The MLB is 10 or so games into the second half, and inching its way into October. With that being said we’re about to give you our unbiased predictions on who we think will clinch the divisions of the National League and why.
NL EAST:
Current Standings (as of 07/22)
- Atlanta Braves
- Washington Nationals
- Philadelphia Phillies
- New York Mets
- Miami Marlins
NL East Prediction:
Atlanta Braves: June was the month of the Atlanta Braves there is no doubting that. The Atlanta Braves have managed a 6.5 game break on the second place Washington Nationals at the moment. The team has a 4.25 ERA, the lowest in the East, and that puts them in first. A batting average of .262, which is also the highest in the East. And the team’s On Base Percentage is .337, which you guess it, is also 1st in the East. While their team ERA is first in the league the Washington Nationals are right behind with a 4.32 ERA. For the Braves to keep this lead over the Nationals they will have to add to the rotation by the deadline, which is expected.
NL CENTRAL:
Current Standings (as of 07/22)
- Chicago Cubs
- Milwaukee Brewers
- St Louis Cardinals
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Cincinnati Reds
NL Central Prediction:
Chicago Cubs: The Chicago Cubs have been pretty dominant in the second half with a record of 7-3 in the last 10 games. While they have a 2 GB on the Milwaukee Brewers, they still hold on to it. The team ERA is 4.06 which is second in the Central behind the Cincinnati Reds. The team batting average is a .255 which is also 2nd in the Central, but to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team OBP is a solid .337, which is 1st in the Central. The are also 1st in the Central in runs with 542 recorded. Chicago is also 1st in the Central in Home Runs and RBIs. The only worry we have for the Cubs is if Milwaukee fixes their bullpen. Then we might see a change in standings in September.
NL WEST:
Current Standings (as of 07/22)
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- San Francisco Giants
- Colorado Rockies
- San Diego Padres
NL West Prediction:
Los Angeles Dodgers: If the Dodgers 16 GB isn’t convincing enough for you, or that they have the best record in the MLB at the moment, here are some stats that might help. The team’s ERA is 3.34, the lowest in the West (and the NL). The team batting average is .264, which is second behind the Rockies. An OBP of .345 which leads the West (and the NL). The Dodgers also lead the West in Home Runs and RBIs. With the hitting and pitchers the Dodgers have and the growing GB, it seems like the West is set for October.
October Baseball:
Wild Card Prediction:
The Wild Card battle will come down to the Washington Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers. Knowing that the Nationals pitching is some of the, if not, best in the game, will be tough for the Brewers offense. Knowing the Nationals pitching and offense makes it clear that the Brewers will not score a lot of runs to give their bullpen room for error. The Washington Nationals will advance in the postseason, due to their lights out pitching, and solid offense and defense.
Who will get the NL Pennant?
We predict that the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the National League Pennant for the third year in a row. Going back to their stats they lead the NL in ERA, OBP, HR, RBI, SLG, OPS, Runs, and WHIP. With the All-Star pitching and offense the Dodgers have, we predict they will advance to the World Series for the third time.
KA Sports Talk 