How Would the Red Sox Fare If They Played in the NL East?

Once upon a time, both the Braves and Red Sox called Boston their home. Then, the Braves moved to Milwaukee and later Atlanta, so now they only play at Fenway Park when their opponent is the Red Sox.

But what if the Red Sox had been the ones to leave town back in 1953?

What if the Sox were now occupying the Braves' spot in the National League, but with their same roster? Would they be doing any better?

The American League East is notoriously difficult to play in, and this year is no different. However, its NL counterpart is no cakewalk, either.

While the Phillies are underachieving and the Marlins aren't quite living up to the top billing they earned with splashy free agents this offseason, the Mets and the Nationals have been equally surprising in the success they've enjoyed so far.

Obviously, it can be difficult to draw a parallel directly since there are many factors in play, but if the Red Sox faced a daily dose of National League competition from the likes of Bryce Harper or Cliff Lee or Jose Reyes, how would they be doing?

How would the Red Sox be doing if they played in the National League East?