Tom Verducci previews the second half for each National League team
The first half of the season is over, and the All-Star break is at an end. Now, all 30 MLB teams must get ready for the second half, including the trade deadline and the stretch run for division titles or wild-card spots. For some clubs, the late summer and early fall will be a time to throw everything they have into securing a coveted postseason berth. For others, the back half of the season will be about restocking for next year or finding out which players will be a part of the future.
Where does your team stand as the second half begins? Sports Illustrated senior baseball writer Tom Verducci is here to tell you with his midseason preview videos for each team. Tom recaps the first half and what went right or wrong for each squad before giving his prediction as to what the second half holds.
Below, you'll find Tom's previews for every National League team. For his takes on the American League, go here.
Videos are listed alphabetically by team name. All standings are as of Thursday, July 14.
Atlanta Braves
Record: 31–58 (.348)
Fifth place in NL East (22 1/2 games behind WAS)
16 1/2 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 38–49 (.437)
Fourth place in NL Central (14 1/2 games behind CHC)
8 1/2 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 46–42 (.523)
Second place in NL Central (Seven games behind CHC)
One game behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Chicago Cubs
Record: 53–35 (.602)
First place in NL Central (Seven-game lead over STL)
Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 38–52 (.422)
Fifth place in NL West (19 games behind SFG)
10 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 51–40 (.560)
Second place in NL West (6 1/2 games behind SFG)
First place in NL wild card (2 1/2 games ahead of NYM/MIA)
San Francisco Giants
Record: 57–33 (.633)
First place in NL West (6 1/2 games ahead of LAD)
Miami Marlins
Record: 47–41 (.534)
Second place in NL East (Six games behind WAS)
Tied for second place in NL wild card with NYM
New York Mets
Record: 47–41 (.534)
Second place in NL East (Six games behind WAS)
Tied for second place in NL wild card with MIA
Washington Nationals
Record: 54–36 (.600)
First place in NL East (Six games ahead of NYM/MIA)
San Diego Padres
Record: 38–51 (.427)
Fourth place in NL West (18 1/2 games behind SFG)
9 1/2 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 42–48 (.467)
Fourth place in NL East (12 games behind WAS)
Six games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 46–43 (.517)
Third place in NL Central (7 1/2 games behind CHC)
1 1/2 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Cincinnati Reds
Record: 32–57 (.360)
Fifth place in NL Central (21 1/2 games behind CHC)
15 1/2 games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
Colorado Rockies
Record: 40–48 (.455)
Third place in NL West (16 games behind SFG)
Seven games behind second place in NL wild card (NYM/MIA)
For more second-half preview content, check out Jay Jaffe's bold predictions for the AL and NL.
