Fearless Forecast - NL Central

We continue with the Putley picks for the National League Central. This division is extremely difficult to predict. I honestly feel like any of the five teams could finish anywhere from first to fifth. On second thought, I really can’t see Pittsburgh winning the pennant, but I’ll get to that later. So here goes:

1. Cincinnati Reds - This is my surprise pick. The Reds have an abundance of young talent, but most experts feel they are still a little short of being ready to win a pennant. They have some holes to fill, especially on offense, and their pitching depth is a little thin, so why do I think they can win? Their new manager is Terry Francona, and Tito is a proven winner. He led the Red Sox to two world championships, and was manager of the year three times while he was with Cleveland. He retired from the Guardians after the 2023 season and sat out last year. Francona came out of retirement to take the helm of the Reds. That strategy worked well in 2023 for Bruce Bochy and Texas. Maybe lightning will strike twice. Everyone rightfully raves about young pitchers Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, but I believe Cincinnati ace Hunter Green and his 100mph fastball is right there with them, and Brady Singer and Nick Martinez are solid starters. There are several hitters capable of putting up good numbers, led by the game’s most exciting player, Elly De La Cruz. Oil up the Big Red Machine. They’re back!

2. Chicago Cubs - They have opened up the purse strings to try to again bring a winner to Wrigley Field. Many experts are picking them to win this division, especially after they traded for one of baseball’s best all around players, former Astro Kyle Tucker. They also added catcher Carson Kelly (remember him?) and veteran Justin Turner to last year’s free agent signees Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson. Their pitching rotation looks a little short to me, but manager Craig Counsell has shown he has the ability to juggle the parts effectively.

3. Milwaukee Brewers - People have been trying to downgrade this team for several years, but they have managed to stay at or near the top of this division in spite of many changes and losing or trading some key players. They have capable pitchers , especially with a healthy Brandon Woodruff, and they respond well to the leadership of the game’s best young catcher, William Contreras. Jackson Chourio is an up and coming superstar, and the Brewers also feature young stars Brice Turang and fan favorite Sal Frelick, along with veteran Christian Yelich. Milwaukee will be in the mix, as long as Bernie Brewer is sliding down his slide above the outfield and the Great Sausage Race is stirring up the crowd.

4. St. Louis Cardinals - For years I would think the Cardinals were going downhill, but they would find a way to contend for, and usually win the Central. They were the model franchise of the National League. I considered them the New York Yankees with class. The last couple of years have not been kind. St Louis seems to have been stuck between hanging on and rebuilding. Not sure what their overall plan has been. Where will they be this year? If I dismiss their chances they will probably go back to their winning tradition. They do still have veteran Sonny Gray and closer Ryan Helmsley to anchor the pitching staff, and some solid players like shortstop Masyn Winn, power hitter Jordan Walker and veteran Nolan Arenado, but I don’t think there’s enough to get them back on top. By the way, one of their best players is outfielder Lars Nootbaar. Someone needs to sign that man to a candy deal!

5. Pittsburg Pirates - The fans are getting fed up with ownership and their tight-fisted approach. Can’t remember when this organization has had a big free agent signing or pulled off a trade of major significance. There has been talent on this team, but not quite enough to contend without a little more aggression from the front office. This year’s pitching staff features the incomparable Paul Skenes, along with exciting young hurlers like Jared Jones and Mitch Keller. The position players include veteran All-Star Bryan Reynolds and young exciting players Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz. The right additions to this group could take Pittsburg back to their glory years, especially with that pitching staff as a nucleus. The owner of the Pirates is billionaire Robert Nutting. That word is very close to describing what ownership has done to help the team - Nutting.

   
   

Our next installment will rundown the National League West. Until then,

That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?