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 The Braves: Anything short of a championship should be considered a disappointmet. After posting one of the best
regular season records last year (9-1), they fell well short of their expectations. A first round sweep at the hands of the
eventual champs started the beginning of a long off season. Even with an early playoff departure, the Braves are favorites
again to win the title. With a rock solid rotation, the Braves need to focus on their offense. Veterans like Tim Goyette and
James Strang showed remarkable improvement over the second half of the season, but inconsistency in the playoffs
hurt the team the most.
They'll win the division if... they can be a little more patient at the plate. Stegmann
and Hess put up MVP type years but it wasn't enough. Their whole team needs to contribute at the plate in order
for them to have any shot at winning the division, let a lone a championship title.
 The Mets: This new team has a lot to prove in 2008. With a squad that is virtually unknown, it is difficult
to break this team down. Reports say though that the Mets will consist of older players which could prove to be an advantage. We'll
see though.
They'll win the division if... they are able to adapt to the league quickly. They are
going to need solid pitching and hitting because this is one of the more difficult divisions in the league.
 The Athletics: The A's will probably be one of the most under estimated teams in the league this year.
So let me get the word out right now; these guys are legit. They boast a young and quick team. The A's could even possibly
have a rookie of the year winner on their team in either Mike Saburro or Tom Tierney. Both looked impressive in
their winter game debut. With Nick 'game of his life' Bove leading off their rotation, the A's will get a consistent
effort every other game out there on the mound. They have some rotation questions to figure out, but it shouldn't
be too bad. Their offense will probably be their strongest characteristic and will need it in this pitching heavy division.
They'll
win the division if... Bove can get his ERA down and keep the ball in the park. He had a great strike out to innings
ratio, but he needs to reduce the runs allowed total. With the determination and dedication Bove puts into his game, there
is no reason to believe he will do a lot better this year (especially with more run support and better defense). The A's also
are going to need their number two guy to give them a good effort on the mound. Their number two spot could make or break
these guys in the Hess East.
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The 2008 Hess East division features three very good teams. The Braves lead the pack though with their multiple championship
titles and dominant pitching staff. Despite the Braves look like the better team on paper, the Athletic's and Mets should
be considered serious threats to win the division. The A's, behind Nick Bove, potentially could be one of the top
four teams in the league. Several of the A's rookies look like they could compete for rookie of the year. The Mets also reportedly
look like a tough contender. Rookie Ian Schoonmaker has high expectations for his team, which could be one of the oldest in
the league. It's all about hitting in this division though. If the Braves finally rediscover their bats, it could be a long
year for the A's and Mets.