RetroSimba

In participation with a week-long United Cardinal Bloggers project, our predictions for the 2011 National League East Division:

1. Phillies: The rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton is special enough to overcome question marks in the outfield (Ben Francisco replaces Jayson Werth in right field, and Raul Ibanez, who turns 39 in June, is an ancient option in left).

2. Marlins: A terrific blend of young talent (ace pitcher Josh Johnson, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, first baseman Gaby Sanchez and outfielders Logan Morrison, Chris Coghlan and Mike Stanton all are 27 or younger) combined with smart, veteran additions (catcher John Buck and second baseman Omar Infante) make Florida a serious contender for the division crown. Only a mediocre bullpen may hold back the Marlins.

3. Braves: Second baseman Dan Uggla is an exciting addition. First baseman Freddie Freeman, pitcher Mike Minor and outfielders Jason Heyward and Martin Prado are potential stars. But Atlanta is counting on too many creaky veterans (shortstop Alex Gonzalez, 34; third baseman Chipper Jones, 39 in April; and pitcher Derek Lowe, 38 in June) in key roles.

4. Nationals: Manager Jim Riggleman has Washington playing better fundamental baseball. But, with Tom Gorzelanny the only significant addition to the rotation, the Nationals lack the pitching to make a title run.

5. Mets: Even if veterans Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Jose Reyes and Jason Bay all come through, the catcher and second base positions appear unsettled and the pitching rates too weak to give New York much hope.