MLB Breakdown 2

Well last time I broke down the NL West and keeping it in the NL, well go to the Central division.

Last year the Cubs won this division easily, the Astros and Brewers made a late run and eventually the Brewers won the Wild Card. But some of the teams in the division(Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates) are still far away from competing.

1. Chicago Cubs (95-67) - The Cubs are still the best team in this division even though they weren't able to complete a trade for Jake Peavy in the offseason. And while they did lose Mark DeRosa(traded) and Kerry Wood(free agency) they still have the most talent in the division. A starting lineup that features Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. One of the best young catchers in the game, Geovany Soto and a scrappy shortstop in Mike Fontenot. Then you add Milton Bradley to this lineup and you have a powerful lineup. Their starting rotation features Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly. Those four when healthy could all win 15 games. The biggest question on this team is can Carlos Marmol or Kevin Gregg effectively save games in the 9th when called upon?

2. Houston Astros (86-76) - A tough decision because teams 2-4 could go anyway. But I feel Houston has a great mix of talented veterans with talented youngsters to able to take second in this division. The thing that concerns me about this team though is its lack of starting pitching. Outside of Roy Oswalt, the starting pitching is thin. But this team does have the offense to score some runs, if they get leads to the bullpen late this team could win some games and put a scare into the Cubs. Big questions though, can they get quality starts out of 2-5? Can Tejada stay healthy? Who's going to catch?

UPDATE: Houston signed Pudge Rodriguez to a one year deal, pencil them in for second.

3. St. Louis Cardinals (84- 78) - The Cardinals are an interesting team. They have some talent in starting pitching and in their lineup. They could give the Cubs a run for their money. If they could only stay healthy. Which will be the event downfall of the Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Todd Wellemeyer were pleasant surprises for this team last year and allowed them to let Braden Looper walk away and test the market. The one thing that scares me about this team is its bullpen and closer. Easily the biggest question mark about this team. Player to keep an eye from this team is shortstop Khalil Greene, will this explosive lineup help him or will he continue to be a .240-.250 hitter who plays exceptional defense? Or will he show the promise he showed his senior year at Clemson?

4. Milwaukee Brewers (81-81) - The Brewers made one heck of a run down the stretch last year to win the Wild Card. C.C. Sabathia was unstoppable after being acquired from Cleveland. He even went on to pitch on 3 days rest when needed. The problem this year? Well incase you missed it, Sabathia left for pinstripes in New York and a whole lot of money to go with it. Then on top of that, they lost the potentially dangerous when healthy Ben Sheets. Their 1-2 now looks like Dave Bush and Manny Para. If you're scratching head asking "who are they?" don't feel bad, many people are and probably will be this season. They still have Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and JJ Hardy but don't be surprised if Hardy gets traded. Rumor is Milwaukee has a prospect waiting in the wings they'd like to bring up.

5. Cincinnati Reds (76-86) - The Reds are a young team with potential. They have one of the game's best young hitters in Jay Bruce. Joey Votto isn't too bad either. They also have two of the game's best young arms in Edinson Volquez who won 17 games last year as a rookie. And Johnny Cueto who fell hard after a hot start to his rookie season. Led by veteran Brandon Phillips this team could compete but it's unlikely. They lack enough needed talent to make a run for the division or wild card. But give this team time and the Reds could be a force in the Central. Key players from this team: Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates (70-92) - The Pirates are considered to have one of the best minor league systems around, just flourishing with talent. So at what point does management bring them up and decide to see what they can do? With a lack of quality starters, this team will struggle. Not to mention its less then stellar bullpen. They have some potential is their lineup with the LaRoche brothers and Nate McLouth but they can't carry this team themselves. Good news is things aren't as bleak as they are in San Diego.