2011 NL Central Preview

Part 3 of a 7-part series previewing the upcoming MLB season focuses on the NL Central division.

CHICAGO CUBS
The Cubs made a few moves during the offseason. Their biggest acquisition was getting Matt Garza, part of an 8-player deal with the Rays. Joining Garza in the rotation includes Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster & Carlos Silva. Look for Kerry Wood (who is in his 2nd stint with the Cubs) to be the closer. 1B Carlos Pena joins the Cubs in the lineup which also features Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto, Aramis Ramirez & Marlon Byrd. After taking over for Lou Pinella late in August, Mike Quade remains the manager of this team, who hasn't won a World Series since 1908.

CINCINNATI REDS
One of the more surprising teams last season were the Reds, and how a long way they came with manager Dusty Baker. The team extended contracts to reigning MVP Joey Votto and pitcher Bronson Arroyo to 3-year deals each. They also signed World Series MVP Edgar Renteria to a deal, while declining options to Orlando Cabrera & Aaron Harang. The pitching rotation consists of Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez & Homer Bailey. The impressive lineup features Votto, Renteria, Jay Bruce, Fred Lewis and Brandon Phillips.

HOUSTON ASTROS
The Astros had a tough season under Brad Mills, who returns for his 2nd year as manager. Houston's big signing during the offseason was that of utilityman Bill Hall, who had a great season in Boston. This is a team that is still improving and trying to return to 2005 form with a mix of veterans and young guys. The lineup consists of Hunter Pence, Chris Johnson, Matt Downs, Clint Barmes, Jason Castro, Michael Bourn & Carlos Lee. The pitching rotation features Brett Myers, Bud Norris, Wandy Rodriguez & J.A. Happ. I see this team getting better, but it will take a while.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Brewers were a team that cleaned house during the offseason. Ken Macha was fired and replaced w/ Ron Roenicke as manager. Zack Greinke joins the pitching staff via trade from the KC Royals. He joins Yovani Gallardo, Chris Narveson & Manny Parra in the rotation. The Brewers re-signed 2B Richie Weeks to a 5-year extension, and this young lineup also includes 1B Prince Fielder and left-fielder Ryan Braun. Other key members of the team that will continue to contribute are Corey Hart, Casey McGehee & Craig Counsell. Watch out because this team may be a surprise this season.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Pirates had one of the worst records in the majors last season. Infact, they have struggled in recent years, trading key players while trying to build this team. With that, the Pirates hired former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle to lead this team. They also signed veteran first-baseman Lyle Overbay to a contract, as well as outfielder Matt Diaz to a 2-year deal to help rebuild this team. This young club needs work on pitching and batting. The rotation has Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf (1-10 in 2010), Jeff Karstens & Daniel McCutchen, all of them haven't reached their prime. The lineup can hit, but players need to improve. Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez are just some of the faces on this young team.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Coming into this season, I had the Cardinals being the favorites in the NL Central, but my mind changed quickly. Earlier this week, it was announced that pitcher Adam Wainwright has an elbow injury and may require Tommy John surgery, which means he will be shut down for the 2011 season. The rotation already consists of Chris Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse & Jake Westbrook and now are auditioning for a 5th starter to take Wainwright's place, depending on how severe the injury is. Albert Pujols will remain at 1st, even though he will declare free agency at the end of the season. Joining him in the lineup is Matt Holliday, Colby Rasmus, Ryan Theriot, Yadier Molina & Tyler Greene. This team will still be a playoff contender, but with Wainwright, it can be a tough year.

My NL Central Prediction: Cincinnati, they will improve and be better than last year. Cardinals will finish 2nd, Cubs 3rd.