National League Central Preview
By Mat Bell

1. Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers made significant strides last season and either held or were tied for the division lead for 121 days. The addition of Mike Cameron in centerfield gives the Brewers a veteran presence that they lacked last season and ultimately cost them down the stretch. Ace Ben Sheets needs to prove that he can stay healthy for an entire season, and Chris Capuano needs to be the pitcher that won 29 games in 2005-06 and not the one that fell to pieces last season. Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and Corey Hart anchor a strong lineup. A young talented team, the beer-makers are poised to make a postseason appearance for the first time since 1982.

2. Chicago Cubs - They have questions in center, right, catcher and closer, but the Cubs still may have all the pieces necessary to compete for the division. Derek Lee and Alfonso Soriano had down years but it's reasonable to expect that both will bounce back nicely. Aramis Ramirez's health is a key factor in determining the Cubs' fate, as well as finding a closer amongst Kerry Wood, Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry. If the young up-and-comers can fill in the gaps, the Cubs could be making back-to-back postseason appearances.

3. Houston Astros - Adding Miguel Tejada to an already potent group that features Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman gives the Astros one of the best lineups in the entire National League. However, the batting order is not the issue in Houston. Roy Oswalt is pretty lonely in the rotation and aside from adding closer Jose Valverde, the bullpen is unsettled and lacks depth. If the young pitching develops quickly, the Astros have a legitimate shot at competing for the division.

4. Cincinnati Reds - They haven't had a winning season since 2000, haven't been to the playoffs since 1995, and haven't been to a World Series since 1990 - but there is cautious optimism in the Reds' organization since adding manager Dusty Baker. The Cubs went from worst to first in 2007, and it doesn't take much to contend in the National League Central. Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo give the Big Red Machine a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, but unfortunately it gets a little murky after that.

5. St. Louis Cardinals - Albert Pujols' lingering elbow injury is major cause for concern because without him the Cardinals have absolutely no chance of competing in the division. Gone are third baseman Scott Rolen, centerfielder Jim Edmonds and shortstop David Eckstein. Troy Glaus looks to add firepower to the middle of the lineup. Unfortunately for the Cards, ace Chris Carpenter isn't supposed to be back until after the All-Star break and it's tough to rely on injury-riddled Mark Mulder and Matt Clement to steady the ship until his return.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates - Suffering their 15th consecutive losing season, the battling Bucs show no signs that things will change in 2008. Even after the team that lost 94 games last season, management was content on going into the season with pretty much the exact same line-up. The pitching rotation is young but Ian Snell and Tom Gorzellany emerged as legitimate starters in 2007. Jason Bay had a down year last season but his knee is supposedly better entering spring. New manager John Russell inherits a team with potential but given the Pirates track record, a major league record 16th consecutive losing season is well within their grasp.