MLB: The National League Race

In the last post we looked at the races in the American League. This post we’re going to look at the National League. But before we do, it should be noted that at this point in the season it looks like any of about the top 8 teams in the AL could beat any team in the NL. The possible exception to his just might be the Chicago Cubs. But we’ll get to them in a minute. First, let’s cover the Natioal League East.

In the NL East the Philadelphia Phillies currently enjoy a three and a half game lead. They might get challenged by the Florida Marlins or the New York Mets at some point but it’s not all that likely. Both the Marlins and the Mets have hovered around the .500 mark all season and they look like they’re nothign better than .500 teams. Unless the Phillies fall back to them, the division should be Philadelphia’s.

Over in the NL Central things are much more interesting. The Chicago Cubs (easily the best team in the NL so far this year) lead by two and a half games. But the Cubbies are struggling right now. And the St Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers are both solid teams. The Cards trail the Cubs by two and a half games while the Brewers are just three and a half games back. These might just be the three best teams in the NL. This race should be fun to watch.

Over in the NL West the Arizona Diamondbacks have been absolutely dreadful – as has the rest of the division. The D-Backs lead the division at two games under .500. That’s right. They’re two games under .500 and they lead the division. But the Dodgers are right there at just a half game back. Even the San Diego Padres (twenty games under .500!) still have a shot to win this horrible division. Unbelievable.

So there you have it. The races in the NL all look pretty close. Just make sure you plug your nose when looking at the NL West.