Yesterday we were in the giving mood. Giving back Monday. That's in stark contrast to the rock group "Taking Back Sunday" that my kids used to like. Anyhow - sharing some work. I'll share more as I finish them, perhaps. We've got our Season Sub up, but of course there's no reason to buy it based on last season. But, like the Braves, nowhere to go but up and before last year there WERE reasons. We've got a Big Play in the Final Four. But, if recent results mean anything, I wouldn't buy that, either. If season-long results matter, I would. Next.
Washington UNDER 91
They won 95 games last season. I think losing Wilson Ramos is a bigger loss than people think if for no other reason it's leaving Matt Weiters to call a game with a bunch of pitchers he doesn't know, and Ramos was one of the Nationals most clutch hitters. They lose 47 saves with Melancon going to the Giants. I do like the addition of Adam Eaton - the kids' a baller. Murphy had a career year in 2016. So did Rendon, and those are the two that are projected to bat in front of and behind Harper - and both are already questionable (illness/calf) to start the season.
Max has nowhere to go but down - but even give him 20 wins.
Strasburg has never won more than 15 games - and of course there's the usual DL stint - give him even 18 wins.
Gio has won 11 games three of the last four season and is IMO yet another beneficiary of pitching early in his career at Oakland, the huge pitchers' park. He won 21 in his first season in Washington when the NL hadn't seen him and he didn't have to pitch to a DH. Give him 13 wins.
Tanner Roark may be their most consistent pitcher - give him his 15 wins.
Joe Ross has never thrown more than 103 innings. A.J. Cole is what he is.
The Mets simply have to be better with a healthier pitching staff. I'm not a big Jay Bruce fan, but I do like Neil Walker. I actually think if they stay reasonably healthy it's their division to lose.
The Phillies will be better with addition by subtraction without Ryan Howard. Buccholz is clearly and upgrade and now in a league that hasn't seen him and without a DH.
The Braves couldn't get much worse than last season. R.A. Dickey back in the NL and a big park cannot hurt. Kemp is Kemp, Brandon Phillips for some additional leadership (and GIDP's!).
Miami was almost a .500 team last year and I think get quite a bit of mileage playing for Jose. They add Volquez and Straily - they should clearly be better (win total over 76). The Fish were 32-43 against the NL East last season and that gets better, IMO.
So, against the NL East last season they were 51-25 (67%) and I don't see that happening again.
Today: 904 HOU (-150) Greek vs 903 Mia
I am also on Boston, but it's more expensive and I suspect many already are.