The Observer, February 22, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 18
Pro Sports Roundup
With the MLB season around the corner, it is time to make the predictions. I will be running through each division giving the pros and cons of each team. With all the offseason moves this winter, this year's results are sure to be different from years past.
NL Central
Houston Astros – Hitting: 3rd Fielding: 5th Starting Pitching: 4th Bullpen: 4th Coaching: 4th
- Last Year: 4th (73-89) 2008 Prediction: 3rd – Though the Astros have made strides to improving their team over the winter with the additions of closer Jose Valverde and shortstop Miguel Tejada, questions still linger in the organization. Tejada was named in the Mitchell Report, and the league has not yet decided how they will deal with the guilty players. Also, behind Roy Oswalt, the starting pitching looks spotty.
Milwaukee Brewers –Hitting: 2nd Fielding: 4th Starting Pitching: 1st Bullpen: 1st Coaching: 2nd
- Last Year: 2nd (83-79) 2008 Prediction: 2nd – The Brewers have the best chance to knock the Cubs out of the top spot in the Central this year. With a healthy Ben Sheets, Milwaukee has a legit stopper this year and many options in case of injuries. If Prince Fielder has another monster year, he may see himself holding a MVP award at the end of the year.
St. Louis Cardinals – Hitting:5th Fielding: 2nd Starting Pitching: 6th Bullpen: 5th Coaching: 3rd
- Last Year: 3rd (78-84) 2008 Prediction: 5th-The Cardinals are going into somewhat of a rebuilding stage. Due to spat between Scott Rolen and Manager Tony La Russa, the team had to part ways with its Gold Glove third baseman and have welcomed in Troy Glaus, a player on the back end of his career. The starting rotation for the team has crumbled. Ace Chris Carpenter, who is recovering from TommyJohn Surger, will definitely not be ready until after the All-Star break. Behind him, youngster Adam Wainwright will have to be perfect to give the Cardinals a fighting chance. Though Pujols is still one of, if not the, best hitter in the league, he is unprotected in this lineup.
Chicago Cubs – Hitting: 1st Fielding: 1st Starting Pitching: 2nd Bullpen: 2nd Coaching: 1st
- Last Year: 1st (85-77) 2008 Prediction: 1st-On paper, the Chicago Cubs are by far the best team in the NL Central. With the addition of Japanese RF Kosuke Fukudome, the Cubbies have bolstered a position that has plagued them since slammin' Sammy Sosa. The signing also allows youngster Felix Pie to hit in the eigth spot and decreases the pressure on him to produce at the plate. The only thing the Cubs will need to add for a successful playoff run is one more pitcher, but they can wait until June or July.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Hitting: 6th Fielding: 6th Starting Pitching: 5th Bullpen: 6th Coaching: 6th
Last Year: 6th (68-94) 2008 Prediction: 6th-The Pirates will once again most likely assume their spot in the basement of the Central. Though the city rewarded the team with the new PNC Park, the management has still been unable to put money effectively into the team to start the rebuilding process. Though they continue to acquire good young talent, they annually give it away for older, declining players. These Pirates will be finding no booty.
Cincinnati Reds – Hitting: 4th Fielding: 3rd Starting Pitching: 3rd Bullpen: 3rd Coaching: 5th
Last Year: 5th (72-90) 2008 Prediction: 4th – The Reds are a couple signings away from being a legitimate contender for the NL Central title or playoffs. Though Aaron Harang is a genuine staff ace and Bronson Arroyo has been impressive since the move from the BoSox, the Reds would need at least another bat, arm, and an upgrade at catcher. They have the potential to surprise teams, but it probably won't happen too often.
Next Week: AL Central
