NL East crown: Phillies vs. New York Mets

Competing with the Phillies and two other clubs for the divisional pennant, the New York Mets could go in either direction –up or down– unless they can stay relatively healthy for the entire 162.

Wild card:

For the Philadelphia Phillies faithful, expectations range from a fourth-place finish to a World Series Championship depending on the faultfinding pessimist or the starry-eyed optimist. On the other hand, Mets supporters are leery of fast starts and the bite of the injury bug.

"IN OTHER WORDS:  “Science is about predictions based on predictable fact. Life is about surprises based on the unpredictable reality.” — Ori Hofmekler"

While the Fightins went 63-48 and 17-34 for an 80-82 season, the Metropolitans had a bookended campaign. They had a 12-2 start and an 18-10 finish for a 30-12 total but otherwise were 47-73 during their 77-85 summer. So, neither wants to repeat 2018.

As for changes, New York’s new GM added a young closer, an aging slugger, an offensive veteran behind the plate, two left-handed relievers, two infielders and an outfielder. The red pinstripes acquired a slugger, a top-ranked catcher, a .300-hitting shortstop, a leadoff man, a late-inning fireman and three relievers.

For the Mets, they have four outstanding starters and five solid regulars plus one slugger on the IL (injured list) who may return this year, but their pen other than their closer has question marks. Meanwhile, the Phils’ lineup is dangerous from one through eight, the bullpen is decent enough, and the rotation has potential.

A major factor for 2019’s divisional contenders is for their stars to avoid devastating injuries. Specifically, the Metropolitans have a recent history of being at a disadvantage due to prolonged absences. As for the hometown nine, they can lose a player to injury at any time.

Basically, New York is a wild card in this four-team race because of their injury history and a star who could return during the stretch drive. But can their prized starters stay healthy for most of ’19?

Regarding predictions, four national publications have the Mets finishing second to the Washington Nationals, while the Fightins have a third-place forecast. However, those foretellings are already changing, as the campaign progresses through April.