NL Central Preview: A Capsule...

In tight division, expect to see a lot of action the National League Central and for it to be a dog fight.

Let me know what you think...

St. Louis Cardinals (88-74): St. Louis had an exhilarating end to 2006, the winter for the Cardinals has not been relatively full of fanfare. Even though the Cardinals have not signed a marquee free agent, the team took the initiative to extend ace Chris Carpenter’s contract, as well as resigned Jim Edmonds and Scott Speizio, who was nothing short of clutch in the playoffs. Meanwhile, pitchers Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis left the team for greener pastures and join rivals within the division.

However, fans should feel confident that the National League Central is fairly weak this season, so anyone has a shot to win the division, with exception of perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thus, the Cardinals have a good as chance to win the division.

The Cardinals have won consistently in the past decade, and there’s no reason to doubt the team can’t do it in 2007. The Cardinals do not look as strong on paper as they have in past seasons, but there’s no doubt that they will be contenders in the National League.

Carpenter, of course is the man in the starting rotation as he’ll be expected to win and put up solid numbers as usual. Mark Mulder will be counted on returning back to pre-injury form; Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright will need take his success from the playoff run in 2006 and translate into to big things in 2007. The bullpen in 2006 was amazingly reliable and will be counted on to do the same in ’07.

The offense, although aging, still has a lot of firepower and will be productive. The team of course, has the deadly first baseman Albert Pujols batting the middle & we know he’ll do a lot of damage and put up some amazing numbers. Third baseman Scott Rolen also carries a big stick, and although he struggled with some ailments at times in 2006, especially a sore shoulder, he’ll be a key to the offense and should keep in line with his career numbers since. Expect young Chris Duncan to do damage, and Jim Edminds, although aging, should be solid.

In the end, although the Cardinals lost a few key players that helped in their run to the World Series, Redbird fans should still count on the team to do well and contend in 2007. Although it is unknown if the Cardinals can duplicate their World Series run from 2006 in the upcoming season, but Tony LaRussa, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and company should keep Busch Stadium rocking. Even though the Cardinals didn’t make a huge splash this winter, expect the team to continue to win and possibly take the NL Central again.

Chicago Cubs (86-76): With a last place finish in the National League Central, Cubs GM Jim Hendry instituted a radical change in the roster. With the Cubs not having won the World Series since 1908, and not having an appearance in it since 1945, the folks in Chicago are now becoming restless and wondering if and when they’ll ever see a trophy.

As the Cubs have been criticized in the past for not spending any money on premier talent, and only looking to make a buck and fill seats; this winter the Cubs spent about $300 million in acquiring free agents and talent in hopes of winning the NL Central and getting back into the World Series. Lou Piniella takes the helm from Dusty Baker in 2007, and he’s already installing a new brand of thinking for the Cubs.

The team spent a lot of money this offseason to secure free agents like Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Mark DeRosa & Jason Marquis. The Cubs also spent big money to re-sign Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Wade Miller. The offense should be greatly improved to complement a hopefully healthy Derek Lee. The Cubs last year were killed by injuries, lack of offense and poor pitching production. Gone from the team is Juan Pierre who signed a huge deal with the Dodgers, and Greg Maddux who was traded to the Dodgers in July of '06.

As much as the Cubs spent in the offseason, the offense may score a lot of runs, but the pitching situation is still shaky as ever.

After Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs go into the unknown in terms of their rotation, and Cub Nation will need big Z to deliver. Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis were some of the ballyhooed free agents signed by the team and given contracts that many thought were a bit much for their abilities.

The other wild cards in the rotation include Mark Prior and Wade Miller, as both men are trying to recover from injuries and a poor 2006 season.

The Cubs in 2007 should have an improved team, but with the Cardinals and Astros in the National League Central, things may be tough. However, based on the results of 2006, the division may be wide open next season and with questions concerning the Cardinals and Astros, the Cubs might be back in the playoffs if all goes right and the team can stay healthy.


Milwaukee Brewers (85-77): In 2006, the Brewers were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young and talented starting corps and an electric collection of youngsters; however, it was not the Brewers year. With a litany of injuries, a pitching staff that didn’t live up expectations, and an offense lackluster at times, the Brewers only limped to a disappointing 75 wins.

Although the team had a season that did not live up to expectations, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League Central.

During the winter, the team added NLCS MVP, pitcher Jeff Suppan and longtime veteran Craig Counsell via free agency, acquired Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino via trade; however, the Brewers lost infielder Jeff Cirillo, and pitcher Tomo Ohka to free agency, and Edward Campusano, Doug Davis, Dana Eveland along with Dave Krynzel to trades.

Much of the promise for the Brewers comes with their starting pitching, and the top of the rotation is spear-headed by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano, along with free agent signing Jeff Suppan.

The bullpen for the Brewers on paper looks strong; however, it had it share of struggles in 2006, so it will need Francisco Cordero and Derrick Turnbow to deliver.

The everyday lineup will be fairly young, but they have some big bats easily capable of doing damage. Once again, count on Bill Hall, Prince Fielder to carry big sticks, and for Geoff Jenkins to find his stroke again. Expect good things from youngsters Ricky Weeks, J.J. Hardy and grizzled veterans Tony Graffanino & Corey Koskie to help out.

The team now has even a greater infusion of young talent and will be exciting to watch; however, don’t discount the Brewers lack of experience – they have talent, skills and a good all-around game.

However, I think they will fall short.

Cincinnati Reds (82-80): GM Wayne Krivsky instead of relying on the homer happy offense of the past several seasons in 2006, took a huge gamble to rebuild the pitching corps (mainly the bullpen) along with defense by trading away talent. The trade that sparked the most talk in baseball during in 2006 was outfielder Austin Kearns and infielder Felipe Lopez sent to the Nationals for pitchers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Royce Clayton.

However, the team last season strengthened their bullpen and defense for 2007 and beyond.

The Reds had a quiet offseason on the market, but they added quite a bit of new pieces for 2007, including Alex Gonzales and Mike Stanton via free agency, and the team acquired Jeff Keppinger, Kirk Saarloos, Josh Hamilton and Jeff Conine via trade.

The pitching rotation for the Reds came up big in 2006, and it should remain pretty much the same as it did last year. The top of the rotation is spear-headed by Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang. A week ago, both pitchers received lucrative contract extensions, so the team should have two strong and durable hurlers for 2007 and beyond, but the rest of the staff is a question mark with Eric Milton, Kyle Lohse and Kirk Sarloos.

The Reds in 2007 will once again have the appearance of a strong bullpen, albeit, there’s not a real closer. The bullpen in 2006 early on was a big problem, as Wayne Krivsky realized it was weak, and he spent the much of 2006 on improving thing as well as fighting for a playoff spot.

In the bullpen this year will be young guns Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, and veterans Rheal Cormier, Mike Stanton and “Everyday” Eddie Guardado (though he is coming back from injury and won’t be back until mid-season), David Weathers and Todd Coffey. The team will probably employ a bullpen-by-committee to establish a closer, but David Weathers & Mike Stanton are strong candidates to close out games this upcoming season until Guardado returns. Majewski (coming back from injury) and Bray may be in long/middle relief, as they were both incredibly solid in Washington before they were traded.

The offense has gone from some changes from 2006 into 2007, but however, the offense should still be formidable with young players and veterans in the mix. Instead on relying on the home run, the team now looks to manufacture runs with speed and small ball; however, the longball is very much a weapon with Dunn and Griffey in the middle of the lineup.

Do the Reds have enough to compete in the NL Central? Maybe not, but then again the NL Central is still fairly weak, and everyone in the division with exception of the Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to contend for a division title. Although the pitching has improved, the Reds may be haunted by the deal with the Nationals as they traded offensive threats, Kearns and Lopez. Nevertheless, I expect the Reds to be in the middle of thing 2007 and be a contender, though they do have some weaknesses.

Houston Astros (79-83): In this weak division, the Astros may be contenders, plus they are retooled with an upgraded offense with new addition Carlos Lee, and two new veteran pitchers. However, questions still remain about the starting pitching and if key members of the offense, especially Morgan Ensburg can bounce back from a dismal 2006.

The other huge question for the team in 2007 is whether Roger Clemens will come back to Houston, or if he’ll go to the American League and possibly help out the Yankees or Red Sox.

Houston added the aforementioned Carlos Lee, infielder Mark Loretta and pitcher Woody Williams via free agency, while gaining Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio via trade during the winter; however, they lost Aubrey Huff, Andy Pettitte & Russ Springer to free agency, and Taylor Buchholz, Jason Hirsh and Willy Taveras via trade.

The Houston Astros have had some turnover in the pitching staff, as Andy Pettitte returned to New York City. As well, Brandon Backe is out maybe until the All-Star break, if not longer, so the team right now is in flux in terms of the pitching staff for 2007.

Expect another solid year from Roy Oswalt, and Jason Jennings and Woody Williams should be solid in 2007, but there is uncertainty for the rest of the pitching staff & it will need to step up if Houston has any hope of contending.

The bullpen for the Astros had some ups and downs in 2006, and the organization hopes 2007 will show a lot of improvement. The closer for now will be Brad Lidge, but his struggles in 2006 were cause for concern. Expect Dan Wheeler to step in as the closer if Lidge struggles.

The offense for the Astros served as an Achilles’ heel during the most of the season, and in turn very much hampered the team. Changes had to be made, & the checkbook was opened up for Carlos Lee, but for the most part the offense remains the same from last year and that too may remain a problem, unless key guys step up.

Again, expect a big year once again from Lance Berkman.

The Astros may once again make things interesting in the NL Central, but the team has way too many questions going to the season.

For the team to contend, a lot has to go right, including the offense and pitching performing to their potential and a key piece retuning - Roger Clemens.


Pittsburgh Pirates (74-88): The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured 14 losing seasons, but the team is blessed with young talent like Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez, but they will once again finish in the second division.

The team is still young, raw and the pitching situation has a lot of promise, but most likely cannot be consistent enough to deliver to be a contender.

The starting pitching for the Pirates in 2007 will be very young, with exception of veterans Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon. The rotation for the moment will consist of Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Paul Malholm, Tom Gorzelanny or perhaps Shawn Chacon or Tony Armas having some role in the rotation. As well, the Pirates have plenty of young arms in the organization to call up from the minors if anyone struggle.

For a young team, the Pittsburgh bullpen was very solid, and should continue to be heading into 2007. The one big difference in the bullpen is that stud closer, Mike Gonzales who recorded 24 saves was traded to Atlanta for Adam LaRoche; however, Salomon Torres saved 12 games last year when Gonzales fell to injury, and finished with a 3.28 ERA last season. Torres will probably be the closer for now.

The offense for the Pirates was devoid of power for most part, and the Pirates spent the winter looking a power bat, and eventually got one with Adam LaRoche, although they had to part with young pitcher, Mike Gonzalez.

It remains to be seen if Freddy Sanchez can follow up on a great 2006, but Bay should be good for 30 homers and 100 RBIs. The Pirates have youngsters Jose Castillo, Xavier Nady and Ronny Paulino to help out the offense. Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

In the end, the Pirates certainly may not have enough to be a contender in a weak National League, but they have enough young pieces in the organization to build a franchise around or perhaps deal and trade. As well, the Pirates have a potentially deep core of young pitching, but the development of the talent is paramount and the team is not quite there yet. The offense backed by Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

Despite the Pirates’ weaknesses, the Steel City should have hope for optimism with a young team, filled with talent and potential diamonds in the rough.