For the NL East, the upcoming season represents the entering of a new era for the division. While the Phillies and Braves remain the two elite teams in the division, both the Nationals and Marlins are clearly on the rise. Here is the breakdown of the moves for each club in this very competitive division:

Photo from MLB.COM

Nationals: Last offseason, the Nationals made a big splash with the signing of Jason Werth, and this year was no different, as the team made a pair of huge additions to their starting staff. Firstly, the Nats used their substantial prospect depth to acquire young left-hander Gio Gonzalez from the A’s. Secondly, the Nationals signed Edwin Jackson to a one year deal, adding a talented veteran pitcher to their already strong rotation. After adding both Gonzalez and Jackson to go along with young studs Jordan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals suddenly boast one of the leagues strongest and most talented rotations. By pairing this rotation with an up-and-coming lineup that could include super prosepct Bryce Harper, the Nationals should post their first winning record since moving to Washington.

Phillies: For the Phillies, this offseason represented a chance to retool around their elite pitching. The team did this by making substantial bench additions in the form of slugger Jim Thome, speedster Juan Pierre, and veteran Laynce Nix. These depth related additions will be extremely essential early in the year, as three stars enter the spring battling injuries in the form of Placido Palanco, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. Beyond these depth related injuries, the Phillies also made one of the most shocking signings of the offseason in the form of Jonathon Papelbon’s four year, $50 million dollar deal. The additions that the Phillies made this offseason will help them contend in the competitive east while they await the return of injured stars.

Mets: This offseason for the Mets may very well prove regretful in the near future, as they were unable to make the necessary moves due to a difficult ownership situation holding the club hostage. Because of this difficult situation the club was restricted a few minor additions, such as the signings of John Rauch, Frank Francisco, and Ronny Cedeno. While these veteran signings do improve the club, they do not fill the great holes that the Mets currently possess. The truly dire state of the Mets was showcased by their inability to retain and the lack of inactivity the showed during this offseason.

photo form NJ.COM

Marlins: For the Marlins, this was always supposed to be an offseason of change, as the club moved stadiums and rebranded the clubs name and logo, but management also extended this theme of change to the on field product. This great change started with the managerial change by adding Ozzie Guillen to lead the club, and continued with the addition of three players on big-time contracts. The first of these, Jose Reyes, offers the club substantially improved defense at shortstop, and more importantly, an elite table setter at the top of the lineup. Beyond this, the team added starter Mark Buehrle to be the No. 2 starter behind ace Josh Johnson as well as elite closer Heath Bell. With these additions, both the Marlins starting rotation and bullpen have greatly increased depth that will give their potent offense a chance to win the game late. Entering the offseason, this was clearly a turning point for the Marlins franchise, and after a strong offseason the Marlins appear to be a team poised to burst into the leagues elite.

Braves: Last season, the Braves were one of the games best teams up until their historic September collapse. Instead of pannicking after this collapse though, the Braves chose to believe in the club that was so strong up until September. Therefore, the club had one of the most inactive offseasons in recent member, with their only one significant addition , Jack Wilson, being a mere utility infielder. While many people will criticize the Braves for their inability to improve upon a team that missed the playoffs, their deep farm system possess’s a plethora of up-and-coming pitchers who can contribute significantly to this years squad and allow them to improve upon their 2011 season.

Well there is a look at, arguably, the deepest division in the league.  In my opinion, the Braves pull out a surprising division victory with the Phillies following closely and earning a wild card spot. What is your opinion? Which club had the strongest offseason and who will win the division in 2012?