Last year in the National League Central, the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates finished the season almost neck and neck. While very similar to the NL East, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds had very different seasons while winning nearly the same amount of games. The Cubs are a team looking to build into the future, while the Reds look like a team that needs to start over. Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers were in the midst of a transition, into hopefully the 2015 playoffs.
Predictions:
- St. Louis Cardinals: (93-69)
- The St. Louis Cardinals had a very nice offseason. They went out and added Jason Heyward, Jordan Walden, and Matt Belisle. The Cards won 90 games last year and I believe the moves they made will bump them up three wins. I believe they will get the most out of Jason Heyward and they will have no problem winning the division.
- Milwaukee Brewers: (86-76)
- The Milwaukee Brewers are my sleeper team this year. They still have one more trade to make to sure up the bullpen but I think all their players will grow from the extra year of experience. They won 80 games last year, and I believe the growth of their youngsters will add a couple wins this coming year.
- Chicago Cubs: (82-80)
- The Chicago Cubs had a very fun offseason. They went out and struck with the signing of Jon Lester and also the addition of Miguel Montero. I still believe they are a bunch of pieces away from being a threat in the Central but nonetheless they will make some noise for years to come.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: (79-83)
- The Pirates are in spot where a drop-off in wins is expected. All they did in the offseason was add Francisco Cervelli to overcome the departure of Russell Martin at catcher. That is not enough to be competitive in the National league this year.
- Cincinnati Reds: (75-87)
- The Reds are in a similar spot as the Pirates. They made little to no moves in the offseason, except trading starting pitchers Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon. The Reds need to blow it up and build around Joey Votto and yes that includes dealing Johnny Cueto and Jay Bruce.
NL Central MVP: Anthony Rizzo 1B, Chicago Cubs
*2015 Season Prediction: 37 home runs, 110 RBI, .272 avg.
- Anthony Rizzo is one of the promising young stars in the league. Rizzo is due for a major upgrade in his stats this coming year. This kid might not stop growing, and that is great thing. Expect a big season from him.
NL Central Cy Young: Adam Wainwright P, St. Louis Cardinals
*2015 Season Prediction: 19-6 record, 2.26 ERA, 250 K’s
- I think Adam Wainwright is due for a huge year. It seems to be that every other year he shows off. If he were to hit 20 wins it would not surprise me. Wainwright is one of the game’s best pitchers and I expect that to continue.
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