MLB 2010 Previews and Predictions- NL Central
Over the past decade, St. Louis and Chicago have dominated the NL Central by winning the division nine times. The Cardinals have six titles and the Cubs have three. The only other team to win the Central in this time frame was the Houston Astros in 2001. This trend is most likely to continue in the new decade as both these teams are the clear cut favorites to compete for the division crown in 2010. Last season St. Louis won the Central with a 91-71 record, but was swept by Los Angeles 3-0 in the Division playoff series. Chicago finished in second place, 7 ½ games back with a record of 83-78. In third place was Milwaukee, who finished two games under .500 at 80-82. Cincinnati was fourth with a record of 78-84. Houston finished fifth at 74-88 and Pittsburgh brought up the rear, finishing 62-99, 28 ½ games back. Here is a brief preview of all the teams in the Central and their future odds for the 2010 season.
St. Louis Cardinals – Odds to Win the National League 15/4 Odds to Win the World Series 8/1
The Cardinal’s biggest accomplishment this off season was resigning Matt Holliday to a long term contract. It is expected that he will bat fourth, behind NL league MVP Albert Pujols. Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter are their two best hurlers as they should have one of the better rotations in the NL. There is definitely enough talent for this team to not only win the division, but make a serious run at winning it all.
Chicago Cubs – Odds to Win the National League 6/1 Odds to Win the World Series 14/1
The Cubs have been able to sign most of their key players, avoiding arbitration with Jeff Baker, Angel Guzman and Koyie Hill. They are still trying to come to terms with Ryan Theriot, Carlos Marmol, and Seam Marshall. Carlos Zambrano leads the rotation and Alfonso Soriano, Derreck Lee, and Aramis Ramirez help to give the Cubs the offensive fire power they will need to compete with St. Louis for the division title.
Milwaukee Brewers – Odds to Win the National League 22/1 Odds to Win the World Series 50/1
The Brewers hired Rick Peterson as their new pitching coach to try and turn around one of the worst rotations in the league. They also signed Randy Wolf and will rely heavily on Yovani Gallardo to come up big. Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun will provide the bats that should allow the Brewers to remain competitive throughout most of the season.
Houston Astros – Odds to Win the National League 30/1 Odds to Win the World Series 75/1
The Astros named former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills their new manager in hopes he can turn the team around. They have a veteran roster led by Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt but their better days may be behind them. Without a solid pitching rotation they will be pressed to compete with the better teams in the division.
Cincinnati Reds – Odds to Win the National League 40/1 Odds to Win the World Series 100/1
The Reds have not had a winning season in the past 10 years but the prospect for one this year is looking up. They recently signed lefthander Aroldis Chapman and have a youthful but talented lineup led by Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and Drew Stubbs. If everything falls into the right place, they have a decent shot at ending up a few games over .500
Pittsburgh Pirates – Odds to Win the National League 75/1 Odds to Win the World Series 150/1
The Pirates have been the perennial cellar dweller in the Central the past few seasons and while they have added some young talent to their roster, they may have to wait at least one more year to climb out. Garrett Jones has been a pleasant surprise hitting 21 homers after getting called up last July and they have high hopes for top prospect Pedro Alvarez who should make his debut in the Majors sometime this summer.
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