The Prince reigns supreme over the NL Central. (Gbfan/flickr)
Today marks the start of a new week as well as the continuation of my 2008 division, playoff and award winner picks! Today we'll continue covering each division (one division per day) with the order they will finish along with some brief statements about each team and the standout players from that division. Once all of the divisions are done we will talk playoffs and then finally the 2008 award winners. As always, let me know your opinion on each one!
1.) Milwaukee Brewers: This club is so hungry to beat the Cubs in 2008 that I see it happening. Especially considering their leader, Prince Fielder, is hungrier than ever and on the verge of a monster, MVP-caliber season. They have a very strong lineup with Fielder, Braun and Hart in the middle. Rotation will be strong if Sheets is healthy (why do I feel like I say this every year?) and if Gallardo can be the pitcher everyone expects him to be. New closer Gagne scares me a little as we don’t know if we will get the Rangers version or the Red Sox version from last year.
2.) Chicago Cubs: The Cubs will make a run at the division and will be right there through September with Milwaukee. While logic would say that the Cubs are the favorites with their combination of lineup and rotation, but they are the trendy pick right now which puts a lot of pressure on them. Soriano needs to be moved down in the order as he’s too powerful for leadoff and many need to run less to help his team. Lee and Ramirez are scary in the middle but need Soriano’s help. Zambrano will be strong at the top of the rotation and need Hill and Dempster to help. I can’t tell you any real reasons why the Cubs won’t win other than I see the Brewers being dominant.
3.) Cincinnati Reds: While I didn’t pick them to win the division, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them do it. Everyone knows about their offense, so lets focus on the pitching. They have the pitching with Harang and Arroyo to win but need help from the other half of the rotation. Look for a big season from Volquez as he has looked fantastic this spring. Hopefully we see the same from Bailey. Cueto is the wild card as he looks to make the rotation and has incredible stuff. If he starts out strong he could easily run away with the ROY award as well as help the Reds into the playoffs. This team will live and die by their 3-4-5 starters.
4.) Houston Astros: The ‘stros have a solid middle of their lineup which will flourish in their home run derby stadium. The monster combo of Berkman and Lee will have more help with a full season from Pence who will put up fantastic numbers this season (prediction: .310/.370/.498 with 35 homers and 105 RBI). New Astro Tejada will see a boost in power this season thanks to the short porch in left. Rotation could be a bit messy but Oswalt will enjoy having offense behind him for once.
5.) St. Louis Cardinals: Cardinals will fall below the Astros simply because they will be out-slugged. I’m very worried about Pujols’ health this season so much so I stayed far away from him in my recent dynasty fantasy baseball draft. He may end up being fine, but he may not. He’s too important to this club that any extended time away will sink them fast. Need Wainwright to be solid as a starter and help carry the load. Not sure exactly how super-prospect Rasmus will fit into their plans this season but they will need him desperately. This is especially true if Pujols misses time as the fans will need someone to rally behind in this down year.
6.) Pittsburgh Pirates: (See my preview/prediction for the Pirates from previous 15 years)
2008 NL Central Standout Predictions
Star Bat: Prince Fielder
Star Arm: Johnny Cueto
Biggest Flop: Miguel Tejada
Starburst: Hunter Pence
Best Rookie: Johnny Cueto
Check out the AL East, AL Central, AL West and NL East predictions and check out the NL Central tomorrow!