NL Central: Mediocrity At Its Finest
The National League Central is home to the World Series Champs and the last three NL Champs. You would think that a division with this much success would be considered one of the more dominant divisions. Not when the division winner last year won a mere 83 games. Still, the success this division has had in the postseason makes what will likely amount to a three-way race seem all the more important as we near October.
Dominant Teams
None. Not one of these teams can be considered a standout. Even the Cardinals are no guarantee.
Teams With Potential
St. Louis Cardinals: They have won five of the last seven division titles. They boast the game's best player in Albert Pujols. Veterans like Jim Edmonds, David Eckstein and Scott Rolen make this lineup dangerous. Plus they can handle the glove. The Cardinals' soft spot is on the mound. With a hardly recognizeable rotation and bullpen, the defending champs go into 2007 with many tough questions. They still have enough to win the division, but everything needs to line up just right for them.
Chicago Cubs: This will be the Cubs' 99th season without a championship. Finally, ownership decided to make some moves to change the futility. They spent Yankee-like money in the offseason, bringing in guys like Alfonso Soriano and resigning the likes of Aramis Ramirez. For once, it seems the team's success will not rely on the fragile bodies of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. Still, Lou Piniella will have his work cut out for him to turn a last place team to a contender.
Houston Astros: Never count out these Astros. They are a gutsy team. They made it to the World Series in 2005, then lost their best postseason player (Carlos Beltran). Despite that, they were only a game and a half from supplanting the Cardinals for the division last year. The Astros would be the clear favorites for me if they had signed Andy Pettitte. With Pettitte comes Roger Clemens. They would have had the rotation to beat anyone down the stretch. Without them, they are going to have their hands full.
Also Rans:
Cincinnati Reds: They had an exciting run for about half a season last year. Truth is, however, the Reds are not going anywhere. They still lack a rotation and a quality bullpen. As dangerous as Adam Dunn can be, he strikes out way too much. Junior Griffey should have just stayed in Seattle.
Milwaukee Brewers: For the past few seasons, I saw them as being the surprise team that was going to take everyone by storm. It turns out they are a big disappointment. It's a shame, really. The people of Milwaukee deserve better. That stadium deserves better.
Pittsburgh Pirates: People across the country are gathering in an attempt to retire Roberto Clemente's number league-wide. I fear that the only excitement Pirate fans will have in 2007 is listening to the arguments for or against Clemente.
Dominant Teams
None. Not one of these teams can be considered a standout. Even the Cardinals are no guarantee.
Teams With Potential
St. Louis Cardinals: They have won five of the last seven division titles. They boast the game's best player in Albert Pujols. Veterans like Jim Edmonds, David Eckstein and Scott Rolen make this lineup dangerous. Plus they can handle the glove. The Cardinals' soft spot is on the mound. With a hardly recognizeable rotation and bullpen, the defending champs go into 2007 with many tough questions. They still have enough to win the division, but everything needs to line up just right for them.
Chicago Cubs: This will be the Cubs' 99th season without a championship. Finally, ownership decided to make some moves to change the futility. They spent Yankee-like money in the offseason, bringing in guys like Alfonso Soriano and resigning the likes of Aramis Ramirez. For once, it seems the team's success will not rely on the fragile bodies of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. Still, Lou Piniella will have his work cut out for him to turn a last place team to a contender.
Houston Astros: Never count out these Astros. They are a gutsy team. They made it to the World Series in 2005, then lost their best postseason player (Carlos Beltran). Despite that, they were only a game and a half from supplanting the Cardinals for the division last year. The Astros would be the clear favorites for me if they had signed Andy Pettitte. With Pettitte comes Roger Clemens. They would have had the rotation to beat anyone down the stretch. Without them, they are going to have their hands full.
Also Rans:
Cincinnati Reds: They had an exciting run for about half a season last year. Truth is, however, the Reds are not going anywhere. They still lack a rotation and a quality bullpen. As dangerous as Adam Dunn can be, he strikes out way too much. Junior Griffey should have just stayed in Seattle.
Milwaukee Brewers: For the past few seasons, I saw them as being the surprise team that was going to take everyone by storm. It turns out they are a big disappointment. It's a shame, really. The people of Milwaukee deserve better. That stadium deserves better.
Pittsburgh Pirates: People across the country are gathering in an attempt to retire Roberto Clemente's number league-wide. I fear that the only excitement Pirate fans will have in 2007 is listening to the arguments for or against Clemente.
posted by E-Luv at 8:34 AM
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