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by Digger

All World All Sports continues our division by division breakdown. Each day this week will feature a different division in order of predicted finish. Part 4, NL Central

Chicago Cubs (Mgr. Lou Piniella, 85-77 in '07)
Fiery skipper Lou Piniella has the Cubs fired up and ready to make a run for all the glory this season. This team can hit, run and knock off baseball covers. Will this finally be the year Wrigley faithful cast aside their World Series drought? We'll soon find out.
Starting Pitchers: Carlos Zambrano (18-13, 3.95) is the iron horse. Chicago will go as far as his arm will take them. He's a fiery competitor and ready for action. Southpaw Ted Lilly (15-8, 3.83) keeps hitters off balance and will continue his winning ways. Rich Hill (11-9, 3.92) impressed during his first full major league season. He's a lock to get better and better while gobbling up innings by way of quality starts. Jason Marquis (12-9, 4.60) rebounded nicely after a tough '06 and appears ready to solidify his career. Jon Lieber returns to Chicago bringing back memories of his 20 wins in 2001. Sean Marshall showed flashes of things to come during '07. He'll be given every opportunity to excel. The Cubbies staff is looking pretty solid and if all goes as expected... Chitown will be buzzing this year. Backing up this group from the pen will be decided this spring. Many options to consider and this could be a closer by committee corps. Kerry Wood, Ryan Dempster and Carlos Marmol will give hitters fits.
In the Field: The corners belong to sluggers Derrek Lee (1B, .317, 22 hr) and Aramis Ramirez (3B. .310, 26 hr). Both were off a bit in the power department last year but contributed nonetheless. They're solid vets who continue to hit in key situations... and play outstanding defense. Up the middle belongs to youngsters Ryan Theriot (SS) and Mike Fontenot (2B). Mark DeRosa was scheduled to be the everyday second sacker but a potential heart condition may delay his appearance this year. I hope results of his current testing proves not to be anything more than a scare. Alfonso Soriano (LF, .299, 33 hr) is looking for green lights on the basepaths in '08 after only 19 swipes last year (41, 30 previous two years). CF belongs to Felix Pie who made his debut last year. Piniella hopes this kid is ready for prime time. RF belongs to heralded Japanese newcomer, Kosuke Fukudome. Geovany Soto will be this years everyday catcher and is expected to clock his share of long balls. Question remains... how well will he handle this veteran staff.
Prediction: Cubs #1. Piniella will have this squad pushing towards 100 wins. All systems go.

Pittsburgh Pirates (Mgr. John Russell, 68-94 in '07)
Is this the year the swashbucklers return to glory? Pittsburgh is a city rich in fine tradition with fans itching to win. Talented young players fill this lineup and future stars to be found in a Heinz Field no longer green rotation. Let's get to it.
Starting Pitching: Home grown and groomed talent with the next four names - Tom Gorzelanny (14-10, 3.88) and Ian Snell (9-12, 3.76) are here to stay (at least until they become free agents). Paul Maholm (10-15, 5.02) enters his third full season in Pitts rotation. He's a four pitch control specialist (only 49 bb's in 177 ip). If this trend continues, expect a lower era leading to more victories. Zack Duke exploded on the scene back in '05 as a late season call up (8-2, 1.81) but has struggled mightily ever since and was pounded to the tune of .359 vs opposing hitters last year. Arm concerns frustrated his '07 season. There's a huge upside for him in '08. He's no longer considered the staff phenom so all the pressure is off which is a good thing. Should he rebound as expected... Pittsburgh has a great opportunity to take the baseball world by surprise. Veteran Matt Morris (10-11, 4.89) could be a solid innings gobbler. He was acquired late last season and seemed to run out of gas in his new surroundings. However, if he can regain some of his prior magic, expect him to go deep into games while being an excellent tutor in the dugout. Rookies eagerly waiting in the wings will get to strut their stuff this spring. Matt Capps (2.28) is expected to be closing out games.
In the Field: 1B Adam LaRouche slumped horribly last April (.133) but rebounded nicely to finish with 42 2B's, 21 HR's while raising his average up to .272. A quick beginning in 2008 is needed to help this squad come out of the gates flying. 2B belongs to Freddie Sanchez (.304, 42 2B's). SS Jack Wilson (.296) was back on track last year after 2 less than expected years at the plate. On third is streaky Jose Bautista (36 2B, 15 HR). He was on one month and off the next. He needs to find consistency in his game or Mgr. Russell may look for other options. Overall, a solid and dependable infield. LF Jason Bay's numbers really fell off last year (.247, 21 hr) after back to back 30+ hr, .286+ years. Look for an inspired offense to take the pressure off of him as his numbers rise once again. Speedster Nyjer Morgan will be given every chance this spring to win the CF job. If he doesn't make the grade, flashy Nate McLouth is ready for action. RF appears to be Xavier Nady's job to win. Pittsburgh is blessed with deep OF talent. Spring competition will be fierce. Behind the plate features Ronnie Paulino and Ryan Doumit. Both will be fighting for regular season at bats.
Prediction: A funny thing happened when I evaluated this club. They moved up in my rankings from 6th, to 5th, then 4th... and now they appear to be the most balanced NL Central team outside of Chicago. All World All Sports makes a bold prediction....... "2nd Place Pirates!" Go Bucs!

Cincinnati Reds (Mgr. Dusty Baker, 72-90 in '07)
Dusty Baker is the new manager in '08. This team has offensive talent. Can he get his staff to turn it up enough? This will be a fun year in Cincy.
Starting Pitching: This teams biggest question mark. Aaron Harang (16-6, 3.73) is very good and keeps getting better. Bronson Arroyo's stats slipped last year (9-15, 4.23) as he was victimized by shoddy defense and lack of run support. Matt Belisle (8-9, 5.32) was roughed up in his first season as a starter. He needs to settle down quickly to keep his starting assignments. Off season pickup Josh Fogg joins Cincy's rotation. Lack of career quality starts and career 4.90 era makes this acquisition curious at best. Dusty will evaluate the rest of his staff this spring. The Reds biggest move was bringing in blazing Francisco Cordero (44 saves) to shut down opponents. He's the key this season and will excel as Cincinnati leaps over FC's former club and division rival Milwaukee.
In the Field: This team can hit, run, field and slug. Around the horn is 1B Scott Hatteberg (.394 oba), 2B Brandon Phillips (.288, 30 hr, .990 fp), SS Alex Gonzalez and 3B Edwin Encarnacion (.289) who gets a clean slate with a new manager in town. None are household names which is a blessing is disguise. They all play solid defense, get on base, and can hit. Corner outfielders Adam Dunn (LF, 40 hr) and Ken Griffey, Jr. (RF, 30 hr) will bring fans to their feat. Speedster Ryan Freel takes over in CF. Dave Ross is the starter behind home plate with Javier Valentin getting his fair share of playing time too. Good health is important for the Reds. Many players were banged up last year. A healthy team will turn Baker's Reds into a machine.
Prediction: In a dog fight... Reds 3rd.

Milwaukee Brewers (Mgr. Ned Yost, 83-79 in '07)
Brewers fans were treated to exciting baseball last season behind the powerful strokes of Prince Fielder (.618 slg) and Ryan Braun (.634 slg). This team can hit but can they pitch? Milwaukee will rise or fall depending on whether or not the starters can deliver. Hitters must cut down on inning killing strikeouts (1157 team K's in 5554 AB's). Loss of closer Cordero was a big big mistake.
Starting Rotation: Health and maturity are the keys and essential for success. Brewers must lower their '07 team era of 4.41. Leading the way is Ben Sheets (12-5, 3.82) who has yet to prove his arm can remain sound after three consecutive injury plagued years. Jeff Suppan, David Bush, Yovani Gallardo, Carlos Villanueva, Chris Capuano compete this spring to win starting nods. All need to settle down this year after roller coaster performances from a year ago. Closing duties belong to former Cy Young Eric Gagne who hopes all shoulder/elbow ailments are behind him. He's battled injuries after saving 52,55 and 45 games for the Dodgers ('02-'04).
In the Field: Prince Fielder (1B) crushed 50 round trippers in his second season. The sky is the limit for this kid. Rickie Weeks (2B, .235) needs to put the ball in play (116 k's in 409 at bats). His strike out totals are rally killers. Short stop JJ Hardy (26 hr) had a sensational first half until the wheels fell off after the All Star break. Third belongs to Bill Hall who seems to land a new starting position each year. He's another free swinger that must cut down on strikeouts (128 k in 452). Moving from third to LF is electrifying Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun who hit .324 and slugged .634 after being called up from the minors. Newcomer and slick fielder Mike Cameron will roam CF. Cory Hart (RF) enjoyed his first full season by knocking 24 dingers. He's one of the few to strike out less than 100 times (99). Behind the plate is another newcomer to Milwaukee, veteran Jeff Kendall.
Prediction: Getting closer but still a year or two away. Youth, erratic pitching and poor plate dicipline doom hopes in '08. 4th place

Houston Astros (Mgr. Cecil Cooper, 73-89 in '07)
Cecil Cooper takes the reigns. 2007 was an embarrassment as Houston finished 4th in baseball's weakest division. Coop will try to ignite his squad. Astros fans are hoping better days arrive quickly in '08.
Starting Pitchers: Ace Roy Oswalt (14-7, 3.18) is as good as they come. Victory totals would have been better had Houston's bullpen protected leads. The rest of this staff is good one day, not so good the next. Wandy Rodriguez (9-13, 4.58) needs to prove he's of major league calibur. Brandon Backe has the stuff pitchers are made of when he's on the field... but, he's been off it more than on. Veteran hurler Woody Williams was hammered last year (35 hr in 188 IP). Houston's tiny confines did not suit him well. Perhaps, his 2nd Astro season will bring better results. High hopes have been pinned on Chris Sampson. Unfortunately, he's another victim of gopher balls. What were Houston's owners thinking when they approved designs of this little league field? This is one of the few parks with no home field advantage... a complete waste of taxpayer dollars.
In the Field: Miguel Tejada (SS) is was Houston's biggest off season acquisition. He was considered one of the very best power hitting short stops while playing for Baltimore. However, performing enhancing drug rumors swirl. Last year his totals fell off the map not even coming within the same universe as previous seasons. Minute Maid Park could be just what the doctor ordered for his former power stroke. Ty Wigginton is a pure hitter and the everyday hot cornerman. Houston's right side features fan favorite slugging Lance Berkman (.278, 34 hr). Kaz Matsui arrives to be the everyday 2B. This Japanese import has never really lived up to expectations. Last years .288 average can be attributed to spacious Coors Field. He has much to prove here or Mark Loretta will take his slot. Hopefully, Coop will learn this spring that Loretta is a better player and pencils him in as opening day starter. LF Carlos Lee had another fine year in '07 (.303, 43 2b, 32 hr). CF is speedy Michael Bourn's job to keep. Hunter Pence is the man in RF. He played well last year (.322, 30 2b, 9 3B, 17 hr in 106 games) which made former future Houston star Luke Scott expendable. Rookie J.R. Towles is expected to be the regular catcher.
Prediction: Coop does all he can but Houston is in dire need of better guns on the mound in this tiny park - 5th place.

St. Louis Cardinals (Mgr. Tony LaRussa, 78-84 in '07)
How the mighty have fallen. World Series Champs in 2006 only lost five more games last year but were never really in the race. Too many questions remain from pitching to hitting to defense. LaRussa will need to churn out every ounce of energy from his club to keep up with rivals on the rise.
Startin Pitchers: Chris Carpenter is the staff ace who is currently rehabbing and cannot be counted on at this juncture. Adam Wainwright (14-12, 3.70) completed a fairly solid season in his first year as a starter. He's the Cards #1 and this could spell trouble. Brandon Looper has great stuff when he can find the plate... something not done with any consistency during his career. The rest are unproven and will have to step up. The final slots to be determined this spring. Jason Isringhausen will close out games when given a lead.
In the Field: Albert Pujols is the man at 1B but power totals could slide due to a questionable sore elbow. LaRussa got his wish and St.Louis dealt doghoused 3B Scott Rolen to Toronto for slugging Troy Glaus. Problem here is one injury prone hot cornerman was replaced by another injury prone slugger. A fresh beginning and change of scenery for both is probably a good thing assuming they can stay on the field. Fan favorite, SS David Eckstein is gone. Caser Izturis is his replacement. No one expects anything more than solid defensive play as his bat is suspect. Weak hitting Adam Kennedy and Aaron Miles will most likely platoon at 2B. Roaming the OF will be 3 unproven players all with upside potential. Can they handle the pressures of playing everyday? LF is free swinging Chris Duncan. CF is Rick Ankiel. This former pitcher is a fan favorite but he's not nearly on the same plane as Gold Glove slugger and former CF Jim Edmonds. Skip Schumaker is in right. This outfield is a work in progress. This team will have problems scoring runs vs strong pitchers.
Prediction: LaRussa has his work cut out for him. Is he the guy to groom young talent? Not at all and might not be around by seasons end. 6th place finish on the way. 90+ losses is a distinct possibility.

Stay Tuned.... AL West on deck