2008 NL Over/Under - Ryan's Picks
Arizona Diamondbacks - 86.5 - OVER - I really like the Diamondbacks this year and they are one of the teams I will likely be laying money on (at 16-1) to win the World Series. They feature a well balanced attack, and despite the NL West being arguably the most competitive division in baseball, Arizona should be the favorites to win the NL Pennant.
Atlanta Braves - 84.5 - OVER - The most underrated team in baseball heading into the 2008 season, the Braves could easily win the NL East with a little luck in regards to health, which means their win total could approach 90. Another great bet at 30-1, keep an eye on the Braves this year.
Chicago Cubs - 87.5 - UNDER - Solid team but too many questions with the starting pitching, especially if they deal away youngsters like Sean Marshall and Sean Gallagher to get Brian Roberts. The offense will score plenty of runs, there is no doubting that, but I think 84-86 wins is more likely than 88+.
Cincinnati Reds - 79.5 - UNDER - This is a generous number for the Reds. They have one of the best systems in baseball and will be loaded with names like Bailey/Cueto/Votto/Bruce, but their time isn't here quite yet. 2009 will be bode better for these young Reds. I really like the Under here.
Colorado Rockies - 82.5 - UNDER - The Rockies are a tough team to crack this season. The team went on an unbelievable run to end last season but I think everyone can agree they were playing over their heads. They return the majority of that team, but things would have to go extremely well for the Rockies to compete in the NL West this year. Gotta take the Under.
Florida Marlins - 68.5 - OVER - The Marlins always seem to surprise and I think we will see more of the same this year. Young arms like Scott Olsen and Ricky Nolasco look to re emerge and the team features plenty of young talent across the roster. Florida should crack 70 wins.
Houston Astros - 72.5 - UNDER - Houston is going to have a really good offense this year, but the starting rotation is abysmal behind Roy Oswalt (who is fading himself). Terrible management has really run this team into the ground with little help on the horizon. I hope the team is classy enough to trade Mr. Oswalt if their playoff chances are gone by summer (which they will be).
Los Angeles Dodgers - 87.5 - OVER - Tough one, I like the Dodgers a lot and I think they can push the Diamondbacks so I am taking the over. 88-90 wins seems reasonable with a closely contested second place finish behind the Dbacks in the West.
Milwaukee Brewers - 84.5 - OVER - This team has the potential to go far if guys like Ben Sheets, Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra can show their stuff this season. Those three could propel the Brewers rotation to the top of the NL Central and the young core Milwaukee features on offense is very impressive.
New York Mets - 93.5 - UNDER - Pretty easy one for me here. I think the Mets could be the most overrated team in baseball and will struggle with the Phillies and Braves to capture the NL East. The team has big time names but little in the way of depth and that will catch up with them this season.
Philadelphia Phillies - 87.5 - UNDER - I think this will end up really close with the Phillies being in the 86 win area. Moving Brett Myers back to the rotation will really help, but I struggle to see the team taking a major step forward this year.
Pittsburgh Pirates - 68.5 - OVER - A return to form by Jason Bay would do wonders for this team, but Pittsburgh fans are still in for a long season. 70 wins is a real possibility, but this is a coin flip in my mind.
San Diego Padres - 84.5 - UNDER - I see the Padres falling back just a tad this year in such a competitive division. the Diamondbacks and Dodgers are the class of the division with the Padres a tier below.
San Francisco Giants - 71.5 - UNDER - Easy one here, and one of the best in the National League. The Giants will be fighting with the Orioles for the worst record in baseball. Brian Sabean is the most overrated GM in baseball and this team is in major trouble. Noah Lowry is awful, Barry Zito was the biggest mistake in baseball history and Matt Cain/Tim Lincecum can only shoulder so much.
St Louis Cardinals - 78.5 - UNDER -I can't see this team fighting to stay at .500, I think the Cardinals really fall back this year and shut Mr. Pujols down early so he can rehab his elbow and be ready for the 2009 season. Unfortunately Kyle Lohse isn't the answer.
Washington Nationals -70.5 - OVER - A move to their new ballpark should give this offense a boost, as should the return of Nick Johnson. Washington surprisingly has some very solid young talent and they should best the 71 win mark this season.
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