2014 NL Central Preview

CHICAGO CUBS
The Cubs struggled in 2013, going 66-96, finishing last in their division.  This year, the team will keep rebuilding the system under GM Jed Hoyer.  The Cubs pitching staff is led by Jeff Samardzjia, who strikes out batters alot and he will definitely be a key role on this rotation.  Joining Samardzjia is Jake Arrieta, Travis Wood and Edwin Jackson.  It may not look like a strong rotation, but this team will depend more on a young offense which includes 1B Anthony Rizzo, OFs Brett Jackson, Ryan Sweeney and catcher George Kotteras.  Not a playoff contender, but the Cubbies could improve on last season's record.

CINCINNATI REDS
The Reds were one-game shy of making it into last season's playoffs, losing a 1-game sudden-death playoff game against division rival Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Reds have a new manager in Bryan Price, who looks to improve this team in a strong division for a playoff spot.  Pitching can be an issue with Johnny Cueto, who missed time in 2013.  Cueto is back, along with Mat Latos, Mike Leake and 2-time no-hitter Homer Bailey in a good rotation.  The lineup includes 3B Todd Frazier, 1B Joey Votto, 2B Brandon Phillips, OFs Ryan Ludwick and Jay Bruce and catcher Devin Mesoraco.  The Reds are a strong team and could even win the division, but have St. Louis & Pittsburgh to battle, especially come September.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Brewers had a disappointing 2013 season, and with star-player left-fielder Ryan Braun suspended over 60 games last year from steroids, the team went downhill.  Braun is back and definitely will be booed at many ballparks.  Jonathan Lucroy, Richie Weeks, Carlos Gomez & Aramis Ramirez are just some of the players that will be in the Brewer lineup come Opening Day.  Matt Garza signed a 4-yr, $52M deal to be the ace pitcher, joining Kyle Lohse, Marco Estrada & Yovani Gallardo in a solid rotation.  Not a playoff team, especially with the Braun story, but they can turn around the negative results from last season.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The most surprising team of 2013 was the Pirates.  This team can hit and pitch and play great defense.  Ok, the lineup includes 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, 3B Pedro Alvarez, 2B Neil Walker, catcher Russell Martin, Jose Tabata & Travis Snider.  Francisco Liriano had a very improved 2013 pitching campaign and will continue to provide leadership on the staff, joining Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, Wandy Rodriguez & Edinson Volquez.  The Pirates were no fluke in 2013, and this team will get better in 2014.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The NL Champions lost to the Boston Red Sox in 6 games in last year's World Series.  This year, there have been changes to manager Mike Matheny's team.  Pitching staff includes veteran Adam Wainwright and youngsters Michael Wacha, Joe Kelly & Lance Lynn.  The lineup features catcher Yadier Molina, shortstop Jhonny Peralta, outfielders Matt Holiday, Jon Jay and Shane Robinson, and infielders Matt Carpenter and Mark Ellis.  Definitely a division contender, but not the same team as 2013.

NL Central Pick: Pittsburgh.  Cincinnati grabs wild-card