is a very difficult time for teams and there have been many throughout history to collapse at this point. The fact that they have already played over 100 games is tiring to think about, let alone accomplish.

The Braves also have an easier schedule to follow in September. While the teams are comparable, the Phillies will have to jump all over the country. The Braves have more home games, where they have dominated all season. The Phillies also have a three day stretch in the beginning of the month where they will play in three different stadiums. That will be demanding enough on a team, but can prove to be devastating to a team that is already tired. The Braves also have a set against the Pirates while the Phillies get the Mets. The Mets would love nothing more than to play spoiler at this point and are a much tougher draw than the Pirates.

While I don't necessarily like the Phils, I would vastly prefer them to win the East. This is due to the fact that the Padres seem to have trouble with the Braves and find it easier to win against the Phillies. It may sound selfish, but I just hope that I am wrong with this prediction, or that the Padres don't get matched up with the Braves in the first round.