Yesterday, I determined the fate of the American League and predicted the New York Yankees to make it to the big dance.  Now, I don't watch as many National League games, but I've decided to put pen to paper (or so to speak) and determine the fate of the Senior Circuit anyway.  And awaaaaaay we go!

NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies

2. New York Mets

3. Atlanta Braves

4. Florida Marlins

5. Washington Nationals

This division probably won't be decided until the end of September with the top three teams all fighting it out until the bitter end.  The Phils have the best pitching staff (even with their injuries), the Mets have the best lineup and the Braves are the Braves and should bounce back after failing to win the division for the first time in 15 years. Tom Gordon is still a quality closer (even though he'll spit the bit in the playoffs) and the Philly offense can hang with the Metropolitans. The Mets starting pitching is a huge question mark -- who can they count on to pitch 200 innings this year?  The lack of front-line pitching will tax the bullpen.  The Mets may have the best lineup in the NL, but it won't be enough to lead them back to the playoffs.  The Braves need Mike Hampton to give them something and Tim Hudson to return to the form he had in Oakland.  I don't think Bob Wickman is the answer at closer.

NL Central

1. Houston Astros

2. St. Louis Cardinals

3. Chicago Cubs

4. Milwaukee Brewers

5. Cincinnati Reds

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

I don't understand why the 'Stros let Pettitte slip away, but they still have Roy Oswalt.  Woody Williams was a solid pick-up and if Brad Lidge gets his head screwed on right, the Astros could be a tough team to beat.  Carlos Lee should have a monster year in hitter-friendly Houston and provide more than enough protection for Lance Berkman.  Then there's the possible return of the Rocket for the stretch run.  The Cardinals are the defending champs even though 2006 was probably their worst team during their current winning run.  They still have perennial MVP candidate Albert Pujols and former Cy Young award winner Chris Carpenter, but this train is losing steam.  Tony La Russa (when not drunk and asleep behind the wheel) will have his work cut out for him.  The Cubs should be much improved (which isn't saying a whole lot) and will be a fun team to watch offensively, but their pitching is just too weak.  Unless Kerry Wood and Mark Prior finally live up to expectations, even Sweet Lou Pinella won't be able to break the Cubbies' 99-year drought of futility.

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. San Diego Padres*

3. San Francisco Giants

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

5. Colorado Rockies

*Wild Card

The Dodgers have the deepest rotation in the NL and had a good off-season with the signings of Jason Schmidt and Randy Wolf.  Both should flourish in pitcher-friendly L.A.  Closer Takashi Saito had a great rookie year for the Dodgers in 2006 (even though he's 36 years old) and the offense should score enough runs to lead the Dodgers to the NL West crown.  The Padres won't be easy to hold off, however, and should capture the wild-card.  Maybe the newly acquired Greg Maddux can help Jake Peavy finally reach his potential.  Trevor Hoffman can still close out games and the Giles brothers (Marcus and Brian) should help the Pods manufacture runs.  The signing of Barry Zito won't be enough to help the Giants and the Barry Bonds circus will continue to roll all summer.  Where will you be when Barry hits number 756?

NL Champ:  Los Angeles Dodgers

West Side!  Yep, I'm pickin L.A.  I think pitching gets the Dodgers a ticket to play the Yanks in the World Series.  It would be a series rich in tradition and I'm sure the TV execs would love it.