The Cubs are still the team to Beat in 2019

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Despite being generally roasted for a lack of activity this offseason, the Cubs are still my favorites to win the NL Central.  The Cardinals seem to have made all the right moves over the winter but somehow I don’t think it will work.  The Brewers look to be candidates for regression and Reds and Pirates don’t look to have enough to keep up with the other three teams in the division.

Cubs:  The Cubs made some “minor” moves, but I think they were good ones.  Brad Brach could close if need be and that gives the Cubs a number of options until Brandon Morrow gets back.  Yu Darvish looks to bounce back this season and the rest of the Cubs rotation, with the exception of Jon Lester should be better.  Kris Bryant should provide more offense after an injury plagued 2018 season.  Addison Russell and Willson Contreras are question marks this season.  While the Cubs outlook doesn’t seem quite as rosy as it has in recent seasons, I look for a bit of a bounce back and division title.

Cardinals:  Paul Goldschmidt looks to be just what the doctor ordered to put the Cardinals over the top.  I just don’t think it will happen.  The Cardinals are one of the more unpredictable teams in baseball.  They have a high ceiling, but a low probability of reaching it.  Yadier Molina is still the glue holding the team together, I’m just not sure how long he can contribute at a high level.  They have a bevy of talented pitchers but how healthy they stay is always an open question.  It wouldn’t shock me to see them take the division, but they have a few too many question marks to make them the favorite.

Brewers:  I really like Christian Yelich’s game.  I still don’t think he’s as good as last season would indicate.  Yelich hit 36 homers last season after having a previous career high of 21.  I also don’t think Lorenzo Cain will be quite as good as in 2018.  The same could be said for the seemingly unhittable Josh Hader.  Of course the addition of catcher, Yasmani Grandal,could make up for some regression in other areas.  It seems like the Brewers maxed out their ability last season.  I don’t think they’ll duplicate that feat again.  I’m also not sold on their starting pitching and infield defense.

Reds:  Give the Reds points for trying to shore up their pitching.  Sonny Gray, Alex Wood and Tanner Roark will help, but I don’t think it will be enough.  Their outfield is also questionable.   The infield is stacked and can help overcome the deficiencies of the outfield.  Joey Votto had what would be deemed for him an off season in 2018 and still led the NL in OBP with a mark of .417.   Eugenio Suarez continues to improve and rates as a star, maybe even a superstar at third.  If the Reds get off to a good start, they could be a factor in the division.

Pirates:    There’s a lot to like about the young Pirates starting rotation.  Jameson Taillon and Trevor Williams each won 14 games.  Chris Archer wasn’t much of a factor last year, but maybe this will be the year his production matches his stuff.  The problem with the Bucs will be their offense.  I still don’t think they have the bats to contend.  They do, however, have enough talent to make life difficult for the other teams in the division.  If Josh Bell has a big season it would help immensely.  Beyond that I don’t see reason to see much potential for a huge offensive improvement, though I do look for Corey Dickerson to hit more than 13 home runs this season.  This is a really good team for one projected to finish last in their division.  The NL Central is just a really tough division.