Predicting the National League Central

Final it's upon us. The Super Bowl is over and the Steelers had their victory parade. The College Football season is over as Super Human Tim Tebow won his second national title at Florida and Valentine's Day is beyond us. It is here the much anticipated report of players to Spring Training in the warm climates in Arizona and Florida.

Last season was a break through season for the Milwaukee Brewers as they went for it, with the acquisition of getting CC Sabathia. They went to their first postseason in 26 years and were bounced by the eventual champions of the league. The Cardinals flew under the radar and were Wild Card contenders up until the final three weeks of the season. Houston also flew under the radar as they made a late season run for the Wild Card slot as well.

This season, Cincinnati will try and become last years Tampa Bay Rays and the 2007 Colorado Rockies. They have many young pieces in place in the field, some very impressive young pitchers that are only going to continue to get better, with a veteran manager in Dusty Baker. They should have a good season with good health.

Chicago Cubs
Last season they had the best record in the National League and did not do anything to take away from that core of players. They added Milton Bradley, a power hitting switch hitting bat in the outfield, from Texas to play right field. They also added a closer in Kevin Gregg from Florida. The Cubs have the elite starting rotation the the division and a deep bullpen. They will no doubt be the odds on favorite to win this division for the third consecutive season. I can see this team finally breaking through and making it to the World Series. I can also see injuries, like most teams, get to this team in just the wrong places and this team struggle once in October and falter like they have each of the past 101 years.

Milwaukee Brewers
For the first time in 26 years the Milwaukee Brewers could say they were among the best 8 teams in Major League Baseball as they made it into the Wild Card slot of the playoffs. Although other than Ryan Braun, no one decided to show up and hit for the club. CC was worn down in his only start and the offense could not muster up any offense to challenge the Phillies as they lost the series in 4 games. This year they lack an "Ace" to anchor the staff, however, they have two veterans in Suppan and newly acquired Braden Looper to add experience in the young group of starters. Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra look to take a step forward in their careers and develop into last years Sheets and Sabathia combo that they had. They added a closer, in Trevor Hoffman, something they did not have last season as well. Torres did a good job as the leader in a bullpen by committee which cost them many games through out the year. Offensively look for Braunie to continue to improve and emerge as a serious MVP candidate and Prince Fielder to have a better season than last years downfall after his own MVP campaign in 2007. Also look for young players like Matt Gamel and Alcides Escobar to be called up and show Milwaukee what their futures will look like.

St. Louis Cardinals
Last season the red birds were decimated by injuries and this year will start out the same way as they await for a healthy Chris Carpenter. They do not have a deep nor a good pen on paper, but La Russa always gets the most out of his players. The Cardinals also have Albert Pujols and with that guy they are in every game no matter where they are playing at. Always a legitimate MVP and may very well repeat his performance from last season. They will struggle but look for good things out of this team and do not be surprised if they are around through August into September.

Cincinnati Reds
Possibly the team to come from no where this season and make a run for the Wild Card this year and become everyone's Cinderella is the Cincinnati Reds. They have two outstanding young flame throwers in Johnny Cueto and near Cy Young Award winner last year Edison Volquez. Volquez traded for Rangers OF Josh Hamilton straight up a few summers back may end up being one of the greatest trade in history for paler for player. Both All-Stars and both carrying their respective teams a season ago. This year if he remains off the DL Volquez is a 20 win potential of a pitcher this season. If he gets 20 and his fellow members of his rotation do a good job limiting walks and the long ball they will be in many games with a prolific offense with young stars like Joey Votto and Jay Bruce coming into their own late last season. This team should be fun to watch all summer and into fall.

Houston Astros
Not sure how this team will fare in 2009, but one thing is for certain. Roy Oswalt will be dominant on the mound and Lance Berkman has been a man and maybe starring at a MVP Award this year if he gets some help by his team winning. He is a lock for 35-40 round trippers and easily 100 RBI. Carlos Lee should have another great season and with a emerging Hunter Pence in Right Field with an absolute cannon of an arm Houston may be alright. That being said, they do not have much else right now and I'm thinking 2010 or 2011 may be the year for their time.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Well somethings have not changed. This will be another long season for Pirates' baseball fans. I guess that does not matter as the Steelers won their sixth Super Bowl and the University of Pittsburgh men's basketball team has looked outstanding to this point as March madness is nearing. This will not be a good season for the Pirates and they should be able to develop some young talent and hope their break is coming in the near future as Milwaukee and looks Cincinnati's turn is here.

In the end I see the Cubs winning the division with Milwaukee and St. Louis keeping it respectable and surprise Cincinnati giving all the teams in the division fits throughout the year coming down the stretch run. Edison Volquez should be the best pitcher of the Central and Braun, Berkman and Pujols being the top three offensive players.