PHILADELPHIA THREEDOM

Unlike the AL West the NL East has witnessed a dip in 2009. There still is a very competitive race for the top spot in the division but each of the teams has been plagued by injuries and slumping stars. The division is a long way off from its form in 08 when it featured the three top offenses in the National League but if those offenses awaken it should produce a very dramatic finish down the stretch.

1.) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (--GB)

The defending champion Phillies found them star struck in the champion spotlight and stumbled out of the stretch. They salvaged themselves by posting a league’s best road record (26-15). These road warriors have had their share of problems. They have endured injuries to Raul Ibanez and Brett Myers as well as career low slumps by Jimmy Rollins and Brad Lidge. But despite the downfalls the Phillies have rode NL All Stars Chase Utley and fantasy superstar Raul Ibanez to a first place position. The Phillies will turn it around which is a scary concept for the rest of the division. Ibanez will return, Rollins is coming out of his slump, Howard is waiting to explode for the second half like always and Lidge looks like lights out again. If they can pick up another pitcher and right handed bat from the bench the Phils will be poised to complete the Three-Peat in the NL East.

2.) NEW YORK METS (-4.5 GB)

The Mets have looked atrocious this season. The injury bug not only has bitten them, the injury bug has eaten them. Regardless, the Mets find themselves only 4.5 games out of the lead for the division. The sliver of light has been David Wright who has a high average, rbi’s and extra base hits. The Mets too have pitching problems and need to address that. But if they get healthy they could give the Phillies another run for the division. Unfortunately they aren’t going to be good enough to get a huge lead in the division which would set up an opportunity for another historical collapse.

3.) FLORIDA MARLINS (-2 GB)

The Marlins are the ultimate dark horse. They have stuck around in the race long enough. Unlike their World Series runs, the Marlins aren't oozing with flourishing talent. They have rode #1 fantasy pick Hanley Ramirez who is batting (.346). I expect the Fish to slowly fade in the division especially with the resurgence of the Phillies and Mets. If they do make it to the playoffs expect them to win it all, it's what they do.

4.) ATLANTA BRAVES (-5 GB)

The Braves have stuck around in the division because the other teams hadn't been living up to their potential. Chipper Jones isn't hitting like his MVP like self from a year ago and no one in the lineup has been able to step it up. Even with the addition of Nate McClouth from Pittsburgh the tomahawk is going to fall in Atlanta.

5.) WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The Rays won the AL pennant last season while vacating the league's distinction of Worst Team. Call them what you want, whether its the NOTS or the NATINALS but they seem more than eager to fill the postition. There's isn't much to say about Washington when the highlight of the season was a three game winning streak.