MLB Picks: NL Central

NL Central
1. Milwaukee Brewers
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Houston Astros

TPD believes in the Brew Crew big time this season.  With a pitching staff that will soon feature Zach Greinke, Shawn Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo (Who finally doesn't have the burden of carrying a staff), we see Milwaukee taking charge of the division.  The only thing that could through a wrench into their success is the decision on what to do with Prince Fielder at the deadline.  Many believe Prince won't be coming back, so it will depend in large part as to how the Crew is competing at that point.  If they're in charge of the division and rolling right along, we predict they'll keep Prince, or if they do deal him, trade for something adequate as well.  Any sign of trouble however, and Prince might be out in exchange for players that will payoff a few years down the road.

Cincinnati and St. Louis are interchangeable in our book.  The Reds are showing why they won the division last year, and they aren't just a one hit wonder, and St. Louis is now turning their season around as Pujols starts to heat up.  Our only concern with both teams is the starting staff.  With Wainwright out, St. Louis is lacking a third solid arm in their rotation, and the Reds staff still seems unproven.  Looking at the lower half of the division, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Houston all seem a bit hopeless.  Chicago is a team lacking any excitement as there is really no marquee player in their order, and they have a staff that just doesn't do it for us either.  TPD really likes the roster the Pirates have put together, but they're still a few years away from really competing.  Keep an eye out on Pedro Alvarez, we really think he has the makings to be something great.  And Houston is perhaps the most helpless.  A staff without a pitcher that would make you even slightly scared, and a lineup thats a yawn fest as well.  Look for a tight three way race for the top, but ultimately St. Louis will fall off and Milwaukee's pitching will take them to the next level.