As we count down the days until opening day, several intriguing storylines present themselves in the National League.
Here are 10 things for fans to watch for this year in the Senior Circuit:
New Managers – The Cardinals (Mike Matheny), Cubs (Dale Sveum), and Marlins (Ozzie Guillen) changed skippers after the 2011 season. Of the three, the only man with full-time experience is Guillen, who won the 2005 World Series managing the White Sox.
Phillies’ Arms – The much-ballyhooed starting rotation of the Philadelphia Phillies lost Roy Oswalt, but keeps Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Cliff Lee. Can the impressive trio, backed now by new closer Jonathan Papelbon, guide the Phillies back to the World Series?
Goodbye, Astros – This will be the last season in the National League for Houston, which will switch to the AL West in 2013. Will the Astros repeat their 106-loss performance of 2011?
Braves Bounce-back – The Braves stumbled badly last September, giving up a seemingly insurmountable lead in the wild-card race and missing the playoffs. Can manager Fredi Gonzalez get Atlanta to forget that collapse?
Harper Sightings – Ever since he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2009, fans have kept an eye on phenom Bryce Harper, who is still only 19 years old. Will the Nationals give in to temptation and put the kid on the major league club?
Pirate Perseverance – Manager Clint Hurdle had the Bucs at 54-53 on Aug. 1 last season. Alas, the team won only 18 more games. Is this the season the team breaks its streak of 19 straight losing seasons?
Braun Reaction – Ryan Braun became the first MLB player to have a positive drug test overturned. He is cleared to play immediately. What will the reaction be from players and fans for the 2011 NL MVP?
Work for Theo – Theo Epstein brings his two World Series rings from Boston to Chicago. Can he end the Cubs’ legendary title drought?
Dodger Destiny – Who will be the next owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers? Several investor groups have been eliminated or have pulled out of the running to buy one of MLB’s premier clubs.
Who Will Wear the Crown? – Last season, the St. Louis Cardinals used a late-season hot streak to sneak into the playoffs, knock off the Phillies, Brewers, and Rangers and win the franchise’s 11th World Series championship. What team will represent the NL in the World Series in 2012?
Standings and other records found at http://www.baseball-reference.com.
Brad Boeker is a avid observer of MLB, particularly of happenings in the National League.