Just after the All Star break it is incredible to look at the National League East and see a new dynamic taking place. The Atlanta Braves have come to the end of the line with manager Bobby Cox. His long tenure as Braves manager should be celebrated as much as his departure.

The Braves took 14 division titles in his time, but now the only thing going for the team is Chipper Jones’ run at history. That .400 mark is now beyond his grasp, with a .369 average that still leads the majors, but keeps falling.

Instead New York fans with Mets tickets can hope that the new hierarchy of the division includes them on top. The Philadelphia Phillies are an awfully scary club with Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins winning the MVP award in the last two seasons. Having Chase Utley and Pat Burrell in the lineup does not hurt either. Luckily, apart from Cole Hamels, the starting rotation is not very scary.

The Mets, however have built a staff around Johan Santana. Santana has performed brilliantly over the season so far and if Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, and Oliver Perez can continue to develop, this may be the second coming of the Braves pitching staff during the ‘90s.

Shea Stadium may not see the World Series champion play in its final year, but the stadium is be relevant in a three way pennant race. By the fall, when Giants football fever starts warming up, having a contender will help New Yorkers maintain their focus.

The Marlins are still lurking around, within a game or two of first. The reality is that nobody wants to play the Marlins when they get into the playoffs. When the Marlins get into the playoffs they invariably win the World Series. They are the ultimate all or nothing team baseball team.

The Washington Senators are still trying to figure out what they have before they build and may be too far out of the race to make a serious run at contention while the new NL East emerges. The Mets are in great position to make a lasting effect on the division with David Wright and Jose Reyes and the right combination of veterans.