2009 NL Central Predictions

NL Central Division Betting Preview

The NL Central was the toughest division in the MLB last year. I am not looking for a repeat in 09. Several big time players left the division during the off-season. Milwaukee will feel the biggest losses after a 2nd place finish. How far will they fall? Keep reading to find out.

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Chicago Cubs (2008 1st place finish with a 97-64 record)

Chicago is the most complete team in the division. They are a predominantly veteran team with a few youngsters sprinkled in here and there. They should win the division for the 3rd year in a row. Offensively they are led by Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano. Mike Fontenot will be asked to take over for the departed Mark DeRosa at 2nd. Geovany Soto has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best catchers in the game. The rotation is very deep. The top 4 starters won at least 10 games last year. The only question mark is the #5 guy Sean Marshall. He will get plenty of opportunities to earn his spot. Kevin Gregg will take over the closer role with Kerry Wood leaving for Cleveland.

2009 Prediction – 1st place finish with a 91-71 record.

Milwaukee Brewers (2008 2nd place finish with a 90-72 record)

No team in the league lost more than Milwaukee. Ben Sheets and CC Sabathia both left in the offseason. With the top 2 arms in the rotation gone the Brewers will rely more heavily on their potent offense. Led by Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun the Brewers offense will keep them in almost every game. Nothing really changed offensively so upgrades made by personal improvement will be needed. With the top 2 rotation spots gone the Brew Crew will lean on the young arm of Yovani Gallardo heavily. Very young, but very talented, he will get a chance early to prove himself. Veterans Jeff Suppan, Braden Looper and Dave Bush will do what they can to help out the youngster. I expect a setback in 09 for Milwaukee.

2009 Prediction – 4th place finish with a 80-82 record.

Houston Astros (2008 3rd place finish with a 86-76 record)

The economy has hit Houston very hard. Owner Drayton McLane has admitted that and expect payroll to be cut if the Astros don’t start off hot. Most of that payroll is tied up in 4 players, Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada, Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt. Any losses in this group would be devastating to this club and their record. Future HOF catcher Ivan Rodriguez was picked up after an impressive World Baseball Classic. He will join the before mentioned players in the middle of the lineup. Houston lost starter Randy Wolf over the winter. The rotation looks decent following Oswalt. They expect Mike Hampton to get back to his old form in 09.

2009 Prediction – 5th place finish with a 73-89 record.

St. Louis Cardinals (2008 4th place finish with a 86-76 record)

A brutal bullpen was the story for the Cardinals in 08. They blew 31 saves last year. They won’t be as bad in 09 but the Cardinals didn’t do much to improve. Starting pitching was pretty good last year. It should improve in 09 with a healthy Chris Carpenter. If the rotation can stay healthy I would expect them to take a run at the Cubs for the division. Albert Pujols is the most consistent hitter in MLB. I expect him to produce 40 HR’s and 120 RBI’s in 09. Ryan Ludwick and a healthy Rick Ankiel will provide support to Pujols in the middle of the lineup. Khalil Greene was acquiring during the offseason and will start at short.

2009 Prediction – 2nd place finish with a 84-78 record.

Cincinnati Reds (2008 5th place finish with a 74-88 record)

Cincinnati is a very young team that could be this year’s version of Tampa Bay. Gone are veterans Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. The Reds youth movement has already paid off by having 3 out of the top 6 in Rookie of the Year balloting in 08. Willie Tavares is an offseason acquisition from Colorado that will bat leadoff and bring plenty of speed with him. Offensive numbers from Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Chris Dickerson should also improve. The strength of the Reds is in the rotation. Aaron Harang is the #1 starter right now but the young arms of Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto and Micah Owings will make their push for the #1 job in 2010. Closer Francisco Cordero should improve on his 34 saves in 08.

2009 Prediction – 3rd place finish with a 81-81 record.

Pittsburgh Pirates (2008 6th place finish with a 67-95 record)

Pittsburgh finished last in the division for the 3rd time in 4 years. Expect the same result in 09. The lineup doesn’t feature any major changes. They will have the same problems as in the past. Runners get on base but no one can drive them in consistently. They only had 2 players with over 70 RBI’s last year, Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche. If a few more guys could improve the lineup would be much better because opposing pitchers could pitch around those 2 guys. Paul Maholm was the most consistent starter going 9-9 in 31 starts last year. Ian Snell should improve on his 7-12 record. Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens round out the very young and inexperienced staff.

2009 Prediction – 6th place finish with a 68-94 record.

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Chris Hahn is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. He’s a Wichita State Shockers season tix holder! But don’t hold that against him ok? He flat out loves his college HOOPS! Got a comment? In the mood to run a little smack? Chris wants to hear from you, so comment below!