NL Predictions

Matt Yallof at SNY gives his predictions for the National League going into October:

MVP- I would love to see a Mets player finally win the award but Carlos Beltran and David Wright will fall short to Albert Pujols. It's not that Beltran or Wright don't deserve it, but the balanced Mets attack hurts these guys. Pujols carries the load like no other NL player on a team likely headed to the post season. If you want to consider guys on clubs not currently leading a division or wild card race, then Ryan Howard and Chase Utley should also get consideration. Don't forget about Lance Berkman. He may be a surprise winner if the Astros sneak in.

Cy Young - there is no clear cut choice here but I would have to go with Brandon Webb. His ERA is under 3.00, he has walked a total of just 29 batters all year, he eats innings as well as any starter in the N.L. and his K/BB ratio is better than 4:1.

Manager of the Year- Jerry Narron has done a heck of job in Cincinnati, but Willie Randolph is the man. Sure, he was given some big time players, but how many times have we seen teams with stars falter? The Mets have dominated from day 1 and they have not lost focus. You can thank Randolph for that. Don't forget, he has been able to get some big time performances out of guys who were not expected to do much. Chavez, Valentin, Oliver.

Rookie of the Year- I'll go with Ryan Zimmerman. He has a very good glove to go along with an average in the 290's and solid good power numbers. More impressive: he has already learned how to take a walk more often than some veterans and his strikeout total is not alarming.

Division winners:
East: Mets
Central: Cardinals
West: Dodgers
Wild Card: Houston

NLCS: Mets versus Dodgers - 1988 rematch

National League Champions: Mets