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MLB: Predicting who will win each division

By Ryan Ferguson

August 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
August 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

A division traditionally dominated by Atlanta and Philadelphia, the National League East has experienced a transformation in recent years, with the Phillies falling from contention amid executive indecision, and the upstart Washington Nationals soaring to prominence behind a starting rotation of young, live arms.

This year, the trend has continued. At present, the Nats are out in front, the Braves are chasing valiantly, the Phillies remain dormant and, in between, the Mets and Marlins aren’t quite sure what they’re doing. In a thoroughly attritional race, nobody knows quite what to expect next.

Washington must be ranked as favorites, by virtue of a stacked starting rotation which, contrary to public perception, may be the best in all of baseball. In Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Doug Fister, Jordan Zimmerman and Tanner Roark, the Nationals have five pitchers capable of completely dominating any opposition; capable of firing a shutout on any given night; capable of blowing everybody away down the stretch.

The Braves, presently situated four games back, have very good pitching of their own, with Julio Teheran (2.92 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 146 K and 36 BB in 163 IP) dazzling and Ervin Santana giving his team a chance to win every fifth day. Similarly, Atlanta plays great defense and, in Freddie Freeman, possesses the kind of multi-talented, impact bat so vital at season’s end.

However, when watching the Braves, you get the sense that their club is just one or two players short of genuinely contending for the World Series; that they lack an additional ‘X factor’ which other clubs have; that they’re not quite ready. Atlanta ranks 28th in the Majors in runs scored, and 25th in OPS, numbers which illustrate a general lack of offensive potency. Moreover, a high collective WHIP from starters such as Aaron Harang and Mike Minor suggests the Braves will give opponents a chance to win. That’s never good in a pennant race.

PREDICTED DIVISION WINNER: Washington Nationals

The Nationals’ young core, adeptly assembled by GM Mike Rizzo and headlined by the sensational Strasburg, seems better equipped to succeed than the Braves’ at this present moment.

Whilst somewhat mediocre with the bat and glove, Washington has spades of quality starting pitching, exactly what is needed down the strength. When every starter is capable of throwing seven innings on a regular basis, a team is bound to be successful, and the Nats are no different.

The struggles of Bryce Harper (.249/.335/.363, 4 HR, 16 RBI in 57 games) are a legitimate concern but, with strong role players like Denard Span, Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth leading the way, Washington has the acumen to eke out just enough runs to back its reliable pitching and win enough games.

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