National League Preview
Central Division
By John E. Sacco

1. St. Louis Cardinals - Not the same Cardinals of 2004 and 2005, but they still possess an outstanding offense, the best starting pitching in the division, and a top closer in Jason Isringhausen. Any team that runs Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen and David Eckstein at you is formidable. They brought in OF Juan Encarnacion; former All-Star Junior Spivey will start at second and promising OF Larry Bigbie will get a shot. Starters Chris Carpenter, Mark Mulder, Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis will be key; the bullpen took some hits during the off-season and the bench won't be as reliable. Somehow, though, manager Tony LaRussa will find the right combinations.

2. Houston Astros - You can't ignore a rotation with Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettite, and a strong bullpen returns intact. Houston lacks punch offensively, and only added OF Preston Wilson. However, they have enough quality players to remain solidly in contention for a division title or wild card, which it has captured the past two years. Morgan Ensberg is outstanding at third, OF Lance Berkman is productive and Craig Biggio is a winner. Phil Garner is an underrated manager and he'll get the most out of this team, which would be greatly boosted if Roger Clemens opts against retiring and returns to the Astros in May.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates - (see Spring Expectations)

4. Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers ended their losing-seasons streak at 12, finishing .500 last year. The next step is post-season, and while they are a trendy pick, Milwaukee is counting on three young players in its infield and closer Derek Turnbow to help the team to the next level in 2006. It might be asking too much. The starting pitching is solid with Ben Sheets leading the way, but this team desperately needs another huge offensive performance by outfielder Carlos Lee. Brady Clark and Geoff Jenkins will again be needed to help the team pack a solid punch. Prince Fielder moves in at first, and Cory Koskie at third. Rickie Weeks and J.J. Hardy are youngsters who join Fielder in the infield. But Milwaukee might take a step back before taking two more forward in 2007.

5. Chicago Cubs - The starting pitching is good enough to win the division, but history suggests something very different. The Cubs feature a strong starting rotation led by Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano, Greg Maddux and Glendon Rusch. Chicago tired of CF Corey Patterson and shipped him out, replaced by gifted Juan Pierre. In what could be manager Dusty Baker's farewell journey with the Cubs, they solidified a shaky bullpen by adding Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre to go along with closer Ryan Dempster, who converted 33 of 35 opportunities. Corner infielders Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are explosive and free agent OF Jacque Jones adds excitement. But the Cubs will be the Cubs and Baker will be looking for a new home in 2007.

6. Cincinnati Reds - When, and only when, the Reds address their pitching problems will they have a shot at success. Cincinnati, even without Sean Casey and Joe Randa, has an outstanding offense. But Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr., Willy Mo Pena and company need help. SS Felipe Lopez and 3B Edwin Encarnacion are being counted on to add fuel. The Reds are in a state of flux with a new general manager and ownership, but at least they won't be boring. They'll score runs, but opponents will score them in bunches.