MLB 2011 Preview & Predictions- NL Central
The dominance of the NL Central by St. Louis and Chicago over the past decade or so came to an end in 2010 when the Cincinnati Reds vaulted to the top of the division with a record of 91-71. Unfortunately that was as far as they got after getting swept by Philadelphia 3-0 in the NLDS.
St. Louis wound up in second place, five games back with a record of 86-76 after fading down the stretch. Milwaukee finished 14 games back at 77-85 with Houston another game back in fourth with a record of 76-86. Chicago followed in fifth-place with a record of 75-87 and Pittsburgh remained in the division cellar with a dismal record of 57-105.
Here is a brief preview of all the teams in the NL Central along with their future odds to win the division as posted by Sportsbook.com.
Milwaukee Brewers +200
The Brewers should make a strong push to win the Central this season with the addition of Zach Greinke and Shaum Marcum to the starting rotation. Offensively, they will rely on the bats of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun to put runs on the board. Giving the strength and balance of this team in the area of pitching and hitting, Milwaukee suddenly looks like one of the best teams in the National League.
Cincinnati Reds +240
Putting the ball in play and knocking guys across the plate will not be a problem for the Reds with players such as Joey Votto and Jay Bruce anchoring the lineup. The part that could derail Cincinnati’s chance of repeating as champions is a pitching staff that remains suspect not only in terms of its starting rotation, but its bullpen as well.
St. Louis Cardinals +250
The loss of 20-game winner Adam Wainwright, who recently underwent Tommy John surgery, has been well documented but this team still has enough talent to remain a factor in the division race. For this to happen, Chris Carpenter will have to step up as the new ‘ace’ of the rotation and Albert Pujols and Matt Holiday will have to elevate their games even higher to provide additional run support to the staff.
Chicago Cubs +400
The Cubs added pitcher Matt Garza and first baseman Carlos Pena in hopes of reversing their fortunes of the past two seasons. They also added Kerry Wood, who will be a welcome addition to a less than reliable bullpen. Mike Quade’s team showed some promise after he took over the reins with a 24-13 record to close out the year. He is counting on a fast start this season to get the Cubs back in the race in his first full season at the helm.
Houston Astros +2500
The Astros will go with pretty much the roster of players that only managed to win 76 games last season which can almost guarantee pretty much the same results this year. Houston has a few arms in Brett Myers and J.A. Happ, but they are still lacking the offensive firepower to consistently remain competitive over the course of a 162-game season.
Pittsburgh Pirates +3000
The Pirates future looks bright with a decent amount of young talent scattered throughout their roster, but it remains questionable how much can they really improve this season. Pittsburgh fans are crossing their fingers that players such as Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, and Jose Tabata can find a way to play beyond their years to avoid a 19th-straight losing season.
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