The National League Central was won by the St Louis Cardinals last year and they parlayed that in to a World Series date with the Boston Red Sox. Can they repeat as division winners. The Odds say they have a chance as they are favored to win the NL Central again. Below are each teams odds for winning the National League Central, National League Pennant and World Series. Teams are in order of how I see them finishing.
The St Louis Cardinals posted a 97-65 record last year and parlayed that into a World Series appearance, in which they lost to the Boston Red Sox. Now the pieces are in pace for them to make a solid run a trip back to the World Series. The Cardinals are loaded once again. Their pitching staff will be one of the best in the league from top to bottom, led by some very impressive youngsters and Adam Wainright, who seems to getting better each year. The offense will not hit a ton of homers again, but this is a very good situational hitting squad that will find ways to produce runs night after night with their timely hitting. Not sure the Cardinals will make it back to the World Series, but I do feel they will outlast Cincinnati in the NL Central. Vegas odds have the Cardinals the favorites to win the NL Central at -180. They are also +400 to win the NL Pennant and +900 to win the World Series.
The Cincinnati Reds made it to the post-season last year for the 3 rd time in 4 years, but they failed to make it past the Wildcard game and thus Dusty Baker was fired. In steps rookie head coach Bryan Price to try and take the reds to the next level. The Reds have speed and power on offense and they will be all the better should Votto have a better year than he did in 2013. The speed aspect is also there with Billy Hamilton, who has the potential to steal 60+ bases this year. The Reds do need to hit better for average, but overall this is still a very good offense. The Pitching will also be solid this year, with a very good starting 5 and a late inning bullpen that may be second to none. Despite the potential f this team, I still see them finishing behind the St Louis Cardinals in the NL Central, but it should be a good race. Vegas odds have the Cincinnati Reds list as +350 to win the NL Central… +2000 to win the NL Pennant… +4000 to win the World Series.
Last year the Pittsburgh Pirates snapped a 20 year post-season drought and they did it by posting 94 wins on the year. The Pirates may have overachieved a bit last year and should take a step back this year, but they should still fight for at least a wildcard berth again. The Pirates had a very good year last year, but some players may have played over their heads a bit so a regression may be in order here. McCutchen will continue to produce on offense, but I don’t see Alvarez hitting 36 homers again and Marte should also take a step back as well and the bottom of the lineup is not all that strong either. The pitching will be good once again, but can Liriano duplicate what he did last year and will Cole have a sophomore slump? I say no and yes to those question. Volquez has struggled of late, so im not sure the staff will be as good as last year. The Pen though will be just as good. Still I see the Pirates taking a step back from last year as they just miss out on making it back to the playoffs. Vegas odds have the Pirates at +700 to win the NL Central, +1200 to win the NL Pennant and +3500 to win the World Series.
Last year the Milwaukee Brewers finished with their worst record since 2004, as they went just 74-88 on the year. This year it looks as if they have made some moves to improve the team, but it just won’t be enough to get them back to the playoffs. T bthe Brewers will be an improved team, especially on offense and especially if they can stay healthy and out of trouble. Braun & Ramirez should have a better years, while Lucroy and Gonzales should continue to produce as well. The Pitching staff is very good at the top and I they can find a solid 5th starter then really watch out for this staff. The pen will also be a strength of this team once again. This will be an improved team, but just not enough to get back to the playoffs. They should contend with Pittsburgh for 3rd in the NL Central. Vegas odds have the Brewers at +1400 to win the NL Central, +3500 to win the NL Pennant and +8000 to win the World Series.
The Chicago Cubs had a miserable 2013 as they finished with a 66-96 record. Looking over this year’s team, there is not a lot of hope for an improvement over last year’s season. The Chicago Cubs are trying to build slowly, but it will still take them a few more year. The have a bright spot or two on offense, but nothing more. The Starting pitching is well below average and while Jose Veras will strengthen the closers role, the pen will still be weak. The Cubs are still a few years away from competing for at least a wildcard berth. Vegas odds have the Chicago Cubs at +3500 to win the NL Central, +5500 to win the NL Pennant and +12500 to win the World Series.
Info gathered from FoxSports.com and CBSSports.com
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