NL East

We are in the dog days of the summer and the lead for the New York Mets is down to just 3 games. The second place Phillies took two of three from the third place Braves over the weekend. I will now tell you why each team has a chance to win the east or lose it.

NY Mets:

Why they will win: With veterans like Lo Duca, Delgado, and Billy Wagner and the young stars of Wright, Reyes, and Milledge and the return of Pedro and Endy expect to see the Mets make a run in September.

Why they will lose: With the lack of hits with RISP and 7 games (4 at Philly and 3 at Atlanta) at the end of August do not be surprised if the Mets falter and drop to second or even third place by the start of September. What could even make it worse is that Pedro won't be as effective as they hope and he costs them some games.

Prediction: Mets win the N.L. East against the Marlins on the last day of the season.

Atlanta Braves:

Why they will win: With the acquisition of Mark Teixera they have the most feared lineup in the division. If Andruw Jones can be a consistent RBI contributor than they will have no problem winning the East.

Why they will lose: There is only one reason why they will lose, BOB WICKMAN. He is not the closer he used to be and with the hitters in the N.L. East expect him to lose alot more.

Prediction: Won't win the East but will win the Wild Card.

Philadelphia Phillies:

Why they will win: With Myers and Gordon coming back expect more consistency in the pen. With Howard and Burrell heating up I can see them putting a nice little run in the middle of September.

Why they will lose: When or if Utley returns he won't be the same player he was before the injury. Pat Burrell will go into one of his cold streaks and the starting rotation besides Cole Hamels will fall apart.

Prediction: "The Phillies are the team to beat in the N.L. East." - Jimmy Rollins. Sorry Jimmy, with more than 10,000 losses in their franchise history I don't see them making the playoffs.

So when it is all said and done the Mets will win the East, the Braves will win the Wild Card, and the Phillies will be watching the Eagles in October.