Normally, I'd base this year's previews at least in part on last year's performance.
But last year was so weird, so very, very weird, that it shouldn't be used for that purpose.
So, blindly, stumblingly, (which may not even be a word), we venture forth into the 2021 National League season without too many clues.
In that way, it will be much like the last 4 years of cocksure Trumpian incompetence.
Except 500,000 people won't die if I don't get it right.
East: it sure looks like the Braves are the class of this division again. Atlanta's pitching isn't quite as strong as the Mets and possibly the Nationals, but it isn't far off, either. And their everyday lineup, with Acuna, Ozuna, Freeman and Swanson, is much better than either. So...everybody else is playing for second--barring injuries. The Mets still have those stud starters and adding Francisco Lindor will upgrade the offense, but probably not enough to catch up with Atlanta. Philadelphia, Washington and Miami are in the same boat. Fairly solid teams that have at least one glaring hole. This is maybe the most competitive division in the NL, so, if the Braves falter, any of the other clubs could move ahead of them. Second place should have a good shot at a Wild Card slot.
Central: the one certainty in this division is that the Pirates will finish last. For a few years they were very competitive, but that window has slammed shut. Sad for the Pittsburgh faithful, but life isn't fair. As far as the other 4 teams go, St. Louis looks the strongest, but not that much stronger than Milwaukee. Both teams have question marks. Milwaukee still has a lights out bullpen, but needs a big comeback from Yelich, who was not himself in the CoVid season. In the City of the Big Shoulders, the Cubs have a bunch of front line players looking at free agency after this year. It may be the last dance for Chicago's core. And, perhaps, another 108 year World Series drought. As always seems to happen, it will come down to pitching. Here again, there isn't much to separate these teams. The Brewers have that strong bull pen and weak starters, the Cubs lost their ace, and St. Louis's top pitchers have a few miles on them. So, your guess is as good as mine. Finally, Cincinnati is just not as good as the other three. Their offense consists of Joey Votto and 7 guys you've never heard of and their best starter is injured--but they're still better than Pittsburgh. So they've got that going for them. Maybe a Wild Card slot for the runner up. Maybe not.
West: the Dodgers remain the team to beat, but the Padres are closing fast. Los Angeles will defend its World Series' crown with extremely strong pitching and a bunch of proven bats. What more do you need? Luck. San Diego has thrown a lot of money around, and their everyday line-up is about as solid as L.A.'s. Machado and Tatis will put up big numbers, but their starting pitching isn't nearly as good, so...The Giants just don't have the talent to keep pace. But on the bright side, San Francisco is a great city to hang out in and a lot of big contracts come off the books next off season, so hope springs eternal. Arizona has a little more talent, but they need a huge comeback year from Madison Bumgarner to truly compete and that doesn't seem likely at this point. And Colorado traded their best all around player for a pocketful of dreams. The Rockies look like a good solid last place team. That legal weed will really come in handy for their fans. Indeed, for all the fans of the also rans in this division. It does ease the pain. Dodgers first, but not in a runaway this time. Padres second and a Wild Card berth. Everybody else is playing for the 3-5 slots.
