In the decade of the 2000’s, the National League played second fiddle to their American League counterparts. The NL won a respectable 4 of the 10 World Series titles, but had a better record in interleague play just twice in 10 years, and were swept 9-0 in All-Star games (with one tie). It’s a new decade now, and the 2010 Major League Baseball season springs hope for all those teams who saw their seasons end early in ’09. The goal for the 2010 National League: for someone to take out the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have won the pennant in back-to-back years and ADDED Roy Halladay in the offseason. Will the Phillies be heading back to the World Series for a third straight year? I think not. A division-by-division preview will come later. Here are my early, quick predictions for the 2010 National League.

NL EAST - All teams have hope going into ’10, but Phillies will dominate. Any team could finish 2nd, I like the Marlins young players. Healthy Mets team will catch fire at times. Braves come up short in 1 last run with Bobby Cox. Nationals will improve.

1. Philadelphia Phillies (101-61) - Stars in all phases will lead to MLB’s best record
2. Florida Marlins (85-77) - Young team on the rise led by shortstop Hanley Ramirez
3. New York Mets (83-79) - Addition of J. Bay, return to full health get Mets above .500
4. Atlanta Braves (79-83) - Could surprise some people, but I’m not fully buying it
5. Washington Nationals (71-91) - They will be improved for sure. Still no SP depth

NL CENTRAL - Cardinals were very disappointed with ’09 finish, motivated for a big year. Reds are finally ready to take 2nd and compete for postseason. Brewers can slug it, can’t pitch. Pirates will be the worst team in MLB. Cubs fans? There’s always next year.

1. St. Louis Cardinals (91-71) - Perfect collection of stars and role players
2. Cincinnati Reds (86-76) - Lots of question marks, but youth ready to finally breakout
3. Milwaukee Brewers (85-77) - Love the lineup, but entire staff is suspect
4. Chicago Cubs (79-83) - Fans will buy in, but 100-year drought continues
5. Houston Astros (73-89) - Bullpen is very suspect. Not enough offensive firepower
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (60-102) - Youth may pay future dividends. Not close this year

NL WEST - Dodgers will take home division with balance. Arizona takes home the wildcard with great pitching, emerging Upton. Rockies will be competitive again. Giants starters will not be happy with lack of run support. Not much hope for SD.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (94-68) - Best outfield in baseball. Manny’s their 3rd best one
2. *Arizona Diamondbacks (88-74) - My surprise team in ’10. Just locked up J. Upton
3. Colorado Rockies (80-82) - Coors dwellers always a threat, but upended by DBacks
4. San Francisco Giants (72-90) - Young rotation provides hope. Won’t score enough runs
5. San Diego Padres (62-100) - Who they trade Adrian Gonzalez to = Best SD storyline

NL MVP - Hanley Ramirez’s monster season barely enough to overtake Pujols
1. Hanley Ramirez (FLA) - Take him first in your fantasy league. .330, 40-40 threat
2. Albert Pujols (STL) - Consistency. .330, 40 HR, 130 RBI, Triple Crown threat?
3. Ryan Braun (MIL) - .300, 35 HR, 125 RBI, 20 SB, legitimate star
4. Justin Upton (ARI) - .320, 30-30 threat, main reason for DBacks surprise success
5. Chase Utley (PHI) - .295, 30 HR, 110 RBI, 120 runs, best record in baseball

NL Cy Young - Johan able to end Lincecum’s 2-year run with the award
1. Johan Santana (NYM) - Even better after elbow surgery. 20 wins, K’s, low ERA
2. Dan Haren (ARI) - Wins leader another reason for DBacks success. Low ERA
3. Tim Lincecum (SF) - Leads MLB in K’s, but can’t win enough games on his own
4. Roy Halladay (PHI) - Most important player to watch in ’10. Innings eater, great
5. Chris Carpenter (STL) - Savvy vet does it once again. W’s, innings, low ERA

NL Rookie of the Year - Always tough to predict. Strasburg (SP) is the favorite
1. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) - If he gets to start, look out. Nats may give him every opportunity
2. Drew Stubbs (CIN) - Part of the breakthrough Reds, might start at CF
3. Buster Posey (SF) - High catcher draft pick will impress if he gets to play

PLAYOFFS - Cardinals over Dodgers, Diamondbacks over Phillies in shocker
WINNER - Cardinals defeat Diamondbacks in 5 games to reach the World Series

Be on the lookout for my division-by-division blog previews as we get closer to Opening Day, which will preview each division and team individually. For now, also check out my American League predictions.