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Chicago Cubs Are Class Of The Division
The question going into the 2009 season in the National League Central is can anyone step up and compete with the Chicago Cubs?
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs won 97 games last year and there is a very good chance that they will repeat their success this year. They have one of the best starting rotations in baseball with Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Lily, and Marshall. They have a very good bullpen led by hard-throwing closer Marmol. Their offense is excellent led by Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano. They are the class of this division and if they can overcome the curse, they have the talent to go all the way.
Prediction: First Place
Cincinnati Reds
They Reds have a lot of good young talent. They have a decent lineup led by youngsters Bruce, Votto, and Phillips. Their bullpen is solid, led by closer Francisco Cordero. They have too many questions in their starting rotation, though when you get past young phenom Volquez. Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, and Owings all had very high ERAs last year. This team just doesn't have enough starting pitching to compete in this division.
Prediction: Fifth Place
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros rebounded from a rough start last year to get back in the race at the end of the season. This year they hope to get off to a much better start. They have a very good offense led by Berkman, Lee, and Tejada. Their starting pitching is a big issue. Once you get past Oswalt, there is not much there. They just don't have enough pitching to challenge for the division title.
Prediction: Third Place
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers made the playoffs for the first time in 26 years last season. A repeat, however, is unlikely. The Brewers lost their best pitchers from last season, Sabathia, who went to the New York Yankees. That is a devastating blow to the pitching staff. They have a good lineup led by Braun and Fielder, but they don't have enough pitching to stay in the race.
Prediction: Fourth Place
Pittsburgh Pirates
Not much to say about the Pirates except that they are not very good and they don't have enough offense or pitching to compete in this division. It will be a miracle if they finish out of the cellar.
Prediction: Sixth Place
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are a good ball club. They have a solid rotation led by Wainright and Lohse, and if Carpenter stays healthy, that will give their rotation a big boost. Their bullpen is a question mark and they are going with an unproven closer is Motte. Their offense is very good led by Ankiel, Ludwick, and Pujols, arguably the best hitter in the game. The Cardinals should have a solid season but it won't be enough to beat out the Cubs for the division title.
Prediction: Second Place
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