NL Central
Hey out there in listener land!
The dreaded NL Central, where anyone (except the Astros) can win. Let’s get started.
St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Who? Even though Berkman, Holliday and Freese hit for the same home runs as Albert, you can’t pitch around THREE players. I think they will lose more games and miss the playoffs, but not as badly as people think. Wainwright simply isn’t the same pitcher this year, Garcia is not a reliable #2 and the rest of the rotation can’t keep up. Motte will save any game that he can, but it won’t be enough. 90-72
Milwaukee Brewers: Prince Who? (Sound familiar?) Here’s the difference, Braun will be Braun, Hart will be Hart, but there is no one to fill Prince’s shoes with him gone. Gallardo is a quality ace, but that’s it. Axford and K-Rod will close by committee (one of the best setup/closer combos) but there is a gap that Prince left. 85-77
Cincinnati Reds: MY PICK FOR THE NL CENTRAL! There I said it! I like this team for some reason! Cueto is a quality ace, and I think the rest of the rotation can hold up for the year, but it will take ALL YEAR to scratch and claw to take this from the Cards. Losing Madson will hurt, but only for a little while, they have a good back up in Marshall. So go ahead! Call me crazy (no seriously, I feel crazy for making this prediction.) 92-70
Chicago Cubs: CUBS will win this year! Just kidding, sorry Chi-Town. Not this year. A weak division with Pujols and Fielder gone, but it’s not weak enough. Garza is not the ace they need, and Soriano will strike about a million times (slight exaggeration.) Also, there is NO rotation! Volstad? Converted reliever Samardzija? Add in a closer that will blow more than save and you have a disaster year. 72-90
Pittsburgh Pirates: My favorite lovable losers. Will it ever get better? Not this year. That being said, Andrew McCutcheon is an absolute stud. He can hit for average, power and steal bases. But there’s no one else to help him, and no rotation to help them stay in games (Burnett should never be allowed to sacrifice this year!) Sorry Pirates, another losing season. 64-98
Houston Astros: Wait… I thought we went to the AL West to get AWAY from Pujols? Nothing changes for the Astros, no matter what league, conference, etc. There is no rotation. Seriously, ZERO rotation. I’ve seen AAA teams with higher quality rotations. Carlos Lee is the only bat on this team. Nothing else to say, 100 loss season, here we go! 48-114
That surprise anyone? No? Yes? Let me know! 2 more divisions and then I’m done! I can talk about something more… recent?
Tomorrow we break into the AL West! This will break my heart, more poor A’s.
Until next time!
Editor’s Note: I understand Heath Bell has a giant contract, but how much more leash do you need? 2 saves out of 5 opportunities? Who does he think he is?
