The National League has slowly shaped itself out and most positions are set. The two best teams in the NL are the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Braves currently have the best record of these teams and their magic number is down to seven. The Pirates are currently one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals but are still the favorite to win the division.

If we are looking merely at stats the overall conclusion would show that the Braves are the best team due mainly to their team ERA of 3.20. If that doesn’t sell you on this team there are a few more numbers that show this team is the real deal. They have the most home runs of any team in the NL at a mark of 164. This team has the best closer in baseball and has accumulated a ERA of 0.19 since May 9. Yes, a zero point one nine! Video game numbers if I do say so myself. They also have the best fielder in the league in Andrelton Simmons along with the hug life that is Freddie Freeman.

The one critique that this team has developed is that they strike out a whole bunch. In fact only the amazing Houston Astros have more k’s than the Braves. The only other problem this team has is that when they slump, they slump hard and come the playoffs that will not be ideal.

As for the Pirates you have to look at how great the starting pitching has been. They are third in the NL with a team ERA of 3.29. A.J. Burnett has stepped up and taken over the ace spot in the ‘Burg. He has struck out 176 men and should just miss the 200 mark by seasons end. You have to think that his dope tattoos have something to do with the level of skill he has. I mean, he does have some really cool tats. Then there is the obvious center fielder, some guy named Andrew McCutchen. Cutch is my pick for MVP and I believe that he will take home these honors, especially considering that he has helped bring this team a winning season for the first time in 20 years.

Overall you have to assume that both of these teams could take home the trophy at the end of the season but as of right now the Atlanta Braves have proven that they are the best team in the National League. Only time will tell if I am right or not.