Baseball predictions NL Central

My first thought about the National League Central this year was that it would be a two team division and probably the worst division in baseball.

Then I started to examine the team rosters and realized my original assessment may have been totally wrong. I honestly believe that the only team that won't make this an interesting division are the Cubs. I doubt anyone who may be reading this will be shocked at that conclusion.

Here's how I see the NL Central race.

1.) Cincinnati Reds-- While looking at the rosters of the Reds and Cardinals I came to the conclusion that the Cards have the slightly better starting pitching but the Reds have the slightly better offense. I had heard and read that the Reds debated putting  Arolis Chapman into the starting rotation. In my opinion the made the right decision to keep him in the bullpen as the closer and I think it is possible that will be the difference in their quest for the division title.

2.)St. Louis Cardinals--As I already wrote I do believe the Cards have a slightly better rotation. Although at age 32 P Adam Wainwright is starting to reach the age where pitchers start to decline he is still a very worthy #1 guy in the rotation. I do believe the window of opportunity is beginning to close for the Cardinals. Players like SS Rafeal Furcal (currently on the Disabled List), RF Carlos Beltran, LF Matt Holliday and P Chris Carpenter (on the DL) are not getting any younger and who knows what they have left in them.

3.) Milwaukee Brewers-- Until a few days ago I didn't think the Brewers would be a real factor in the division. I liked the Brewers offense. Rickie Weeks, 2nd, is a good lead off hitter. I think 3rd Aramis Ramirez  could still be a productive bat and of course and, despite steroid allegations, RF Ryan Braun is one of the best players in the league.

     Before the addition of Kyle Lohse I believed Milwaukee had a starting rotation that would keep the team competitive and I was impressed with Closer John Axford.  I believe that Lohse's addition could make this team a playoff contender.  I'm not really sure that the Brewers will be able to win the second Wild Card spot but they could make things interesting.

4.) Pittsburgh Pirates-- For a good portion of the season last year the Pirates were an interesting, competitive team. I personally think that their youth and relative inexperience caught up with them.  I will be interested in seeing what this team will be like two years from now.  At the moment, I think they will be entertaining to watch but other than that, I don't know.

5.) Chicago Cubs-- I keep wanting to be optimistic that this team will finally get really good one day; but I have gotten my hopes up before only to see things not go so good. I think there is a good youth movement with players who have a lot of potential. I am not overly impressed with the Cubs starting pitching but I don't think it's the worst in MLB.  Like the Pirates I am interested to see what this team will be like in 2-3 years.