Sorts of Sports

MLB 2011 Preview: NL CENTRAL

No one cares about the NL Central. Technically, it is the hardest division to win, but it has the worst teams, says some. But don't sleep on this division because some of the best talent has been dormant, until now.

Here's how it will shake out this year in one of the most interesting divisions. Front and center you have the Albert Pujols watch. Thankfully, he is not arrogant like LeBron James, and ESPN won't have anything to talk about. There won't be any 'decision' or any culmination of where Pujols will take his 'talents'. Then there is the talk of the Cubs, and how everyone thinks they will be good, and how they might break the curse, and then the second week of the season will come and people will forget that idea. There are the Reds and Joey Votto. Can they be for real? Can the Brewers do anything with their young bitching and young hitters? I think there's another team in this division too? Wait, there are two other teams in this division?

Reds (94-68)
Joey Votto is better than Pujols. The team puts up nearly 5 runs per game, which lead the league last year. They led the league in all important offensive categories but it is the pitching that they will need to come through. The team is young all around with tons of potential. This might be the year that they do it and run away with the division. They are my NL favorite for the World Series.

Cardinals (90-72)
Will the talk of Pujols get to the team all season long? What if Pujols starts slumping, as in, doesn't hit a homerun for 2 weeks? The media frenzy stirred by ESPN could do damage to this team. What will really cause damage to this team is the pitching rotation without Wainwright. The last thing the Cardinals need is to miss the playoffs this year. That will kill their chances of keeping Pujols. Early prediction where Pujols lands next year: Nationals.

Brewers (89-73)
Can the addition of Greinke really help them? It'll be close. They have the power with Braun and Fielder, who is in his contract year and that bodes well for the Brewers. It wouldn't surprise me to see Greinke, Gallardo, and Marcum help this team until the last week of the season fighting for a playoff spot. It'd be interesting if they could get into the playoffs with that staff. This is my surprise team to make the World Series.

Cubs (85-77)
I'm not sold on this team 100%. I don't see them making a real run at the division this year. They add Garza and Pena but they are the cubs. Who is Alfonso Soriano anymore? Starlin Castro is not the next star shortshop either. Too many better than average teams ahead of them.

Astros (65-97)
Wow this team is bad. They have Brett Myers as their ace? Wandy Rodriguez is a horrible fantasy pitcher. They have an outfield so that is good. Carlos Lee is getting old, Michael Bourne can run, and Hunter Pence is good enough. It will be a race for worst in this division.

Pirates (59-103)
I would really like to see the Pirates step it up this year. But I won't be seeing that. It comes down to pitching and they have none of it. They have some great young talent including Jose Tabata. Another long season but I'm predicting Tabata and Alvarez will have 50+ HR combined.