ESPN's NL Central Preview

[poodski]

MLB -- Previewing the National League Central teams - ESPN

I ll post the Cubs stuff:

THE X FACTOR
Aramis Ramirez
The cleanup hitter needs to bounce back in the final year of his contract if the Cubs are going to compete for a spot in the postseason.
--Brandon Vickrey (SweetSpot) »

THE NUGGET TO KNOW
Big Z Delivered
From Aug. 14 until the end of the season, Carlos Zambrano went 8-0 with a 1.24 ERA and allowed just one home run. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only pitcher (minimum 50 innings) who had a lower ERA over that span than Zambrano was the AL Cy Young winner, Felix Hernandez (1.07 ERA).

THE QUESTION
Carlos Pena
Can he thrive in the NL Central?
Carlos PenaPena has left the American League East in favor of the National League Central. The general belief is that the drop-off in the quality of pitching will do wonders for Pena's ailing batting average.
--AJ Mass, ESPN Fantasy »

THE PROSPECT
Trey McNutt, RHP
There's some thought he could be a reliever, but this is a starter package from body to arm to repertoire. --Keith Law » Cubs' Top 10 »

THE PROJECTION
82-80, 4th in NL Central
• Toughest month: June (.526). Ten-game roadie with stops in Philly and Cincy.
• Easiest month: March/April (.467). Face Diamondbacks six times in 2011, all before May 1.
--Dan Szymborski, ESPN The Magazine/Insider​

 

[poodski]

So it projects us fourth, but only 3 games behind Cinci and Milwaukee.

It has:

Cinci 85 wins
Brewers 85
Cards 83
Cubs 82
Pirates 70
Astros 69

Interesting predictions.

 

[Jntg4]

So it projects us fourth, but only 3 games behind Cinci.

It has:

Cinci 85 wins
Brewers 85
Cards 83
Cubs 82
Pirates 70
Astros 69

Interesting predictions.

And 3 behind Milwaukee, doesn't one need more than the other, due to tie-breaker games?

I agree that Cincinnati will decline to about that much, Brewers will be improved (maybe even better than listed), Cards may be lower than that even.

I had the Cubs at 84 wins, so that would be 3rd on this, but only 1 game out.

Pittsburgh ahead of Houston is something I agree with.

Sounds like a fun season.

 

[Jntg4]

Oh, and B-Jax has a better chance at making an impact this season than McNutt IMO.

 

[poodski]

Oh, and B-Jax has a better chance at making an impact this season than McNutt IMO.

That's just who Keith Law has as our number one spect:

Chicago Cubs
1. Trey McNutt, RHP (66)
2. Brett Jackson, OF
3. Chris Carpenter, RHP
4. Josh Vitters, 3B
5. Jay Jackson, RHP
6. Hayden Simpson, RHP
7. Robinson Lopez, RHP
8. Brooks Raley, LHP
9. Reggie Golden, OF
10. Matt Szczur, OF

 

[Jntg4]

That's just who Keith Law has as our number one spect:

Oh, I see now.

 

[Captain Obvious]

What do you know about Brooks Raley, Poods? I haven't heard anything about him.

I really don't think that this division is going to be all that close. I think that the Brewers are going to kick some major ass. I see them winning at least 90 games.

 

[Jntg4]

What do you know about Brooks Raley, Poods? I haven't heard anything about him.

I really don't think that this division is going to be all that close. I think that the Brewers are going to kick some major ass. I see them winning at least 90 games.

Thought you said that you still had Cincy winning the division?

 

[poodski]

What do you know about Brooks Raley, Poods? I haven't heard anything about him.

I really don't think that this division is going to be all that close. I think that the Brewers are going to kick some major ass. I see them winning at least 90 games.

Not much. Left handed starter we got in the sixth round and then paid him over slot money.

Seems to be okay. This is what I found on him:

Raley won't wow you with his stuff or ceiling, but you can be pretty sure he'll pitch in the big leagues. Raley is also a speedy outfielder and should get better once he's only a pitcher as a pro, but he probably tops out as a No. 3 starter. His athleticism works to his advantage on the mound and should allow him to improve at the next level. He's not an ace, but name a team that wouldn't be interested in a solid middle or back of the rotation starter in the next couple of years.

Sickels has him at 15th in the organization I think Law has him the highest of anyone.

 

[Captain Obvious]

Thought you said that you still had Cincy winning the division?

No.

 

[zack54attack]

I hope the Cubs surprise me this season..

 

[Jntg4]

I hope the Cubs surprise me this season..

That'd be nice.

 

[AE23]

well with almost no pressure, im hoping to be surprised this season aswell

 

[Shawon0Meter]

I prefer Craig Calcaterra's preview

HBT Extra: Previewing the NL Central | HardballTalk

 

[Jntg4]

I prefer Craig Calcaterra's preview

HBT Extra: Previewing the NL Central | HardballTalk

Comments on that are negative, everyone complaining that they gave the Cubs a chance.

 

[Jntg4]

Cubs win it, class of NL Central! I love that prediction then!

 

[poodski]

Baseballprospectus has us at 80 games.

Baseball Prospectus

 

[Jntg4]

Baseballprospectus has us at 80 games.

Baseball Prospectus

5 GB, not bad. Means we should be in it until the final week.

I'm beginning to believe this thing about 4 teams being able to win. We may be the long shots, but we aren't Pitt of Houston.

 

[Jntg4]

Here is one I like (because it rates the Cubs high):
Reds 90-95 wins
Crew 90+ wins
Cards 80 wins
Cubs 90 wins (barring injuries to Ramirez, Silva (LOL), or Pena)
Bucs 55-60 wins
Stros 70- wins

http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/20...l-reds-cardinals-pirates-brewers-cubs-astros/

 

[poodski]

There is no way in hell that many wins come out of the NLC.