2020 MLB SHOWDOWN SET --- NL EAST

We're back and better than ever, after unloading the AL East last Friday, this time we are bringing you the NL East, another loaded division full of talent, whether it is in the NL East Champion Atlanta Braves, or the bottom of the standings ladder Washington Nationals, what a sad fall for Washington. The amount of depth in this division truly made it an interesting one in a shortened season. Also this division is loaded with young talent that will keep this division strong for years to come, the obvious Atlanta youth of Acuna, Albies, Fried and Ian Anderson, Miami and its surprising season, including the MLB debut of Sixto Sanchez and his awesome card, the Nationals with Juan Soto and many more in this division will be fun to see the players develop their charts over the years. 

5. Washington Nationals 26-34

Batters: The returning World Series Champs started like they did the previous season, too bad the season wasnt full length as they went 7-3 over their last 10 games and may have found last seasons form. The good news is, Juan Sotos card is absolutely amazing. He and Trea Turner lead this offense as a dominant 1-2 punch. The rest of the offense will need a little help from the pitchers, but the Nationals offense certainly isn't the same as last year.

 

Rotation: The rotation also isn't the same as last year. This is more of the reason why they struggled. This rotation will need a ton of help to keep the Nationals competitive in a 2020 season.

Bullpen: More struggling pitching, any time we have a bad team in showdown it always comes back to pitching. I can't remember the last time we had a team with a dominant pitching staff and terrible batters that didn't make the playoffs. This bullpen furthers that point.

4. New York Mets 26-34

Batters: The Mets sometimes fall close to that previous example of a great rotation not making the playoffs. This offense leaves a lot to be desired but is pretty strong at the top. Pete Alonso sadly fell off his previous years marks, but the top 4 batters are all impressive.

Rotation: DeGrom and Peterson make a good 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation but after that, this team will be searching for answers to get the job done over a long game. Steven Matz keeps up his impressive number, with a home run rate high enough to be the first pitcher to net a 2 HR chart. Draft him please. 

Bullpen: A bullpen with high expectations that fell flat as well. Edwin Diaz returned to his 2018 form, but Seth Lugo regressed and the other main players didn't impress any one either. The 2 control pitchers are always an interesting gamble late in a game.

3. Philadelphia Phillies 28-32

Batters: The NL East is loaded with batting talent, another team with a super solid top 4, and another youngster that made his mark this season, Alec Bohm. The top needs to carry this offense, but a couple cheap 8s also follow the big bats that will come up big when needed. I can see Halsey being drafted really early in a salary cap league to get a 8 ob for 180 pts and OF+2 flexibility.

Rotation: Not a bad rotation for the Phillies, but just short of what is really needed in this very tough division. At some point the Phillies have to get it right and make the playoffs with Bryce and his big payroll. 

Bullpen: A bullpen with one reliable piece will make games stressful until the last out, maybe this is the place Philadelphia should look to improve its roster this coming season.

2. Miami Marlins 31-29

Batters: The ever surprising Miami Marlins, in a beautiful shade of blue. A true underdog story that no one saw coming this year. Miguel Rojas leads the team on the field, and put up a tremendous shortstop card and chart. I love the Corey Dickerson cutout, I think it looks so sharp, great job Peter.

Rotation: A pretty nice rotation from the Marlins, led by Alcantara and rookie sensation Sixto Sanchez, in the playoffs he looked like a veteran, and big things will be in that kids future for sure. The NL East can look forward to Sanchez vs Soto, Harper, and Acuna for many years to come.

Bullpen: The bullpen has some really good pieces at the top end. The back end can't be relied uon but that shouldn't be much of a problem with the top end guys. This team would be really intersting to see playout in a season long format. 

1. Atlanta Braves 35-25

Batters: Ah yes, the Atlanta Braves, and the most devastating 1-2-3 punch of cards in a long time for one team. When I was making these cards I sent a picture of Acuna, Ozuna and Freeman to the guys and was like is this our new version of Pujols Edmonds and Rolen. It sure feels like it, as pitching through this part of the order is a nightmare, but not only them, the rest of this lineup can be absolutely devastating. A pretty good reason why we see them getting ready to kick off the NLCS tonight vs the Dodgers. 

Rotation: This team will provide pleny of run support, and in their top 2 pitchers starts, they may not need much. Fried and Anderson are awesome, missing the potential third starter in Mike Soroka after his early season injury and Cole Hamels, this team could have looked even better. Josh Tomlin turned out a solid card for a third in the rotation, and rookie Kyle Wright struggled early in the season. Maybe next year he can get it back together and this team can be even scarier. 

Bullpen: While the bottom 2 starters could raise some scares, this bullpen can absolutely back them up, and lock down games for this Braves team. This team truly has very few slaws, and make up for it in major ways with their depth. How many games could this team have won is a 162 game season.

So there you have it, the NL East and all of its glory. In a NL East only draft which batter are you taking first Acuna, or Soto? DeGrom, Fried or Sixto? Also comment below on who you believe each teams foils should be, always interesting hear your guys perspectives and takes. Until Next time go play some more showdown.