This post will review the National League East teams: Glen Allen, Parkland, Port Richey and Springfield. To see each team's roster and win share totals, click on the images below.
To see my preview of the AL East, click here.
To see my preview of the AL Central, click here.
To see my preview of the AL West, click here.
Glen Allen MetsBatting Win Shares: 135.5 (15th of 24)
Pitching Win Shares: 80.5 (20th of 24)
Fielding Win Shares: 57.9 (T-1st of 24)
Total Win Shares: 273.9 (T-15th of 24)
Expected 2008 Record: 78-84
With Albert Pujols on its roster, Glen Allen always seems to have a leg-up on it competition. Heading into 2008, it appears Pujols and the Mets once again have a good chance of making it to the BRASSball playoffs.
On the mound, Glen Allen will count on veteran John Smoltz (18 win shares) to be its ace. Jeff Suppan (10), Barry Zito (10), and Jamie Moyer (10) also give the team a solid staff of innings-eating veterans. The bullpen lacks big names, but Kevin Gregg (9 win shares) and Scott Proctor (7) should contribute solidly in relief.
As mentioned earlier, Pujols (29 batting win shares) is undoubtedly a stud. Beyond that, though, Glen Allen's lineup relies more of depth than star power. Yuniesky Betancourt (14), Ian Kinsler (13), Andre Ethier (11), and Chris Snyder (8) are among those who will take the field alongside Pujols.
Speaking of Snyder, over half of his total win shares (10) come from his fielding alone. That is a surprisingly high total (3rd in all of baseball behind Troy Tulowitzki's 11 and Kenji Johjima's 10), but one that is reasonably supported by a 2 catching rating by Strat-O-Matic.
In fact, Glen Allen's total fielding win shares score is tied for the highest in all of BRASSball. Betancourt (5 fielding win shares; 2 range at SS) and Pujols (2 fielding win shares; 1 range at 1B) will help translate that high score to the field, although Jacque Jones (7 fielding win shares; just a 3 range in the OF) and Juan Pierre (5 fielding win shares; just a 3 range in the OF) fared worse with their Strat ratings than they did with their win share totals.
Parkland GreenBatting Win Shares: 97.1 (20th of 24)
Pitching Win Shares: 85.0 (T-15th of 24)
Fielding Win Shares: 34.1 (22nd of 24)
Total Win Shares: 216.2 (20th of 24)
Expected 2008 Record: 61-101
Parkland kicks off its inaugural season in 2008, hoping to prove that it IS in fact easy being Green. The team may also be setting a new BRASSball trend, as it owns the only non-plural nickname in the league.
In any event, the Parkland Green's pitching staff is led by two young left-handers: Jeff Francis (16 win shares) and Oliver Perez (12). Scott Baker (9) will also play a key role in the rotation, with Brad Lidge (9) and Shawn Chacon (8) headlining the bullpen.
The star of the team's lineup will be hard-hitting lefty Brad Hawpe (19 batting win shares). Dustin Pedroia (12), Brendan Harris (11) and Luis Gonzalez (11) will also play key offensive roles.
In the field, the young Dustin Pedroia (7 fielding win shares; 2 range at 2B) and part-time shortstop Adam Everett (2 fielding win shares; 2 range at SS) will anchor the defense. Bengie Molina (6 fielding win shares; 2 range at C) will also contribute. Meanwhile, Alfredo Amezaga (3 fielding win shares) holds the unique distinction of being eligible to play at every position except catcher and pitcher.
Port Richey EvergladesBatting Win Shares: 74.8 (23rd of 24)
Pitching Win Shares: 85.0 (T-15th of 24)
Fielding Win Shares: 38.8 (18th of 24)
Total Win Shares: 198.6 (21st of 24)
Expected 2008 Record: 56-106
Long-time franchise Port Richey enters the new year still looking to add to its 2008 roster. That said, a few key pieces are already in place.
Right-hander Jamie Shields (16 win shares) will be the ace of the staff. Joining him in the rotation will be Chad Gaudin (10) and Chuck James (10). Japanese import Hideki Okajima (10 win shares) figures to be the centerpiece of the bullpen.
With the bat, the Everglades current do not stack up with the best teams in the league. However, J.J. Hardy (13 hitting win shares) appears primed for a break-through season at the plate, with Marlon Byrd (11) and Brian McCann (10) also likely to be key contributors.
Hardy also earned 6 fielding win shares, and will have the 2 range at shortstop to match. McCann (6 fielding win shares; 2 range at C) will also provide strong defense up the middle.
Springfield IsotopesBatting Win Shares: 137.9 (14th of 24)
Pitching Win Shares: 88.2 (14th of 24)
Fielding Win Shares: 44.2 (14th of 24)
Total Win Shares: 270.3 (17th of 24)
Expected 2008 Record: 77-85
In recent years, Springfield has become a perennial playoff contender. The team's hopes are alive to achieve the same level of success again in 2008.
Kentucky Wildcat alum Joe Blanton (15 win shares) will anchor the team's rotation, with young Tim Lincecum (9) and veteran Steve Trachsel (8) also joining in. The team's true strength is a bullpen that can match up with the league's best: Pat Neshek (8), David Riske (8), Jamie Walker (8), Rudy Seanez (6), Chris Ray (5), and Manny Delcarmen (5).
The team's lineup features a number of strong hitters. Josh Willingham (19 batting win shares) and Justin Morneau (17) will provide the power, with Orlando Cabrera (16) and Mike Cameron (16) setting the table. Ken Griffey (14 batting win shares) will also provide left-handed balance.
The team also has some strong defenders. Orlando Cabrera (9 fielding win shares; 1 range at SS) and Aaron Hill (8 fielding win shares; 2 range at 2B) will star in the infield, with Mike Cameron (6 fielding win shares; 2 range in CF) tracking down fly balls in center field.
Note: Since the analysis above, the Isotopes acquired starting pitcher Nate Robertson (8 pitching win shares) from Box City in exchange for Cliff Lee (1 win share), Clay Hensley (-1), Kevin Melillo (0) and cash. This acquisition figures to add about 2 more wins to Springfield's total in 2008.
Summary
Consistent with recent history, this division once again appears likely to be a close battle between Glen Allen and Springfield. Each team may need to make the division race count, as their middle-of-the-pack projected records may make a Wild Card berth hard to achieve.
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