Sport and Cinema.com

National League – Central

Chicago Cubs             Lou Piniella hopes to erase the early exit from the first round of the playoffs to the Dodgers and with much the same lineup that led the national league in runs scored, walks, slugging and on-base percentage, the Cubs are poised to win a  third straight central crown.

Talented but volatile switch -hitter Milton Bradley (3^rd in AL with .321 BA) adds punch, but Chicago also packs a solid pitching staff. Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly, Rich Harden and Sean Marshall give the Cubs one of the best rotations in the national league.

Lineup

Rotation

Cincinnati Reds               Entering their second year, Dusty Baker will rely on two youngsters to take on the veteran duties. With the departures of Ken Griffey Jr and Adam Dunn, it falls to Joey Votto and Jay Bruce to keep Cincinnati in contention.

All-star righty Edinson Volquez (17-6) anchors the Reds pitching staff.

Lineup

Rotation

Houston Astros             Roy Oswalt, who has averaged 17 victories over the past five years, anchors a mostly patchwork starting rotation of well-worn vets. Veteran Pudge Rodriguez capably handles the staff while still able to contribute offensively.

Their tremendous second half surge offers something to build on and the bats of Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee pose one of the most formidable one-two combos in baseball.

Lineup

Rotation

Milwaukee Brewers                                  The Brewers have a solid core of age 27 and under everyday players and with young slugger Mat Gamel itching to play in the Bigs, is it time to deal Prince Fielder? Though he has knocked 112 homers the last three seasons, Fielder is no gold glove at first base, is slow, and does strikeout a lot. Ryan Braun provides power rapping 71 homers in his first two seasons and the talented double play combo, Rickie Weeks and JJ Hardy, get on a lot in front of the leftfielder who also collected over 100 RBIs.

The test for Milwaukee will be pitching.  They lost Sabathia and all-star starter Ben Sheets to free agency. Tough to replace that talent.

Lineup

Rotation

Pittsburgh Pirates            Without some big bats and owners of the league’s worst pitching staff, the Bucs are not looking like world beaters.

Infielder brothers Adam and Andy LaRoche are under the gun to produce now.

It may be best to look to trade for some young arms with outfielder Nate McLouth, despite him signing a three year deal.

Lineup

Rotation

St. Louis Cardinals                    The Cards fortunes rest on the mighty shoulders of Albert Pujols as a lack of southpaw starters and questionable relief corps will be exposed early.

However, Tony LaRussa has enjoyed great success honed from years of being one of the more resourceful managers. Don’t be surprised if St. Louis is in the hunt late in the season with the crafty skipper employing all tools available to him.

Lineup                         

Rotation