2016 MLB Picks & Predictions – National League Central Expert Predictions & Forecast: With the 2016 MLB season inching closer, it is time to take a closer at all six divisions. I’ll focus on the National League Central in this article, and in recent years, it has been one of the toughest in the majors, routinely placing multiple teams in the playoffs.
That shouldn’t change this season, and while the Cincinnati Reds have watched their window of contending slam shut, the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates have more than taken their place. Meanwhile, the ever-steady St. Louis Cardinals should once again be in the thick of the hunt. It is very possible that three teams from the NL Central end up in the postseason once again.
2016 MLB Picks & Predictions: National League Central Expert Predictions & Forecast
- Chicago Cubs
Yes, there is always a risk when a team is relying on a lot of young players, but the Cubs have so much talent that has already shown so much potential, that it is hard to imagine a scenario where their lineup doesn’t overpower opponents. Plus, the addition of Jason Heyward adds a proven, steady bat to the mix. Meanwhile, Jon Lester anchors a solid rotation ahead of a quality bullpen. Bottom line, the Cubs have as much upside as any team in the majors, and they won’t even need all their young players to reach their potential this year to contend for the division crown.
- Louis Cardinals
Every year, the Cardinals seem to find a way to be among the best teams in baseball, and this season should be no exception. Their lineup is a solid mix of veterans and up-and-coming prospects, and perhaps more importantly, their starting rotation is deeper than ever with the return of Adam Wainwright and the signing of Mike Leake. Meanewhile, the bullpen is an arsenal of flamethrowers that can match up with any lineup. You can’t overlook St. Louis’ track record of delivering either.
- Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh had made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, and while they aren’t the favorites to win a stacked NL Central, they should certainly be in the mix for another postseason appearance. Andrew McCutchen leads an intriguing outfield loaded with power and speed, and the pitching staff always seems to exceed expectations. Throw in a couple of solid prospects waiting in the wings, and the Pirates have more than enough pieces to compete.
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- Milwaukee Brewers
Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy give the Brewers a couple of solid bats, but this lineup is far from scary from top to bottom. The bigger concern is Milwaukee’s pitching staff. Second-year starter Taylor Jungmann is already sitting atop a suspect rotation, and the bullpen is even more of a question mark. In a division with three playoff-caliber teams, the Brewers are going to be a punching bag.
- Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are in all-out rebuilding mode, and they are still in the process of trading away veterans for prospects, and Jay Bruce could be gone any day. Yes, they have one of top pure hitters in the game in Joey Vott, but he figures to walk 100-plus time as opponents pitch around Cincinnati’s only dangerous bat. The saving grace could be a rotation that has some intriguing young arms, but a sketchy bullpen and a lack of offense will likely have this squad flirting with 100 losses.
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