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The Nationals and Braves are still the class of the division and both teams upped their game this off-season with some strong trades and signings. The Phillies added some new faces to help buoy the core of a team that won five straight NL East crowns. The Mets and Marlins took steps backward though, committing firmly to rebuilding by giving up top players
Atlanta Braves
Major Additions: Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, Jordan Walden, Gerald Laird
Key Departures: Martin Prado, Michael Bourn, David Ross, Randall Delgado, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson
Significant Injuries: Paul Janish, Brian McCann, Jonny Venters
The Braves were one of the more aggressive teams this off-season after winning 94 games in 2012 but still losing the division to the Nationals. They signed B.J. Upton fairly early in the off-season, replacing free agent Michael Bourn in center with a younger player with more power. They added to their already deep bullpen by trading Tommy Hanson for reliever Jordan Walden. Then at the end of January the Braves made their biggest splash of the off-season, winning the off-season-long bidding for Justin Upton. Theygave up up two major league players in Martin Prado and Randall Delgado and three quality prospects to bring the Upton brothers together in what may be the best outfield in baseball. With an upgraded offense behind a cast of young and talented arms, the Braves are ready to battle the Nationals down to the wire.
Miami Marlins
Major Additions: Henderson Alvarez, Jeff Mathis, Juan Pierre, Casey Kotchman, Placido Polanco, Kevin Slowey, Chad Qualls, Jon Rauch
Key Departures: Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle,
Significant Injuries: Jeff Mathis, Logan Morrison
Once again, the Marlins sold off their entire core, gutting the team and the payroll in a move that many of the few remaining Marlins fans felt was a betrayal The move also drew some harsh criticism from some of the players shipped to north to
New York Mets
Major Additions: Shaun Marcum, Travis d’Arnaud, Marlon Byrd, Collin Cowgill
Key Departures: R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole, Andres Torres, Jason Bay
Significant Injuries: Johan Santana, Shaun Marcum
The Mets upset fans with their decision to shop R.A. Dickey after the two sides failed to reach terms on an extension for the NL Cy Young Award winner, but they managed a good deal for the knuckleballer in the swap with
Philadelphia Phillies
Major Additions: Michael Young, Ben Revere, Delmon Young, John Lannan, Mike Adams
Key Departures: Placido Polanco, Juan Pierre, Vance
Significant Injuries: Delmon Young
For five straight seasons, the Phillies had been at the top of the NL East, but age caught up with them in 2012 and they dropped to third, played the part of sellers at the deadline and finished with an 81-81 record. This off-season they added center fielder Ben Revere in trade with the Twins, sending Minnesota Vance Worley and pitching prospect Trevor May. They gave up less to take Michael Young off the Rangers hands, but the 36 year old Young may not actually be an upgrade at all. GM Ruben Amaro brought in John Lannan to round out the rotation and added Mike Adams to bridge the gap between their talented rotation and closer Jonathan Papelbon, which was an major issue last season. For all these deals, however, the Phillies did not get much younger or add any real impact talent to the mix. If their veteran core can stay healthy and ward of the daemon Regression in 2013, they could be contenders, but given the strength of
Washington Nationals
Major Additions: Denard Span, Dan Haren, Rafael Soriano, AJ Cole
Key Departures: John Lannan, Tom Gorzelanny, Mike Morse
Significant Injuries: Christian Garcia
The Nationals are young, super-talented and coming off of a
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