NL CENTRAL CHAMPION (1 Viewer)

[boom king]

ill do a different division every week. starting with the NL Central. teams are ordered in how they finished '07

simple question: who will win the NL CENTRAL in '08?

im leaning towards the Cubs but could also see the Brewers taking the next step with Gallardo, Sheets, and Co. i also expect some good things from the Astros and their improved lineup. should be a high scoring year in the central!

 

[JoeSteeler]

Brew Crew

 

[boom king]

Brew Crew

i could definately see that happening, if sheets stays healthy. i might be wrong and dont feel like looking it up, but the bullpen might be a problem this year. didnt they lose their closer?

 

[JoeSteeler]

First baseman Prince Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Bill Hall, left fielder Ryan Braun and right fielder Corey Hart are the headliners, and all were regulars in 2007. Hall and Braun do have new positions this year.

Many of the pitchers are back as well, at least in the starting ranks. Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan, Yovani Gallardo and Dave Bush have spots in the starting rotation waiting for them, and Chris Capuano, Manny Parra, Claudio Vargas and Carlos Villanueva also will compete. All were Brewers in '07.

The bullpen is a bit different, with right-handed setup man Derrick Turnbow and left-handed specialist Brian Shouse the only holdovers expected to make the club. Here's where the new faces begin to join the picture. Closer Eric Gagne and fellow newcomers Randy Choate, Guillermo Mota, David Riske and Salomon Torres are among those looking to secure bullpen roles.

There are a few new position players, too. Jason Kendall was brought in as the team's starting catcher, and Mike Cameron will settle into center field after he serves a 25-game suspension. And new bench coach Ted Simmons will reacclimate himself to the field after years as a scout and front-office official.

Nice article on Brewers offseason Link

 

[boom king]

First baseman Prince Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Bill Hall, left fielder Ryan Braun and right fielder Corey Hart are the headliners, and all were regulars in 2007. Hall and Braun do have new positions this year.

Many of the pitchers are back as well, at least in the starting ranks. Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan, Yovani Gallardo and Dave Bush have spots in the starting rotation waiting for them, and Chris Capuano, Manny Parra, Claudio Vargas and Carlos Villanueva also will compete. All were Brewers in '07.

The bullpen is a bit different, with right-handed setup man Derrick Turnbow and left-handed specialist Brian Shouse the only holdovers expected to make the club. Here's where the new faces begin to join the picture. Closer Eric Gagne and fellow newcomers Randy Choate, Guillermo Mota, David Riske and Salomon Torres are among those looking to secure bullpen roles.

There are a few new position players, too. Jason Kendall was brought in as the team's starting catcher, and Mike Cameron will settle into center field after he serves a 25-game suspension. And new bench coach Ted Simmons will reacclimate himself to the field after years as a scout and front-office official.

Nice article on Brewers offseason Link

wow, they are gonna be a force. villanueva (i could see him in the bullpen) riske, gange, torres (underrated innings eater) bullpen looking good! dammit (cubs fan)

 

[guru_007]

Cubs

Brewers

Reds

Astros

Cardinals

Pirates

Every team in this division has issues, major issues.

 

[boom king]

CubsBrewersRedsAstrosCardinalsPiratesEvery team in this division has issues, major issues.

major issues? pirates? yescardinals? yesastros? yes (pitching)reds? yesbrewers? no (inform me)cubs? yes (they are the cubs)

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Lifelong Cardinals fan, and while I am not as down on them as some other Cardinal fans here - they are likely to be 3rd in the central at best....more likely 5th or 6th.

The Brewers - assuming they can piece together a decent OF (which may be a BIG assumption) appear to be the class of this division.

The Cubs - have pieced together a solid lineup, but I am not sold on their pitching....but they are the other odds on favorite to win the Central.

The Astros - what is not to like? Assuming Tejada doesn't get suspended they have a solid lineupo and decent pitching staff. Slightly behind the Cubs and Brewers, but a talented team nonetheless.

The Reds - I like this team A LOT, but they are mighty young and I am not sold on any of their pitchers not named Aaron Harang. Still they will contend in the near future - just probably a year or two away this year.

Cardinals - wow - not a lot of big names here and the pitching staff is cobbled together from a lot of nothing yet hope is right around the corner in the form of Colby Rasmus (CF) and Brendan Ryan (SS). Pitching will be brutal as I don't expect Mulder to return anywhere near to his old form and I really can't see Carp back effectively this year. I think the offense has potential - lets see if Glaus can stay healthy for most of the year.

Pirates - ughhhhh - Jason Bay should be better. Their young pitchers are fun to watch. Not much else.

 

[Eephus]

Dear Ben Sheets:

Please stay healthy.

Your friend,

Eephus

 

[guru_007]

major issues? brewers? no (inform me)

Pitching for the Brewers.Ben Sheets has pitched 156, 106, and 141 innings the past 3 years. And his career numbers aren't even that great. He had one very good season in 2004. But considering he will be 30 this summer, and not really shown to be Mr. Durable, that's a pretty big question mark for your #1 starter.And then who do you have behind Sheets? Gallardo with 110 liftetime innings pitched? Dave Bush with a lifetime 4.53 ERA, and coming off of a very poor year? Jeff Suppan, who's career numbers are worse than Bush, and he's 33 years old (1 year in his 13 year career has he posted a sub 4.00 ERA)?And that leads me to the bullpen. Perhaps you didn't catch Eric Gagne's stint with the Red Sox last year? Derrick Turnbow, who was an allstar in 2006 with a 6.87 ERA and a 1.686 WHIP Carlos Villanueva who had a decent first half last year and then remembered that he's Carlos Villanueva? Salomon Torres who was so bad last year, that the Pirates didn't even want him anymore as their closer? They could piece together their staff and have a 2007Rockie-like season for sure. I do like the Brewers. But, you are not going to convince me that this team doesn't have issues with their pitching (admittedly the Astros and Cardinals would kill for this kind of staff).

 

[boom king]

major issues? brewers? no (inform me)

Pitching for the Brewers.Ben Sheets has pitched 156, 106, and 141 innings the past 3 years. And his career numbers aren't even that great. He had one very good season in 2004. But considering he will be 30 this summer, and not really shown to be Mr. Durable, that's a pretty big question mark for your #1 starter.And then who do you have behind Sheets? Gallardo with 110 liftetime innings pitched? Dave Bush with a lifetime 4.53 ERA, and coming off of a very poor year? Jeff Suppan, who's career numbers are worse than Bush, and he's 33 years old (1 year in his 13 year career has he posted a sub 4.00 ERA)?And that leads me to the bullpen. Perhaps you didn't catch Eric Gagne's stint with the Red Sox last year? Derrick Turnbow, who was an allstar in 2006 with a 6.87 ERA and a 1.686 WHIP Carlos Villanueva who had a decent first half last year and then remembered that he's Carlos Villanueva? Salomon Torres who was so bad last year, that the Pirates didn't even want him anymore as their closer? They could piece together their staff and have a 2007Rockie-like season for sure. I do like the Brewers. But, you are not going to convince me that this team doesn't have issues with their pitching (admittedly the Astros and Cardinals would kill for this kind of staff).

alright, thats what i was looking for. so what your saying is, there will be alot of scoring this the central this year...

 

[cheese]

This division is once again packed with teams with a lot of potential. However, you could just as easily say its packed with question marks.

IF Sheets stays healthy and the Brewers mish-mash of a bullpen can hold down the fort, they could win it.

IF the Cardinals young outfield all matures at once in time for this year, they could win it.

IF Votto, Bailey, Volquez, Bruce, etc are ready to contribute, the Reds could win it.

IF Pie and ####odome can give the Cubs something at all outside of the big 3 in the lineup, they could win it.

Sorry Pittsburgh and Houston, can't really justify anything for you.

All of those maybes should make for an interesting year in this division. However, if its like the past few years in this division NONE of the above will happen and someone will win it with 85 wins.

 

[boom king]

This division is once again packed with teams with a lot of potential. However, you could just as easily say its packed with question marks. IF Sheets stays healthy and the Brewers mish-mash of a bullpen can hold down the fort, they could win it. IF the Cardinals young outfield all matures at once in time for this year, they could win it.IF Votto, Bailey, Volquez, Bruce, etc are ready to contribute, the Reds could win it.IF Pie and ####odome can give the Cubs something at all outside of the big 3 in the lineup, they could win it.Sorry Pittsburgh and Houston, can't really justify anything for you.All of those maybes should make for an interesting year in this division. However, if its like the past few years in this division NONE of the above will happen and someone will win it with 85 wins.

which division doesnt have question marks?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I think the Cubs are the favorite but I'd expect Milwaukee and Houston to be there right until the end. Milwaukee still has defensive issues. Braun has never played OF, Bill Hall is a liability anywhere on the diamond. They do have arguably the best starting rotation and offense in the division.

 

[MAC_32]

Brewers 86-76

Cubs 84-78

Reds 78-84

Stros 77-85

Cards 66-96

Pirates 61-101

This is a 2 team race between the Cubs and the Brewers. A solid season out of Sheets and Gallardo and a non-disaster from the bullpen shuld propel them to the crown, but that's a big if. I think you can expect 80-some wins from the Cubs and that could be enough to win the division, just depends on the pitching/health of the Brewers.

The Reds and Stros will be competitive, but I don't see either team being strong enough to realistically push for the division crown. Both teams have major pitching issues surrounded by a good-but-not-great starting lineup.

The Cards are the third worst team in baseball in my eyes for 08. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are clearly worse, but I find it hard to believe you can make a case for any team being worse than them outside of San Fran and maybe Florida.

 

[shadyridr]

Cubs

Brewers

Reds

Astros

Cardinals

Pirates

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Brewers 86-76Cubs 84-78Reds 78-84Stros 77-85Cards 66-96Pirates 61-101This is a 2 team race between the Cubs and the Brewers. A solid season out of Sheets and Gallardo and a non-disaster from the bullpen shuld propel them to the crown, but that's a big if. I think you can expect 80-some wins from the Cubs and that could be enough to win the division, just depends on the pitching/health of the Brewers.The Reds and Stros will be competitive, but I don't see either team being strong enough to realistically push for the division crown. Both teams have major pitching issues surrounded by a good-but-not-great starting lineup.The Cards are the third worst team in baseball in my eyes for 08. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are clearly worse, but I find it hard to believe you can make a case for any team being worse than them outside of San Fran and maybe Florida.

Really? I think TB, KC, Washington and possibly Texas are all in the mix for being worse than St Louis in addition to the 4 teams you mention.

 

[MAC_32]

Brewers 86-76Cubs 84-78Reds 78-84Stros 77-85Cards 66-96Pirates 61-101This is a 2 team race between the Cubs and the Brewers. A solid season out of Sheets and Gallardo and a non-disaster from the bullpen shuld propel them to the crown, but that's a big if. I think you can expect 80-some wins from the Cubs and that could be enough to win the division, just depends on the pitching/health of the Brewers.The Reds and Stros will be competitive, but I don't see either team being strong enough to realistically push for the division crown. Both teams have major pitching issues surrounded by a good-but-not-great starting lineup.The Cards are the third worst team in baseball in my eyes for 08. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are clearly worse, but I find it hard to believe you can make a case for any team being worse than them outside of San Fran and maybe Florida.

Really? I think TB, KC, Washington and possibly Texas are all in the mix for being worse than St Louis in addition to the 4 teams you mention.

I think the Rays are going to surprise some people this year. Kaz and Shields are a solid 1-2 punch, either or both Garza and Sonnanstine could come into their own this year, and their bats are at least average with a ton of upside. If they were in the NL I could see them going 500 this year.KC's youth at least gives them reason for some optimisim. That and their pitching is adequate; nothing special, but far from a liability.I'm anxious to see what Washington does with their band of misfits this year. They certainly could be worse than the Cards, but their OF offseason acquisitions + Zimmerman coming into his own + an already solid bullpen offers a little bit of faith in my eyes. If Shawn Hill and/or John Patterson could string together healthy season's who knows with this team. I don't think they can go 500, but I think they could come close.You may have me on Texas though. That team is in bad shape. Hadn't even thought about them until I looked up their roster. Their bats are ok, but those arms are dreadful. Kevin Millwood is your #1? Gross. I'd lump them in the same convo as the Cards on 2nd thought.I just believe the Cards' bats will be below average and just imagine how bad they'll be if Pujols' elbow is serious, Glaus is a significant downgrade, defensively, at 3B [if he can even stay healthy], and their pitching staff is almost as bad as Texas'. I at least have a little hope for Wainwright but for a guy that doesn't strike many guys out he is going to really miss Rolen's glove at the hot corner.

 

[boom king]

tell me more about this sonnastine (sp) fella...

 

[MAC_32]

tell me more about this sonnastine (sp) fella...

Typical innings eater/control artist, which is a very good thing given Tampa's pen. He has an excellent changeup and a plus slider, but is lacking in the power department. He'll never be anything special, but a quality #3? Absolutely. He should be good for a quality WHIP and a good-but-not-great K rate, but he is susceptible to the HR. I don't see him having too many season with an ERA that can be called a liability, but a sub-4.00 ERA should never be expected. 9 out of 10 times Sonnanstine takes the hill I expect him to leave the mound giving his team at least a chance of winning. He won't win many games in which his team only scores 2 or 3 runs, but he won't lose many in which they score more than 5. He's consistent and he doesn't get rattled. He showed signs of development toward the end of 07, if only he could figure out how to pitch to the Red Sox, and I think he may turn the corner in 08. He should win the #4 job in Spring Training.

 

[boom king]

tell me more about this sonnastine (sp) fella...

Typical innings eater/control artist, which is a very good thing given Tampa's pen. He has an excellent changeup and a plus slider, but is lacking in the power department. He'll never be anything special, but a quality #3? Absolutely. He should be good for a quality WHIP and a good-but-not-great K rate, but he is susceptible to the HR. I don't see him having too many season with an ERA that can be called a liability, but a sub-4.00 ERA should never be expected. 9 out of 10 times Sonnanstine takes the hill I expect him to leave the mound giving his team at least a chance of winning. He won't win many games in which his team only scores 2 or 3 runs, but he won't lose many in which they score more than 5. He's consistent and he doesn't get rattled. He showed signs of development toward the end of 07, if only he could figure out how to pitch to the Red Sox, and I think he may turn the corner in 08. He should win the #4 job in Spring Training.

whats his favorite color?

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

tell me more about this sonnastine (sp) fella...

Typical innings eater/control artist, which is a very good thing given Tampa's pen. He has an excellent changeup and a plus slider, but is lacking in the power department. He'll never be anything special, but a quality #3? Absolutely. He should be good for a quality WHIP and a good-but-not-great K rate, but he is susceptible to the HR. I don't see him having too many season with an ERA that can be called a liability, but a sub-4.00 ERA should never be expected. 9 out of 10 times Sonnanstine takes the hill I expect him to leave the mound giving his team at least a chance of winning. He won't win many games in which his team only scores 2 or 3 runs, but he won't lose many in which they score more than 5. He's consistent and he doesn't get rattled. He showed signs of development toward the end of 07, if only he could figure out how to pitch to the Red Sox, and I think he may turn the corner in 08. He should win the #4 job in Spring Training.

TB is maddening - they always seem to have a lot of decent talent but have no clue how to use it other than letting it escape to bigger market clubs.The problem I see with them is they are in such a tough division and their youth will get beaten down and used to losing because of where they play.I do love the Rays talent - just not their ability to harness it.Sonnastine would be a quality #3 or #4 on a decent squad. In Tampa he will be a reach as a #3 or #4 without an abundance of run support. He is not a K guy.

 

[MAC_32]

tell me more about this sonnastine (sp) fella...

Typical innings eater/control artist, which is a very good thing given Tampa's pen. He has an excellent changeup and a plus slider, but is lacking in the power department. He'll never be anything special, but a quality #3? Absolutely. He should be good for a quality WHIP and a good-but-not-great K rate, but he is susceptible to the HR. I don't see him having too many season with an ERA that can be called a liability, but a sub-4.00 ERA should never be expected. 9 out of 10 times Sonnanstine takes the hill I expect him to leave the mound giving his team at least a chance of winning. He won't win many games in which his team only scores 2 or 3 runs, but he won't lose many in which they score more than 5. He's consistent and he doesn't get rattled. He showed signs of development toward the end of 07, if only he could figure out how to pitch to the Red Sox, and I think he may turn the corner in 08. He should win the #4 job in Spring Training.

whats his favorite color?

He grew up in my area, the local media has followed his progress for years. I watched him pitch on mlb.tv whenever I got the chance last season.

 

[Bobcat10]

Brewers

Astros

Cubs

Reds

Cards

Pirates

 

[Jeremy]

major issues? brewers? no (inform me)

Pitching for the Brewers.Ben Sheets has pitched 156, 106, and 141 innings the past 3 years. And his career numbers aren't even that great. He had one very good season in 2004. But considering he will be 30 this summer, and not really shown to be Mr. Durable, that's a pretty big question mark for your #1 starter.And then who do you have behind Sheets? Gallardo with 110 liftetime innings pitched? Dave Bush with a lifetime 4.53 ERA, and coming off of a very poor year? Jeff Suppan, who's career numbers are worse than Bush, and he's 33 years old (1 year in his 13 year career has he posted a sub 4.00 ERA)?And that leads me to the bullpen. Perhaps you didn't catch Eric Gagne's stint with the Red Sox last year? Derrick Turnbow, who was an allstar in 2006 with a 6.87 ERA and a 1.686 WHIP Carlos Villanueva who had a decent first half last year and then remembered that he's Carlos Villanueva? Salomon Torres who was so bad last year, that the Pirates didn't even want him anymore as their closer? They could piece together their staff and have a 2007Rockie-like season for sure. I do like the Brewers. But, you are not going to convince me that this team doesn't have issues with their pitching (admittedly the Astros and Cardinals would kill for this kind of staff).

I'm really thinking (hoping) that Gallardo will emerge as the Brewers ace this season. He'll have a hiccup every now and then, but for the most part, I think he'll be very, very good. People are questioning if Sheets can stay healthy. Let's answer that: He can't. At best they'll get 2/3 of a season out of him and he usually struggles for a while after coming off the DL. So really they'll get a half of season or so of top pitching from him. I think Villanueva will be in the starting rotation. I feel that's the best place for him. Last year he pitched really well for several months before he wore down. They were giving him 2 or more innings sometimes 3 times a week when the starting lineup struggled. After a stint in the minors where he worked out as a starter, he gave the Brewers a couple good outings down the strech. Would love to see him in the rotation all year and see what he can do. Suppan and Bush don't excite me at all. Capuano I think is no more than a long reliever at this point. I think after a couple good seaons the league has figured him out. I agree with everything you said about the bullpen.

 

[whoknew]

Cubs

Brewers

Reds

Cards

Astros

Pirates

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Chicago

Milwaukee

Cincy

Houston

St. Louis

Pittsburgh

 

[Juxtatarot]

IF Pie and ####odome can give the Cubs something at all outside of the big 3 in the lineup, they could win it.

Pie isn't really a key for the Cubs. They could deal with a weak hitting but sleek fielding CF in the eight-hole -- either Felix Pie or Sam Fuld could qualify. Geovany Soto, Ryan Theroit, Mark DeRosa and others should be able to pick up the slack on offense.The key to the Cubs (as usual) is pitching. Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, and Rich Hill are a solid starting three. After that, the starting lineup is a bit more questionable; they have to get something out of the group of Sean Marshall, an ancient Jon Lieber, a flaky Ryan Dempster, and/or a sucky Jason Marquis. As a Cubs fan, this doesn't give me much confidence. Nor does the relief pitching. They are without a proven closer. Bobby Howry has proven to be a solid set-up man and is certainly a piece of the puzzle. Carlos Marmol has great stuff but is still young and unproven as a closer. Kerry Wood is still new to being a reliever and, of course, has a history of injuries. They also don't have a solid left-handed reliever. If the Cubs pitching staff manages to solidify, not only will they win the division but they will also have a legit shot at breaking their 100 year drought. If not, it will be a typical Cubs season.

 

[Regular Crust Pizza]

Brewers 86-76Cubs 84-78Reds 78-84Stros 77-85Cards 66-96Pirates 61-101This is a 2 team race between the Cubs and the Brewers. A solid season out of Sheets and Gallardo and a non-disaster from the bullpen shuld propel them to the crown, but that's a big if. I think you can expect 80-some wins from the Cubs and that could be enough to win the division, just depends on the pitching/health of the Brewers.The Reds and Stros will be competitive, but I don't see either team being strong enough to realistically push for the division crown. Both teams have major pitching issues surrounded by a good-but-not-great starting lineup.The Cards are the third worst team in baseball in my eyes for 08. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are clearly worse, but I find it hard to believe you can make a case for any team being worse than them outside of San Fran and maybe Florida.

Really? I think TB, KC, Washington and possibly Texas are all in the mix for being worse than St Louis in addition to the 4 teams you mention.

I think SF could be in that conversation too. They are going to get beat up all year long in the west.

 

[prosopis]

Brewers

 

[Black&Gold]

I'll go out on a limb and say the Buccos won't be last.

 

[boom king]

BUMP FOR FINAL VOTING.

im going to be putting together a wildcard poll with all 2nd place teams....

 

[Power Monster]

This will be a battle to the end between the Cubs and the Brewers. The Cubs had their shot last year and could go again but the Brewers need to play out the full season and stay focused. Ben Sheets has to prove that he can stay healthy. The Cubs look vulnerable with the starting pitching but I have to think that the starting lineup could produce some ungodly numbers as several payers move into the prime of their careers- Lee, A-Ram and AS....

 

[MAC_32]

This will be a battle to the end between the Cubs and the Brewers. The Cubs had their shot last year and could go again but the Brewers need to play out the full season and stay focused. Ben Sheets has to prove that he can stay healthy. The Cubs look vulnerable with the starting pitching but I have to think that the starting lineup could produce some ungodly numbers as several payers move into the prime of their careers- Lee, A-Ram and AS....

I wouldn't say they're in the prime of their careers. A Ram, yes, the other two, no. Both Lee and Soriano are 32 and as history has shown signs of decline normally start to kick in around this age. I don't think the Cubs' lineup is as good as many believe, but I think their pitching is better than they're given credit for. Solid bullpen depth and once Marquis is moved out of the rotation in favor of Dempster they'll be solid top-to-bottom.

 

[Power Monster]

Mags- 34

Ichiro- 34

Polanco- 32

Holliday- 28

Posada- 36

C. Jones- 35

Ortiz- 32

H. Ramirez- 24

Renteria- 32

Utley- 29

Figgins- 30

Pujols- 28

Wright- 25

Guerrero- 32

Lowell- 34

Jeter- 33

Cabrera- 24

Helton- 34

Young- 34

D. Lee- 32

Pedroia- 24

A lot of guys in the top 20 BA last year did not seem to hit this wall. Albeit the avg here is about 31 years old but I contend that Wrigley will allow for the bloated stats. If anything, injuries and the free swinging Soriano will keep the numbers down but then again injuries come with age. Lee's power numbers dipped as the average climbed. It is amazing to see Jones, Posada and Young just tear it up but I think it would be rare to see them pop these numbers again.

 

[MAC_32]

Mags- 34Ichiro- 34Polanco- 32Holliday- 28Posada- 36C. Jones- 35Ortiz- 32H. Ramirez- 24Renteria- 32Utley- 29Figgins- 30Pujols- 28Wright- 25Guerrero- 32Lowell- 34 Jeter- 33Cabrera- 24Helton- 34Young- 34D. Lee- 32Pedroia- 24A lot of guys in the top 20 BA last year did not seem to hit this wall. Albeit the avg here is about 31 years old but I contend that Wrigley will allow for the bloated stats. If anything, injuries and the free swinging Soriano will keep the numbers down but then again injuries come with age. Lee's power numbers dipped as the average climbed. It is amazing to see Jones, Posada and Young just tear it up but I think it would be rare to see them pop these numbers again.

That's a very. very select sample size...and batting average is not the best figure to point toward when projecting a decline, if anything a players' avg may be more likely to increase as they age as their power declines they trend toward more of a contact hitter...something I suspect Lee may have done last year, although that may have been more injury related than anything. Don't take this as me saying either Lee or Soriano will begin to decline, I'm saying historically speaking decline's on average begin about now. I expect a healthy Lee and Soriano to have better numbers than last season, but to say they're in the prime of their career's is false. The prime of a bat's career is typically between 27 and 30.

 

[Power Monster]

How would you describe "prime"? I look at a guy that might be in the prime of his career I would look at guys like Ortiz, A-Rod and Ichiro (just to mention a few). If I had to go with factors for prime in a position player it would have to be RBIs and games played. I am certain that the top 20 will change but the "prime guys" hold steady in the top 20 for a few years. Lee might have had some issues with the wrist but AS is the wild card here. His numbers will drop if he is just sitting on fast balls. If he is healthy and can hit the off speed stuff he will have a mad year but that is a big if for a free swinger!

 

[shadyridr]

Prime is generally considered age 27 through 32. But now in the steroid era that probably moved up to about 34.

 

[Wrigley]

And we're off

 

[MAC_32]

How would you describe "prime"?

Once a player exceeds the age of 30 I do not expect their overall numbers to improve when formulating my projections. I project for improvement on a case-by-case basis with players younger than 30, but once they reach 30 I flatline their projections or project a decline. Am I right all the time? No way...but I am a lot more often than I'm wrong. At this point the only cat I expect either Lee or Soriano to improve upon would be avg [and possibly runs which would be a product of being on base more] and that would be at the expense of power cats due to batter trending toward more of a contact hitter's approach.

 

[Wrigley]

Prime is generally considered age 27 through 32. But now in the steroid era that probably moved up to about 34.

most MLB ballplayers enter their prime at the age of 27(unless they juice)

 

[Power Monster]

Do you think any of the Cubs can lead in the main offensive cats- RBI avg and/or RBI? Perhaps just the NL?

 

[MAC_32]

Do you think any of the Cubs can lead in the main offensive cats- RBI avg and/or RBI? Perhaps just the NL?

Lee could have the best RBI/avg combo in the NL. I don't think any Cub will lead the league in RBIs though and predicting avg. is exceedingly difficult. You can make a reasonable projection, but seasons like Polanco's last season happen. When you hit the ball in-play as often as he does some seasons they hit the hole just a little more often than previously. I don't really understand why the Cubs' offense is set to explode this year. I think a slight improvement on last season can be expected, but they're still well behind the Tigers, Yanks, Phils, etc.

 

[Mister Martie]

PECOTA says:

Central

(Record, Club, RS /RA)

89 - 73 Chicago Cubs 845/759

87 - 75 Milwaukee Brewers 829/765

79 - 83 Cincinnati Reds 772/794

74 - 88 Houston Astros 725/798

72 - 90 St. Louis Cardinals 711/796

71 - 91 Pittsburgh Pirates 715/822

 

[TitusIII]

PECOTA says:Central (Record, Club, RS /RA)89 - 73 Chicago Cubs 845/759 87 - 75 Milwaukee Brewers 829/765 79 - 83 Cincinnati Reds 772/794 74 - 88 Houston Astros 725/798 72 - 90 St. Louis Cardinals 711/796 71 - 91 Pittsburgh Pirates 715/822

Pretty much how I see it...I think the Pirates begin to improve this season...love Snell and Gorz, although it appears as though Bay wants out... If Sheets can stay healthy, and Gallardo doesn't go through some form of a sophomore slump, I think the Brewers can win 95+...either way, I love this division, even if it looks like the Astros and Cards are trending downward

 

[pillowpants]

Heard Ned Yost on the radio yesterday and I'm really liking the Brewers chances to win the division.

If Sheets can hold up (huge question mark) and the defense is improved, this team has a chance to be special. Braun, Fielder, Weeks, Hardy are all young and exciting. They showed me something by not quitting after SD knocked them from the playoffs last year.

The Cubs will be their competition throughout. I like the addition of ####udome to the lineup and think that he will make the others around him more productive. If they can solve the bullpen early on, they can easily win the division.

The Cardinals haven't done enough to compete with the Brewers and Cubs and are closer to the Astros/Reds at this point. All 3 teams should hover around the .500 mark this season.

Then there is the Pirates. Man, I want them to be competitive. They have solid young pitching but too many questions on offense. IF Bay rebounds and Laroche rediscovers his swing and they find a CF that can hit consistently, and...

Good news: the jewels on the farm system are a year closer.

What ever happened to Zach Duke?

 

[pollardsvision]

the cubs and brewers are certainly should be the favorites, but cinnicinnati reds are certainly a worthy darkhorse.

nobody would be too surprised if the cubs or brewers fell apart. the cubs have yet to show the consistency that you'd expect from looking at their team on paper and the brewers have question marks all up and down their rotation, topped off with gagne as their new closer.

the reds, meanwhile, maybe the the most balanced team in the division (aside from the cubs). they have some legit bats (phillips, dunn, griffey when healthy), with some hot up-and-comers (encarnacion and votto). they have a solid top of the rotation (harang and arroyo) and, now, a solid bullpen (weathers is scary as a closer, but great as a veteran set-up man).

it doesn't take a big stretch of the imagination to see them winning the division.

 

[Eephus]

Shhhhh, nobody tell Dusty

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -Neifi Perez's homecoming with the Colorado Rockies isn't going to happen.Perez and the Rockies had agreed to a $750,000 minor league contract on Tuesday, a goodwill gesture that manager Clint Hurdle called a lifeline for one of the more popular players in club history who has hit hard times of late.But the team later had second thoughts and decided against bringing him back.

 

[maxwelledison]

tell me more about this sonnastine (sp) fella...

Typical innings eater/control artist, which is a very good thing given Tampa's pen. He has an excellent changeup and a plus slider, but is lacking in the power department. He'll never be anything special, but a quality #3? Absolutely. He should be good for a quality WHIP and a good-but-not-great K rate, but he is susceptible to the HR. I don't see him having too many season with an ERA that can be called a liability, but a sub-4.00 ERA should never be expected. 9 out of 10 times Sonnanstine takes the hill I expect him to leave the mound giving his team at least a chance of winning. He won't win many games in which his team only scores 2 or 3 runs, but he won't lose many in which they score more than 5. He's consistent and he doesn't get rattled. He showed signs of development toward the end of 07, if only he could figure out how to pitch to the Red Sox, and I think he may turn the corner in 08. He should win the #4 job in Spring Training.

TB is maddening - they always seem to have a lot of decent talent but have no clue how to use it other than letting it escape to bigger market clubs.The problem I see with them is they are in such a tough division and their youth will get beaten down and used to losing because of where they play.I do love the Rays talent - just not their ability to harness it.Sonnastine would be a quality #3 or #4 on a decent squad. In Tampa he will be a reach as a #3 or #4 without an abundance of run support. He is not a K guy.

Spot on. TB always has stud prospects at virtually every position but they never seem to take that next step. Might be something in the water.

 

[fasteddie_21]

the cubs and brewers are certainly should be the favorites, but cinnicinnati reds are certainly a worthy darkhorse.nobody would be too surprised if the cubs or brewers fell apart. the cubs have yet to show the consistency that you'd expect from looking at their team on paper and the brewers have question marks all up and down their rotation, topped off with gagne as their new closer.the reds, meanwhile, maybe the the most balanced team in the division (aside from the cubs). they have some legit bats (phillips, dunn, griffey when healthy), with some hot up-and-comers (encarnacion and votto). they have a solid top of the rotation (harang and arroyo) and, now, a solid bullpen (weathers is scary as a closer, but great as a veteran set-up man). it doesn't take a big stretch of the imagination to see them winning the division.

*Huge Reds homer here*While I think the Reds are a year away, they could surprise this year. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say they're close to a .500 team. Lots and lots of stud youngsters and lots of "?"'s with them too:EdE - Hopefully can put together a whole year of what he showed after being called up from his demotion last year.Joey Votto - The future at 1B for the Reds. Think Sean Casey (high BA/OBP) but with more power.Jay Bruce - #1 hitting prospect in MLB and if he isnt' the starting CF for Cincy when camp breaks, surely will be by June 1. Just an awesome talent.Jonny Cueto - Probably the starting pitcher most of you have never heard of. Most Reds fans are higher on this kid than Homer Bailey. Might break camp in the BP, but transition into the SP role in early summer. Just completely and totally dominated every single level he faced last year (A-AA-AAA).Homer Bailey - Likely to start in AAA and hopefully mature some. Rumor has it he doesn't listen to advice well and now that some of the shine is off of the kid, might be better off. Hopefully the Reds let him work on things until he forces their hand sometime this summer.That's a ton of young kids and we didn't even mention the BP kids: Roenick & Burton.IMO, the BP is going to be very solid this year w/ Milwaukie's stud closer closing for the Reds, Burton/Weathers setting him up and a couple of young fireballers prior to them. The SP has Harang/Arroyo and 3 big ???'s but if those 3 ???'s step up, I wouldnt' be shocked if the Reds steal the division this year.But all eyes are REALLY looking towards 2009