2013 MLB Season Predictions: Projecting the division and award winners
By Matt Shetler
National League Central
Matt Shetler: Cincinnati- The Reds should be the class of the division and while they have some flaws of their own, they are the most complete team in the Central. It would have been interesting to see how Aroldis Chapman would have made the transition to starter, but now that he is back in the pen, the Reds have one of the better bullpens in baseball. They addressed their weakness at the top of the lineup by adding Shin-Soo Choo and will be tough to unseat at the top of the division.
March 5, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) hits a single in the first inning during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Gajtka: Cincinnati-The Reds can slug with the best of them, whether they’re in Great American “Smallpark” or on the road. Joey Votto was hurt late last season, helping cut their playoffs shorter than expected. Pitching could hold them back, especially if Aroldis Chapman can’t figure out how to translate his skills to the starting rotation.
Drew Shetler: Cincinnati- Just like the East, this is a three team race. The Reds are the most complete team in the division and that is why they win it. The Cardinals slip a little with the loss of Kyle Lohse from their pitching staff. The Pirates get closer but until they prove that they are willing to go out and sign big names and win in the offseason they will always be behind the Reds and the Cardinals.
Zac Weiss: Cincinnati- The Reds have improved with the acquisition of Shin-Soo Choo. He is an upgrade over Drew Stubbs and will join Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick, who resurrected his career, in the outfield. Todd Frazier only has to worry about third base as that is his position and he will thrive. Brandon Phillips can do well with both bat and glove. Joey Votto needs the power to be back. If Johnny Cueto is healthy he joins Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo and Mike Leake in the rotation with Aroldis Chapman ready to close.
Chris Carpenter again is lost but Adam Wainwright is healthy and ready to lead this team. I really think Lance Lynn is ready but Jaime Garcia needs to be healthy. Can Pete Kozma perform at shortstop? The Pirates have some starter injuries but have a solid middle of the lineup with Andrew McCutchen, Garrett Jones and Pedro Alvarez. If Neil Walker is healthy, this lineup will produce more with Russell Martin and a hopefully more offensive minded Clint Barmes will help as well. If Alvarez hits around .240 or so and James McDonald can shake off his second half of last season, this team could reach .500.
The Brewers are going to taper off. After Yovani Gallardo, none of their arms can do much. Plus Ryan Braun may miss the start of the season and baseball seems to want him suspended. Aramis Ramirez can come and go and Rickie Weeks will need help in the lineup. The Cubs are still a work in progress but are making some moves to help. Starlin Castro and Alfonso Soriano lead the offensive attack, but expect Carlos Marmol to be dealt and Edwin Jackson to be gone once again at the trade deadline as he never seems to stick anywhere.