Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Nov 1, 2011 23:06:20 GMT -5
NL Central 2012 Preview
St. Louis Cardinals
GM: Austin
2011: 7-6
Although the 2011 season ended in somewhat of a disappointment, it’s hard to find a more complete, dominant rotation than that of the flame-throwing Cards. With five all-star caliber starters (Kershaw, Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia, Hanson), the Cardinals will struggle to lose if all five can remain healthy through the course of the season. With the dealing of Pujols, the GM has freed plenty of cap space for the upcoming off-season. Although resigning Kershaw and Berkman as well as picking up an option on Carpenter will load up the cap, the Cardinals should have enough space to lure a quality bat to their somewhat shaky lineup. In a somewhat question move, however, the GM dealt his only closer Motte to Philadelphia and the bullpen doesn’t give much confidence without him. If St. Louis can sign a quality hitter and fix the bullpen issues, they’ll be a candidate to challenge Philadelphia for the National League.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Reds
GM: Slava
2011: 9-4
The surprise team of the year award goes to Slava and his Reds last season. Although lacking many big names, the team won the NL Central and nearly made it the World Series before falling to the eventual champion’s. The team relies on solid production from every corner of the team. Young hitters Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon broke out last year and young pitchers Danny Duffy and Aroldis Chapman have major upside in the rotation. With only a few players on expiring contracts this year, the Reds have a lot of cap space and should look to be aggressive in Free Agency and addressing needs like a quality closer and ace. Although relying on young players to bring home championships can bring a team to ruin, the Reds are a few key players away from reaching elite status in the National League.
Grade: B-
Milwaukee Brewers
GM: Kevin
2011: 6-7
Perhaps the most unlucky team of the year was the Milwaukee Brewers. Even though they were among the highest scorers week in and week out, they also had the most points scored against them and have a mediocre record to show for it. The big headliner for the off-season in Milwaukee will be the Brewers’ ability to keep Prince Fielder around. The perennial slugger would leave a huge hole in the lineup that also has Ryan Braun. Even if they lose him, the strength of this team is in its’ youth. After a very successful draft, one of the league’s weakest farm systems became one of the best. Now boasting names like Trevor Bauer and Taylor Jungmann, the Brewers should have a great rotation in a few years that already includes an up and coming starter in Brandon Beachy. If the Brewers resign Fielder, the team could make a run into the post-season. If they can’t, it could be a long year in Milwaukee.
Grade: B-
Chicago Cubs
GM: Steve
2011: 5-8
Perhaps one of the most puzzling teams in the league is the Chicago Cubs. After acquiring a superstar in Andrew McCutchen, the team did virtually nothing under poor management. New GM, Zac, will hope to change that. Stuck in no man’s land with a mediocre team and decent farm, the GM will have to decide quickly on whether or not now is Chicago’s time or to build for the future. Although problems are scattered across the lineup and bullpen, the team has gradually built a rotation that looks like a future championship staff. With young pitchers Lyles, Cashner, and up-and-coming Vizcaino, the team could rely heavily on its rotation to carry the weak lineup. A plus is having a massive amount of free cap space. With one star in McCutchen already in the lineup, the team desperately needs someone to compliment him to have any chance at success in the 2012 season. Although the chances are there at running for the playoffs, the GM will have to choose whether or not he’s willing to spend the money and make the moves to get there.
Grade: C-
Houston Astros
GM: Gregg
2011: 8-5
By the mere tally of points scored the Astros were shunned from the playoffs last year. Surprisingly, a projected playoff team this year has perhaps the league’s best farm system. Loaded with young pitchers, the team should be among the best in a couple years. Players like Shelby Miller, Jarrod Parker, Dylan Bundy, and Mike Minor should be the core of the pitching staff. The problem of this team is depth and quality players at every position. The team lacks really any proven veterans on the pitching staff, and has a lot of spots to fill in the lineup. The lone bright spot in the batting order is superstar Mike Stanton. Acquired near the end of the season from Cincinnati, he should be a huge presence in Houston for years to come. While the lineup is in disarray and some key acquisitions will need to be made, the playoffs may be coming to Houston in 2012.
Grade: B-
Pittsburgh Pirates
GM: Chris
2011: 0-13
The perennial losers of baseball suffered yet another winless season. Poor play on every part of the team contributed to the inexcusable year. Even the GM, unable to bear the disaster, left his ship. However, under new leadership, the team will look to build for the future and right a new story to the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a successful draft in which top hitting prospects, Anthony Rendon, entered the farm system, the team believes it has found the next great thing. Continual strong pitching for Jameson Taillion will also be needed to create a winning formula. The pro to having the worst record in baseball is having the first pick in the draft. With young stars waiting on the horizon, the Pirates should be able to nab some high-quality talent in next year’s draft as well. Although a winning season is too tall of an order for Pittsburgh in year one under a new GM, the youth should at least get the Pirates in the win column.
Grade: F
2011 Projected Standings:
1. Cardinals
2. Brewers
3. Reds
4. Astros
5. Cubs
6. Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals
GM: Austin
2011: 7-6
Although the 2011 season ended in somewhat of a disappointment, it’s hard to find a more complete, dominant rotation than that of the flame-throwing Cards. With five all-star caliber starters (Kershaw, Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia, Hanson), the Cardinals will struggle to lose if all five can remain healthy through the course of the season. With the dealing of Pujols, the GM has freed plenty of cap space for the upcoming off-season. Although resigning Kershaw and Berkman as well as picking up an option on Carpenter will load up the cap, the Cardinals should have enough space to lure a quality bat to their somewhat shaky lineup. In a somewhat question move, however, the GM dealt his only closer Motte to Philadelphia and the bullpen doesn’t give much confidence without him. If St. Louis can sign a quality hitter and fix the bullpen issues, they’ll be a candidate to challenge Philadelphia for the National League.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Reds
GM: Slava
2011: 9-4
The surprise team of the year award goes to Slava and his Reds last season. Although lacking many big names, the team won the NL Central and nearly made it the World Series before falling to the eventual champion’s. The team relies on solid production from every corner of the team. Young hitters Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon broke out last year and young pitchers Danny Duffy and Aroldis Chapman have major upside in the rotation. With only a few players on expiring contracts this year, the Reds have a lot of cap space and should look to be aggressive in Free Agency and addressing needs like a quality closer and ace. Although relying on young players to bring home championships can bring a team to ruin, the Reds are a few key players away from reaching elite status in the National League.
Grade: B-
Milwaukee Brewers
GM: Kevin
2011: 6-7
Perhaps the most unlucky team of the year was the Milwaukee Brewers. Even though they were among the highest scorers week in and week out, they also had the most points scored against them and have a mediocre record to show for it. The big headliner for the off-season in Milwaukee will be the Brewers’ ability to keep Prince Fielder around. The perennial slugger would leave a huge hole in the lineup that also has Ryan Braun. Even if they lose him, the strength of this team is in its’ youth. After a very successful draft, one of the league’s weakest farm systems became one of the best. Now boasting names like Trevor Bauer and Taylor Jungmann, the Brewers should have a great rotation in a few years that already includes an up and coming starter in Brandon Beachy. If the Brewers resign Fielder, the team could make a run into the post-season. If they can’t, it could be a long year in Milwaukee.
Grade: B-
Chicago Cubs
GM: Steve
2011: 5-8
Perhaps one of the most puzzling teams in the league is the Chicago Cubs. After acquiring a superstar in Andrew McCutchen, the team did virtually nothing under poor management. New GM, Zac, will hope to change that. Stuck in no man’s land with a mediocre team and decent farm, the GM will have to decide quickly on whether or not now is Chicago’s time or to build for the future. Although problems are scattered across the lineup and bullpen, the team has gradually built a rotation that looks like a future championship staff. With young pitchers Lyles, Cashner, and up-and-coming Vizcaino, the team could rely heavily on its rotation to carry the weak lineup. A plus is having a massive amount of free cap space. With one star in McCutchen already in the lineup, the team desperately needs someone to compliment him to have any chance at success in the 2012 season. Although the chances are there at running for the playoffs, the GM will have to choose whether or not he’s willing to spend the money and make the moves to get there.
Grade: C-
Houston Astros
GM: Gregg
2011: 8-5
By the mere tally of points scored the Astros were shunned from the playoffs last year. Surprisingly, a projected playoff team this year has perhaps the league’s best farm system. Loaded with young pitchers, the team should be among the best in a couple years. Players like Shelby Miller, Jarrod Parker, Dylan Bundy, and Mike Minor should be the core of the pitching staff. The problem of this team is depth and quality players at every position. The team lacks really any proven veterans on the pitching staff, and has a lot of spots to fill in the lineup. The lone bright spot in the batting order is superstar Mike Stanton. Acquired near the end of the season from Cincinnati, he should be a huge presence in Houston for years to come. While the lineup is in disarray and some key acquisitions will need to be made, the playoffs may be coming to Houston in 2012.
Grade: B-
Pittsburgh Pirates
GM: Chris
2011: 0-13
The perennial losers of baseball suffered yet another winless season. Poor play on every part of the team contributed to the inexcusable year. Even the GM, unable to bear the disaster, left his ship. However, under new leadership, the team will look to build for the future and right a new story to the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a successful draft in which top hitting prospects, Anthony Rendon, entered the farm system, the team believes it has found the next great thing. Continual strong pitching for Jameson Taillion will also be needed to create a winning formula. The pro to having the worst record in baseball is having the first pick in the draft. With young stars waiting on the horizon, the Pirates should be able to nab some high-quality talent in next year’s draft as well. Although a winning season is too tall of an order for Pittsburgh in year one under a new GM, the youth should at least get the Pirates in the win column.
Grade: F
2011 Projected Standings:
1. Cardinals
2. Brewers
3. Reds
4. Astros
5. Cubs
6. Pirates
. Too bad snubbed from the playoffs this year ha.