Last year could have been the start of the changing of the guard in the NL Central. Last season, the Reds matured to the Division Champions their raw talent shows they should be, and the Cards took a seat in second place. The Cards lost another key player during Spring (more on that later) and that opens up this division for the Brewers to compete for second or first.
Cincinnati Reds:
The Reds look to repeat, and they have the players to do so. It starts with the rotation, to the lineup and the bullpen. Everything with this club looks strong. The rotation isn't the best, but it is above average. The bullpen is above average. The lineup is above average. The key for the Reds being above average in all of these areas is the stars (Cueto, Bruce, Votto, Bailey, Chapman) are all on their upsides at the same time. They should be going up from here. Look for the Reds to stay in the hunt if not in first place all season long.
St. Louis Cardinals:
At the start of Spring they looked to be in a position to take back the number one spot, but they lost one of their key players, Adam Wainwright. Usually in baseball one injury doesn't spell the end of a team, but without Wainwright, things are not looking that good for the Cards. They will still be competitive, and will be involved in the race, but this loss brings the Brewers that much closer to the Cards for a division shake up.
Brewers:
The Brew Crew added a key player this off-season in Grienke, and now look really formidable. When Zach comes back, he will round out their rotation nicely and give the Brewers a set of reliable starters day in and day out. On top of that, they already had a solid lineup with the bats. Make no mistake, this team will surprise people who haven't been following the developments in the mid-west baseball scene.
Chicago Cubs:
It is hard to see a scenario with the Cubs winning the division, with the three teams that were mentioned above. If the Cubs offense comes back together this year, and the starters perform well, then they could sneak into the the division race, but really, I just don't see it with the Reds and the Brewers. However, we play the games for a reason.
Houston Astros:
The Astros have an average to a below average starting rotation and an average lineup. With three teams looking strong and then the Cubs, things aren't that bright for Astros. For them to have a chance, the lineup is going to have to explode, and I really do not know enough about the Astros outside of Bourn, Pence, and Lee to see where the explosion is going to come from.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
Clint Hurdle has his work cut out for him. I don't really have to go into this. The lineup and the rotation is a mess, which makes sense because someone in the league has to have that.
