Storyline: The 2016 MLB season is here! Here are my predictions for the National League Central. Written by Tomas D’Anella, Murray, Utah.
Jason Heyward of the Chicago Cubs (photo, USAToday)
Chicago Cubs: Jorge Soler and Javier Baez Will Prove As Valuable Trade Bait. Most baseball experts have penned-in Cubs to represent the National League in this year’s World Series. Already owning one of the scariest lineups in recent memory, Theo Epstein and his front office decided to make their team virtually unstoppable. With the signings of Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, and re-signing Dexter Fowler, they bumped two future stars–Jorge Soler and Javier Baez–back into the trade pool. Both have been mentioned in multiple potential trades as a means to attract another starter to an already beastly rotation. At one point, the two had both been rumored to be going to the Indians for Carlos Carrasco. The Cubs will get a sizeable return for these two future stars, whatever that package might be. While Chicago is expected to look for a starting pitcher in return, they already boast Cy Young winner, Jake Arrieta, former ace, Jon Lester, and a host of good fourth starters and former aces who’ve been bumped to the bullpen.
Cincinnati Reds: Jocketty Continues His Fire Sale, Keeps Votto. At the trade deadeline last year the Reds’ front office finally started the long expected rebuild. By trading Johnny Cueto to the Royals and Mike Leake to the Giants, the team sparked discussions about who’ll be next. Jay Bruce and Aroldis Chapman were leading candidates to be shipped out, but neither were shipped out, nor was anyone else, during the season. But the team continued to rebuild during offseason by bringing in valuable prospects. Those moves cost the Reds their Home Run Derby champ, Todd Frazier, and Cuban fireballer, Aroldis Chapman. One core piece remained in place, namely, ‘the face of the franchise, Joey Votto. Votto finished third in the NL MVP voting despite playing on a team that finished 34 games under .500. Votto might not have the cache of a Trout or Harper, but he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. While odds are that Votto will stick with the Reds that doesn’t mean Jocketty is done trading. Jay Bruce and/or Brandon Phillips could be next.
Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers (photo, moresplashhits.mlblogs.com)
Milwaukee Brewers: A Team Of Stopgaps Will Perform As Team Of Stopgaps. Quite frankly there’s not much to be excited about at Miller Park. Ryan Braun continues to age and thus is declining. Jonathan Lucroy is trying to build his stock so he can be traded to a contender. And a young, questionable rotation is set to lead the Brewers.
With Orlando Arcia, Domingo Santana, and Brett Phillips waiting their turn for a shot with the big club, the front office used this offseason to sign stopgaps while prospects continue to mature. Chris Carter is the most notable of the signees, waiting for future star, Jacob Nottingham, to take his spot. Non-tendered by the Astros, Carter continues to be a steal for teams looking for pop. The slugger out of Las Vegas should carry the team to a fight with Cincinnati for fourth place.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Cole and McCutchen Get Award Consideration, But Team Misses Postseason. While Andrew McCutchen performed as one would expect Andrew McCutchen to perform, Gerrit Cole quietly performed as an ace. Both received MVP votes with McCutchen coming in fifth and Cole receiving three votes to finish 19th with Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez. Cole also finished fourth in the Cy Young voting. McCutchen, who made his name known when the Buc’s were still a losing team, has performed at high level ever since. Cole, the former 2011 #1 draft pick, has been a productive pitcher ever since coming to the big club. Both players have the talent to lead a team to the playoffs–but not in the NL Central. What about a Wild Card slot? The Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Nationals are vying with the Pirates for a Wild Card, but among those teams I only see the Pirates making it to the Postseason. I pick the Pirates and Cardinals to battle it out in a one-game playoff for the Wild Card spot. But the Birds–with playoff experience and veterans who’ve been there before–should have the upper hand and move on in the postseason.
Courtesy: Matt Carpenter of the St. Louis Cardinals (photo, zimbio,com)
St. Louis Cardinals: 95 wins Still Not Enough To Knock Off Cubs For NL Central. Last season the St. Louis Cardinals were the best team in baseball. They won 100 games, the only team to do so last year. While they didn’t have the best offense in the league–only bringing in 647 runs over the season–they did have the best pitching staff with only 525 runs scored against their pitching. Backed by Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez the team held offenses to a 2.94 ERA. Veteran John Lackey (signed by the Cubs this off season) offered veteran leadership to a very young staff. The offense does offer upside, though just not as much as some top offenses, like Toronto. Third baseman, Matt Carpenter, led the way in the power department blasting 24 home runs. Superstar Jason Heyward was an all-around threat with 13 home runs, a .293 average, and a Gold Glove in right field. That production will be missed as he signed with division rival, Cubs–the steal of the off-season. Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk will try to fill that void. With the Cubs expected to run away with the division the Cardinals should be penciled in for second place and first place of the Wild Card race.
Pick to win NL Central: Chicago Cubs
Picks as NL Wild Cards from NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates
Pick to win NL MVP from NL Central: Jason Heyward, Cubs
Pick to win NL Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon, Chicago
Pick to win NL Cy Young from NL Central: None
