MLB Midseason Reports: NL Central

NL Central Standings 7/4/08
1. Chicago Cubs 51-35
2. St. Louis Cardinals 49-38
3. Milwaukee Brewers 46-39
4. Pittsburgh Pirates 40-44
5. Houston Astros 40-46
6. Cincinnati Reds 40-47

The NL Central surprisingly has been the National League's strongest division. This division has been led by the Chicago Cubs. There is no doubt in my mind that the Cubs are the NL's best team hands down. The Cubs have a fantastic lineup and great pitching. The Cubs are a World Series favorite if they can stay healthy. They should make a move at acquiring another starter though. Chances are Cici Sabathia is out of reach, but there are other quality starters out there. The biggest surprise of this division has been the St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis was thought to be one of the cellar-dwellers in this division, but this team has gotten so much out of very little. I did say before the Cardinals are a pretender and I am sticking with that. There is! no way a team can get by with Kyle Lohse as your ace. Wainwright is due back soon, but I do not see it as nearly enough. The Cards don't even have a closer, they go by committee. Look for St. Louis to slowly fade away. The story in the second half of this division to me is the Milwaukee Brewers. These guys are a Wildcard favorite and reportedly are the frontrunners to land ace pitcher Cici Sabathia. The Brewers with Sheets and Sabathia would have a 1,2 punch as good as anybody. Their lineup is solid and their bullpen is solid as well. The bottom three teams are all very close to each other which to me is surprising. Somehow the pitiful Pirates are in fourth, while a very young Reds team is in last. The Astros have just been a complete mess this season. All three of these teams are dead, but look for Pittsburgh and Houston to be heavy sellers at the trade deadline. Cincinnati is so young they will probably stand pat unless they deal OFs Ken Griffey Jr. or Adam D! unn. Here is how the NL Central will look at the end of the s! eason:
1. Chicago Cubs- NL Central Champions
2. Milwaukee Brewers- NL Wildcard Winners
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Houston Astros
5. Cincinnati Reds
6. Pittsburgh Pirates

Tomorrow I will finish off the MLB Midseason Reports with the NL West.