The NL Central got two bids into the playoffs last season. Can they do it again? Are the Cubs better this year? How will the Brewers be without CC and Sheets? Is St. Louis a legit contender? Will Houston, Cincinnati, or Pittsburgh surprise the world? Here is all you need to know.
NL Central Projected Standings
1. St. Louis Cardinals- NL Central Champion
2. Chicago Cubs- NL Wildcard Winner
3. Cincinnati Reds
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals
Key arrivals: Khalil Greene
Key departures: Jason Isringhausen, Adam Kennedy, Felipe Lopez
Tony La Russa's STL Cardinals are always a lot better than expectations. Last year they looked terrible and were riddled with injuries, yet they were right in the mix. This year they are healthy and I believe are going to shock the baseball world by winning this division. Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter are both back and healthy at the top of the rotation. Kyle Lohse, who had a fantastic year is #3. Todd Wellemeyer and Joel Piniero are not great, but solid back end guys. The Cardinals also have some young flamethrowers that could end up in the starting 5 as the season progresses. St. Louis is always good defensively and very disciplined. Last I checked Albert Pujols was still in their lineup and I think another MVP trophy is in his future. Khalil Greene is another solid bat in the ! mix and with Ryan Ludwick and Chris Duncan getting better and ! better, this team looks playoff bound.
Chicago Cubs
Key arrivals: Kevin Gregg, Milton Bradley
Key departures: Kerry Wood, Mark DeRosa
The Cubs are loaded. They got the perfect balance of hitting and pitching. Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are in the heart of the batting order, but as always injury concerns are high for Chicago. That is why I have them in the wildcard slot. I think injuries will slow them down as they always do. Ryan Theriot will improve and maybe make an all-star appearan! ce this season. The bullpen is one of the best with Carlos Marmol, Kevin Gregg, and Jeff Samardzija all in the mix. The rotation is solid lead by Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, and Rich Harden. But, Zambrano and Harden will both be on the DL at some point as always. The Cubs are real good, but injuries limit them to a wildcard.
Cincinnati Reds
Key arrivals: Ramon Hernandez, Willy Taveras, Micah Owings
Key departures: Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., Ryan Freel
Cinci! nnati quietly has a nice little team building up lead by some ! young po wer arms. The rotation looks solid with Edison Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, and Micah Owings. The bullpen appears adequate with the star being closer Francisco Cordero. The one thing holding Cinci back is their lineup. The loss of Adam Dunn hurts because he was their big bat. They added Ramon Hernandez and Willy Taveras, but still do not have a middle of the order power guy. Taveras solves their leadoff issues, but a lot of pressure now falls on youngsters Jay Bruce and Joey Votto. I like these two guys to break out and become well known names. The Reds will be in the playoff discussions, but miss out in the end.
Milwaukee Brewers
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Key arrivals: Trevor Hoffman, Braden Looper
Key departures: CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets (free agent), Solaman Torres (retired)
The Brewers pitching staff was decimated by free agency. Their top two starters in CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets are gone. Sheets remains a free agent, but it is unlikely he will be back. The Brewers must now try and piece together a staff built on youngsters like Yorvani Gallardo and Manny Parra. Both guys are solid, but neither is an ace. Gallardo has ace potential, but he has not quite grasped control of all his pitches. Braden Lopper will take a spot, but his best days are long gone. Milwaukee is not a playoff team, but should finish fourth. Prince Fiedler and Ryan Braun are all-stars and will carry this team. JJ Hardy and Mike Cameron are still around as well.! If somehow Milwaukee catches lightning in a bottle with some ! pitching , they have no shot at the postseason
Houston Astros
Key arrivals: None
Key departures: Brad Ausmus, Ty Wigginton
The Astros have been in a rut the past few seasons, and I think it continues this year. They did not in free agency in an attempt to save money and lost a few key players. Houston will rely on prospects and will likely be a huge seller at the trade deadline. Do not be surprised if Roy Oswalt becomes a candidate to be dealt. That is how bad things have go! tten in Houston.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Key arrivals: Eric Hinske, Ramon Vazquez
Key departures: Jason Michaels
The Pirates have not been good for a very long time. They develop young players, but when it is time to open the checkbook, they deal them (Jason Bay). The Pirates do have a decent squad this year. Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit signed long term deals, so maybe things can improve in Pittsburgh. Andy LaRoche is a young stud as well. The pitching is still awful and! that is why they place last once again in the Central. Pittsb! urgh is headed in the right direction, but is not quite there yet.
