2014 NL Central Preview And Predictions

Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome 10th Man faithful to Part 2 of my 7-part series, dissecting and predicting the 2014 MLB season. Last time, we focused on the National League East division which you can read by clicking here.

Today, we take a look at the NL Central division.

Enjoy.

Sep 25, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher

releases a pitch against the New York Mets in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

2) Cincinnati Reds: 83-79

The Reds just missed out on the playoffs last season, losing the one-game wild-card playoff to the Pittsburgh Pirates last year. But there is no reason to suggest that the Reds couldn’t be right there in the mix again this season, though I still think they miss the playoffs.

The Reds, Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates all played above expectations in 2013. That brand of baseball is difficult to play consistently. That’s why I think that all three of them will have lower win totals than 2013, there just too many other teams on the schedule who improved themselves more.

Mar 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder

(8) hits a home run against the Oakland Athletics in the fourth inning at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3) Milwaukee Brewers: 81-81

1- Why will this team exceed expectations?

Justin Schultz from Reviewing The Brew: The Brewers will exceed expectations because their starting rotation will overachieve. A rotation that includes, Kyle Lohse, Yovani Gallardo and Matt Garza, will be hard to beat. Signing Garza proved that Milwaukee expects to compete in 2014.

2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?

This Brewers will fall short of expectations if they are unable to stay healthy. Last year the injury bug bit them and the results suffered because of it. If the Brewers’ core group of guys (Ryan Braun (above), Ramirez, Gomez, Jean Segura) can stay healthy, good things will come.

3- Look for the team to make (this trade)

With the emergence of second baseman Scooter Gennett in 2013, Rickie Weeks has become expendable. If Weeks shows that he’s healthy and has a strong spring, the Brewers could move him. The New York Yankees are said to have interest in him. However, Weeks is getting paid $11 million this season, so finding a team who wants to take that burden might be tough.

4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect)

Watch out for Tyler Thornburg this season. He’s already had a taste of the majors last season, and his results were fantastic. Because the Brewers acquired Garza, Thornburg will either start the year in the bullpen or start down in Triple-A. But don’t be surprised if he gets the call sometime this summer.

Mar 3, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder

(22) misses a fly ball during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4) Pittsburgh Pirates: 78-84

1- Why will this team exceed expectations?

From Rum Bunter staff: Because the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff is better than everyone thinks.

2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?

Because the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff isn’t as good as everyone thinks.

3- Look for the team to make (this trade)

No trades until after the trade deadline when the #FirstPlaceBucs need a backup shortstop due to veteran Clint Barmes needed an emergency appendectomy.

4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect)

Gregory Polanco, Jameson Taillon, Andrew Lambo, Tony Sanchez…oh I better stop. The Pirates are loaded with talent throughout their system.  The upper levels are full of skilled players, but there is only one Polanco who was the hands down MVP during the winter season crushing pitchers on a nightly basis.  Polanco will get the call in mid-June to join the team as its right fielder.

Taillon is another prototypical Pirates fuzz-throwing donkey who needs some seasoning in Triple-A Indianapolis before busting on the scene to help the Pirates during another stretch run.

Lambo will be working on his defensive game.  The  power numbers were off the charts last season for Beezy who crushed 33 bombs over two levels.

Tony Sanchez is the second best catcher on the team and will spend his days catching the deep talent pool at Triple-A.  The team has Chris Stewart backing up Russell Martin and feels Sanchez should play every day in order to stay sharp.

Also keep an eye on Tyler Glasnow.  Just look at what the 6’7″ right hander put up video game numbers in the low levels, striking out 164 hitters in 111.1 innings while giving up just 54 hits.  The talent is deep and wide in the Bucs system, it’s impossible to finger just one prospect that will emerge.

Feb 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(29) throws out of the bullpen during camp at Chicago Cubs training facility at Mesa . Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

5) Chicago Cubs: 70-92

1- Why will this team exceed expectations?

Jake Misener from Cubbies’ Crib: This club has a lot of young, unproven talent. Bounce back years from Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro, coupled with a surprising year from former Rangers’ prospect Mike Olt at third will be enough to lead the offense.

A revamped bullpen featuring the likes of southpaw Wesley Wright and closer Jose Veras will help the Cubs avoid one of its biggest pitfalls in 2013 – blowing late inning leads. Welington Castillo has emerged as a prime game-caller behind the plate and he will further his development this season, both at the dish and behind it.

2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?

The cure for this team is also its poison. Youth and several midseason trade pieces (Veras, Nate Shierholtz, Darwin Barney, Jeff Samardzija (above)) could spell doom for Chicago. In the past several seasons, the front office has traded anything not bolted to the clubhouse floor in exchange for minor league depth and odds are, 2014 won’t be any different. Simply put, this club is still several years away from being a legitimate contender in the National League Central.

3- Look for the team to make (this trade)

Near the midseason point, watch for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to be ready to pull the trigger to trade Jeff Samardzija, the Cubs’ current ace. While we could all talk all day about whether or not he’s a front-of-the-rotation arm, he has a great deal of upside and contenders needing an arm in July would be hard-pressed to find someone more suitable for that role than the Cubs’ right-hander.

4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect) 
Most would say watch out for the emergence of Javier Baez, but that’s almost a given for anyone who follows this team. Instead, keep an eye on Mike Olt. If he can prove his vision issues are truly behind him and he becomes a power threat and RBI producer for Chicago at third base, the team will benefit immensely.

It not only fills a void on the club in the present sense, but also adds even more depth the left side of the infield in an organization where there’s already a great deal of talent. It will only further the Cubs’ chances of swapping position players for pitching talent in the next two years.