Cubs Favored to Win NL Central
Milwaukee Will Challenge Defending Divisional Champion Chicago
Feb 16, 2008
The Cubs spent $400 million to bring in several free agents and lock up two key veterans, but Chicago needed a strong second half and Milwaukee’s swoon during July and August to win the National League’s Central Division title by two games over the Brewers last year.
Those two teams are expected to battle it out again after Chicago overcame an 81/2-game deficit to Milwaukee on June 23 to finish 85-77, a Major League leading 19-game improvement as the North Siders went from worst to first in 2007.
Chicago won its second title in five seasons and tries to claim back-to-back crowns for the first time in franchise history.
Meanwhile, the Brewers earned a winning record for the first time since 1992 and are shooting to make their first postseason appearance since they lost the 1982 World Series to St. Louis.
Speaking of the injury-riddled Cardinals, Tony La Russa’s bunch and Houston are rebuilding after winning the World Series title in 2006 and NL pennant in 2005, respectively.
Cincinnati will field some of the league’s best young players, while Pittsburgh attempts to avoid tying Philadelphia’s dubious big-league mark of 16 straight losing campaigns.
Here is a look at the teams as spring training begins:
Chicago Cubs (85-77)
The Cubs’ big off-season signing was Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome, who is slated to play right field. They also signed Jon Lieber to join Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Rich Hill, Sean Marshall and perhaps former closer Ryan Dempster, who has guaranteed that the team will win the World Series, as potential starters. Chicago didn’t sign Mark Prior, who headed to pitching-rich San Diego.
Bob Howry, Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol are the top relievers, with Scott Eyre and Michael Wuertz also on board.
Manager Lou Piniella already has said that Alfonso Soriano will lead off on March 31 when the Cubs host Brewers in their opener, followed by Ryan Theriot, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Fukudome, Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto and Felix Pie. Mike Fontenot in the infield and Matt Murton in the outfield provide depth.
Milwaukee Brewers (83-79)
The Brewers were 51-30 at home, the best mark in the Senior Circuit. However, they were a puzzling 32-49 away from Miller Park, which tied for the second-worst showing in the league.
Milwaukee was busy revamping its bullpen and filling holes and depth with veteran players, especially meant at improving the team’s porous defense.
Jason Kendall is the new starting catcher, while Mike Cameron is penciled in as the regular center fielder, although he’ll miss the first 25 games because of a suspension.
Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Bill Hall man the infield from first to third. Hall replaces NL rookie of the year Ryan Braun, who has moved to left. Hall is coming back to the infield after a one-year visit to center. Corey Hart in the starter in right, with Tony Gwynn Jr., Gabe Gross and Gabe Kapler jockeying for playing time. Craig Counsell, Joe Dillon and Vinny Rottino are infield options.
Ben Sheets, Yovanni Gallardo, Jeff Suppan and Carlos Villanueva are the top four starters, although Manny Parra, Chris Capuano, Claudio Vargas and Dave Bush are in the mix for the final two spots in the rotation.
Eric Gagne, David Riske, Brian Shouse, Salomon Torres, Derrick Turnbow, Guillermo Mota and Seth McClung are bullpen possibilities. Gagne signed a one-year, $10 million deal to be the closer, with Turnbow the likely setup guy.
St. Louis Cardinals (78-84)
Chris Carpenter (elbow) had Tommy John ligament surgery in July that typically requires 12 months of rehab, and Mark Mulder (shoulder) isn’t expected back before May.
The team signed Matt Clement, who enters the starting mix with Braden Looper, Anthony Reyes, Adam Wainright and Brad Thompson. The bullpen features Randy Flores and closer Jason Isringhausen.
Yadier Molina inked a four-year, $15.5 million deal to stay the top catcher, with former Red Jason LaRue in reserve. Troy Glaus was picked up in a deal of third basemen for Scott Rolen. Albert Pujols remains the key at first, while Cesar Izturis comes in at shortstop. Adam Kennedy, Aaron Miles and Brendan Ryan play second and Scott Spiezio is a corner infielder.
Chris Duncan, Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel and Skip Schumaker are among the outfield candidates after Jim Edmonds was traded and Juan Encarnacion may be out with eye injury.
Houston (83-89)
Roy Oswalt is the ace, but after that the Astros could be in trouble in the starting rotation. Wandy Rodriguez and Woody Williams are among the returning candidates. Jose Valverde came over in a trade with Arizona and is the closer. Brandon Backe could start or relieve.
Lance Berkman mans first, Kaz Matsui and Mark Loretta are at second, Miguel Tejada came over from Baltimore to play short, and Ty Wigginton returns at third. Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence and young star Michael Bourn are the outfielders after the latter was part of the Brad Lidge deal to Philly.
Cincinnati Reds (72-90)
The Reds signed Francisco Cordero to a four-year, $46 million deal after he had 44 saves for Milwaukee. David Weathers, Todd Coffey, Gary Majewski and Mike Stanton are other bullpen bodies, while Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey and ace Aaron Harang are the key starters.
David Ross and Javier Valentin are the catching duo, while Scott Hatteberg and Joey Votto could be at first. Brandon Phillips, Jeff Keppinger and Edwin Encarnacion round out the infield. Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey, Jr., are in left and right, while phenom Jay Bruce is targeted for center with Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper as backups.
Pittsburgh Pirates (68-94)
Zach Duke, Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and Ian Snell join veteran Matt Morris among the starting candidates, while Matt Capps, John Grabow and Damaso Marte anchor the pen.
Ryan Doumit and Ronny Paulino are the catchers. Adam LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson and Jose Bautista are the apparent starters from first to third, while Jason Bay, Chris Duffy, Nate McLouth and Xavier Nady seek outfield spots.
