2k9 divisiOnal preview - NL Central
a question for each team in the very intriguing, talented NL Central ... which continues to have six teams in a glaring example of gross unfairness when you consider how the AL West is, by comparison, a cake-walk for the Angels
CHICAGO CUBS: This is really the same squad that took the field in 2008, with Rich Harden and the coveted Sean Marshall filling out a great starting five. Can Carlos Marmol step up as the closer? It's a big question and although this division, with six teams, is hard to gauge, it is hard to see how Cubs won't be right there in late September. The team also has talent to spare and could trade for a closer should it become necessary.
CINCINNATI REDS: A lot of talent. A potentially excellent starting rote. A decent closer. Can young Jay Bruce pick up the slack and replace the departed Adam Dunn's power totals? Wayward O sees outfield -- young corner outfielders Bruce and Chris Dickerson and a mediocre Willy Taveras in CF -- as a down-the-stretch liability that may cost 'em a playoff berth. The Reds have a very good shot at .500+ for season if things go right. And if things go really right they'll be a big story this summer.
HOUSTON ASTROS: Will Miguel Tejada and Mike Hampton's stats continue their respective precipitous declines? Yes. BONUS QUESTION: Is soon-to-be 'Stro Pudge Rodriguez on that list of 100+ players who used steroids? Dunno. They could be real good. But they could be real bad. They'll end up in the middle. Prediction: There will be at least one clubhouse scuffle.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS: They are bringing back a powerful lineup and decent defense. But the team's starting five lost two of its stalwarts in Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia. Can Yovani Gallardo, Dave Bush and Seth McClung pick up the slack? Nope. I see a team that scores a lot of runs but gives up even more. I see a team fading down the stretch and finishing under .500.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES: The galleon is leaking, the sails are tattered, the coffers are spent and the first mate is drunk. Can this ragtag band of scallywaggers scrap its way out of the bilge tank? ARrrrrrr. Not likely matey. In this loaded division they'll be in the hold, face down in the bungwater all summer. They really should have found a way to keep Jason Bay.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Amazing. Last year 86 wins was only good for 4th in the NL Central. Little has changed with this team, except this year 86-88 wins will be good for third -- or maybe second if the Reds don't materialize. Who is the closer? Could be Christopher Ralph (Mercedes) Perez.
Predicted Order of Finish:
Cubs Reds * Cardinals * Astros Brewers Pie Rats
* wild card contender
CHICAGO CUBS: This is really the same squad that took the field in 2008, with Rich Harden and the coveted Sean Marshall filling out a great starting five. Can Carlos Marmol step up as the closer? It's a big question and although this division, with six teams, is hard to gauge, it is hard to see how Cubs won't be right there in late September. The team also has talent to spare and could trade for a closer should it become necessary.
CINCINNATI REDS: A lot of talent. A potentially excellent starting rote. A decent closer. Can young Jay Bruce pick up the slack and replace the departed Adam Dunn's power totals? Wayward O sees outfield -- young corner outfielders Bruce and Chris Dickerson and a mediocre Willy Taveras in CF -- as a down-the-stretch liability that may cost 'em a playoff berth. The Reds have a very good shot at .500+ for season if things go right. And if things go really right they'll be a big story this summer.
HOUSTON ASTROS: Will Miguel Tejada and Mike Hampton's stats continue their respective precipitous declines? Yes. BONUS QUESTION: Is soon-to-be 'Stro Pudge Rodriguez on that list of 100+ players who used steroids? Dunno. They could be real good. But they could be real bad. They'll end up in the middle. Prediction: There will be at least one clubhouse scuffle.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS: They are bringing back a powerful lineup and decent defense. But the team's starting five lost two of its stalwarts in Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia. Can Yovani Gallardo, Dave Bush and Seth McClung pick up the slack? Nope. I see a team that scores a lot of runs but gives up even more. I see a team fading down the stretch and finishing under .500.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES: The galleon is leaking, the sails are tattered, the coffers are spent and the first mate is drunk. Can this ragtag band of scallywaggers scrap its way out of the bilge tank? ARrrrrrr. Not likely matey. In this loaded division they'll be in the hold, face down in the bungwater all summer. They really should have found a way to keep Jason Bay.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Amazing. Last year 86 wins was only good for 4th in the NL Central. Little has changed with this team, except this year 86-88 wins will be good for third -- or maybe second if the Reds don't materialize. Who is the closer? Could be Christopher Ralph (Mercedes) Perez.
Cubs
* wild card contender
Labels: 2009 predictiOns
posted by the wayward o at
4:58 PM
2 Comments:
Since I have WGN on my satellite lineup, I'm in the tank for the Cubbies.
do not sleep on the crew
yovani is legit ace
parra-bush will combine for 28 wins
looper-suppan will go .500
90 wins
Post a Comment
<< Home