In 1971 the Baltimore Orioles cruised to the AL pennant with the last starting rotation to feature four 20-game winners. Sure they quickly lost the World Series to Pittsburgh, which is precisely what may happen with the 2011 Phillies. Stacked with starters with a resume better than any other NL team, they will win the East, but when they meet Boston in October they'll get their collective tails kicked.
Philadelphia Phillies - Any pitcher on any given day can have their careers end just when their arm explodes like fine crystal. If the Phillies' big four all get 35 starts, first of all it will be a miracle, but even if they don't with the likes ofHoward and Utley they should score enough to win.
But Ibanez is pushing 40 and shortstop Jimmy Rollins has done nothing since his MVP year in 2007. Also letting Jason Werth walk wasidiotic.
On the hot corner is a 36-year-old who chipped in a measly six homers and 52 RBI.
Philly fans should pray for shutouts.
Atlanta Braves - I'd be worried when Chipper Jones is already moaning about a sore knee. Sophomore sensation Jason Heyward could explode offensively in 2011 with a .300/30/100 season.
Rookie first sacker Freddie Freeman might be considered an early favourite for a Rookie of the Year trophy, but he's 21 and has 24 MLB at bats.
Grabbing powerful Dan Uggla helps because the Braves might be challenged to score. Prado improved in left field and McLouth will run through walls for you, but spent most of 2010 concussed.
Pitching will have to carry Atlanta with first-rate starters and a deep bullpen.
Florida Marlins - Third place might be a stretch even with a stable of great starters and one of the game's most dynamic players in Hanley Ramirez.
Outfielder Mike Stanton looks like Hercules and might hit 40 home runs, but fellow outfielder Chris Coghlan needs to stay healthy and regain his rookie form. Logan Morrison has no power and can't run and plugging third base with aging Wes Helms is like using Polyfilla to rebuild the New Orleans levees.
Closer Leo Nunez is as consistent as the ballpark hot dogs. Twice a week they're both okay, but the Mets will be breathing down their necks.
New York Mets - Questions about ownership take the fans' minds off the fact Johan Santana might be back by July. On the other hand, his career might be over.
Closer Francisco Rodriguez throws with enough effort to launch a space shuttle, but needs to stay out of prison.
David Wright bounced back and shortstop Jose Reyes still has all the tools but has yet to become what the experts claimed he would be.
The outfield will be fine if Jason Bay finds his mojo and Angel Pagan might pull off a 20 home run, 40 stolen bases season.
Beltran is in a contract year and can smell cash like a bomb squad sniffer dog.
Other than the talented Mike Pelfrey, the entire pitching staff wouldn't be recognized in a police lineup.
Washington Nationals - The status of Strasburg is as precarious as my bank account and super-stud Bryce Harper may need a little seasoning. I don't think he's old enough to buy beer or vote, but his potential is undeniable. The outfield is gonna be fun to watch. Bernadina is a star in the making and adding Werth will help. Nyjer Morgan can fly, but couldn't hit a homer off of a tee from second base.
The number one starter and the catcher are as old as me, but third sacker Ryan Zimmerman is worth the price of admission. Considering tickets are cheaper than the price of a glass of beer - even losing is a bargain.
