Kuzul

This slideshow will describe the best and the second best at each position in the NL Central. Inbox for fantasy baseball questions or opinions. 

The NL Central has been dubbed one of the worst divisions in baseball—but in a way doesn’t that make it the best? Last year one of the best races came out of the NL Central. It is certainly the most unpredictable division in baseball. I can tell you now the Colorado Rockies or San Francisco Giants are winning the West, the Philadelphia Phillies are winning the East, the Boston Red Sox are winning the AL East, the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox will compete for the AL Central and the Texas Rangers are going to take the AL West crown.

Who knows what could happen in the NL? Nobody saw the Cincinnati Reds coming last year (except me). The Chicago Cubs have made two big offseason acquisitions, the Milwaukee Brewers have as well. The Reds have signed some meaty contracts and the real best pitcher in the division just went down for the year for the St Louis. Cardinals. The Houston Astros did not finish as poorly as everyone thought they did last year, though I doubt they will make a big push. The Pittsburgh Pirates are the Pirates. 

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            The Cardinals were widely expected to win the National League Central last season. The acquisition of Matt Holliday was expected to provide some pop for the lineup and protect Pujols well – which he did. A fully recovered Chris Carpenter was predicted to be back to his old Cy Young form – which he was. There were many reasons why the Cardinals should have shown a better record in the standings, yet they weren’t able to beat out the Reds for the division crown. 

            There is reason to believe that the Cardinals might be back at the top of the division this year, however I have some very reasonable arguments that show they may not be up to full potential and that distractions and problems in the lineup could arise.

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