National League Central
The Central is always an interesting division, not so much because there is an abundance of talent or because it is an even, competitive division, but because there are 6 teams. They all have to keep playing each other, and the familiarity of all those teams can make things interesting and level the playing field quite a bit. Let's take a look at this division.
St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals continue to be the class of the Central, with an extremely potent offense and an unflappable defense. They have 5 adequate pitchers (given the offense that will score 6 runs a game on average) in their rotation, with a bullpen that is servicable. In addition, they are playing in a new stadium, which is always a nice kick for the home team to overachieve, and at the trade deadline, overspend, in order to get to the playoffs.
Milwaukee Brewers - This is Milwaukee's year. They have about 5 very good players coming into their own and primed for a breakout, and they have a solid rotation for such a young team, with Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano headlining. If it wasn't for that pesky East division, the Brewers could very feasibly sneak into the playoffs for the first time in the National League.
Houston Astros - The Astros have a classic order, with a couple of speedy, high average guys at the top, like Willy Taveres or Craig Biggio. Then they have bigger bats in the middle of the lineup, like Lance Berkman, and then solid contact hitters like Brad Ausmus at the bottom. So why doesn't the offense work? The offense should, (and had better) run more effectively in Houston this year, but the loss of Roger Clemens drastically affects this team, and they could lost 10 more games than last year because of the weakened pitching staff.
Chicago Cubs - Here is the problem with a Cubs team that looks pretty good on paper. But they will get hurt. Look at that Cubs team on paper again and imagine Glendon Rusch and Ryan Dempster as the 2 and 3 starters and you begin to see what I'm talking about. When they are healthy, they'll be setting the world on fire, but I wouldn't expect that to be a frequent occurrance.
Cincinatti Reds - The Reds, especially with Ken Griffey's resurgence last year, look to be a formidable spoiler in the Central this year. They lack the pitching to make any serious noise, but they will, without a doubt win more games than last year, especially against teams sleeping against them. Another thing to look for is a trade. The Reds should be in the market for another pitcher, and they have plenty of depth in the middle infield, and I would look for Ryan Freel to be dealt for some help. A trade like that could either reinvigorate the Reds, or, it could be disastrous.
Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates have pitching, and that's always important. They need to make sure their young arms, like Zach Duke, can hold up to the pressure. It is that uncertainty that could completely sink the Pirates. But if the pitching holds, new acquisitions Jeromy Burnitz and Sean Casey could help augment a young lineup. Much like the Reds, the Bucs main role will be one of spoiler, but a dangerous one to be sure.
St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals continue to be the class of the Central, with an extremely potent offense and an unflappable defense. They have 5 adequate pitchers (given the offense that will score 6 runs a game on average) in their rotation, with a bullpen that is servicable. In addition, they are playing in a new stadium, which is always a nice kick for the home team to overachieve, and at the trade deadline, overspend, in order to get to the playoffs.
Milwaukee Brewers - This is Milwaukee's year. They have about 5 very good players coming into their own and primed for a breakout, and they have a solid rotation for such a young team, with Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano headlining. If it wasn't for that pesky East division, the Brewers could very feasibly sneak into the playoffs for the first time in the National League.
Houston Astros - The Astros have a classic order, with a couple of speedy, high average guys at the top, like Willy Taveres or Craig Biggio. Then they have bigger bats in the middle of the lineup, like Lance Berkman, and then solid contact hitters like Brad Ausmus at the bottom. So why doesn't the offense work? The offense should, (and had better) run more effectively in Houston this year, but the loss of Roger Clemens drastically affects this team, and they could lost 10 more games than last year because of the weakened pitching staff.
Chicago Cubs - Here is the problem with a Cubs team that looks pretty good on paper. But they will get hurt. Look at that Cubs team on paper again and imagine Glendon Rusch and Ryan Dempster as the 2 and 3 starters and you begin to see what I'm talking about. When they are healthy, they'll be setting the world on fire, but I wouldn't expect that to be a frequent occurrance.
Cincinatti Reds - The Reds, especially with Ken Griffey's resurgence last year, look to be a formidable spoiler in the Central this year. They lack the pitching to make any serious noise, but they will, without a doubt win more games than last year, especially against teams sleeping against them. Another thing to look for is a trade. The Reds should be in the market for another pitcher, and they have plenty of depth in the middle infield, and I would look for Ryan Freel to be dealt for some help. A trade like that could either reinvigorate the Reds, or, it could be disastrous.
Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates have pitching, and that's always important. They need to make sure their young arms, like Zach Duke, can hold up to the pressure. It is that uncertainty that could completely sink the Pirates. But if the pitching holds, new acquisitions Jeromy Burnitz and Sean Casey could help augment a young lineup. Much like the Reds, the Bucs main role will be one of spoiler, but a dangerous one to be sure.
posted by Ryan | 5:06 PM
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