The New Red Machine

2 weeks ago, it appeared as if the St. Louis Cardinals were destined to pull away early in a weak NL Central, but now they are no longer even in first place. The first place team is the red-hot Cincinnati Reds, who just took 2 of 3 from St. Louis last weekend.

The Reds have won 9 of their last 12, and this turnaround has caught many by surprise. Earlier this month there was much speculation about the security of manager Dusty Baker's job, but the Reds have supported the manager and surged into contention. This isn't just a fluke though, and the Reds are a team to be reckoned with.

The Reds are doing it with their pitching of late. Bronson Arroyo has re-invented himself, despite seemingly being on the trade block every season. Arroyo has been an inning-eater for the Reds so far, pitching 52 innings and winning 3 games, capped off by a complete game victory of the 16th vs. the Cardinals. Mike Leake in his first season is undefeated, going 4-0 in 7 starts. Youngsters Johhny Cueto and Homer Bailey both pitched complete game shutouts in their last starts, both vs. the Pirates. If these pitchers can stay on this pace, and Aaron Harang can possibly find his touch that he once had, when ace Edinson Volquez returns from the DL, this starting rotation could be a definite strength for the Reds.

At the plate, Joey Votto leads the way for Cincinnati with 8 homers and a .289 average. Power is hard to come by on the team, with veteran Scott Rolen second on the team with 7 homers and a few others including Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce with 4 homers.

If this team can stay competitive and prove this isn't a fluke, they can definitely be seen as a Wildcard threat. In the weak NL Central with the under-performing Cubs and Brewers, the weak Pirates, and the terrible Astros, this team can pick up a number of wins off these weak opponents. Compared to teams in the NL West and the NL East, they will have an easier division schedule outside of the Cardinals, and this could give them an advantage. The Reds are a good mix of youth and experience, and the experience of players like Rolen, Orlando Cabrera, and Ramon Hernandez can help this team to playing meaningful games in September. Don't forget closer Francisco Cordero, who has been one of the game's best closers for years now. He will need to keep blown saves to a minimum, as he has converted 14 of 16 already this season.

NL Central Preview

And thus it is time to unveil my predictions for the largest division in baseball, the NL Central. Despite having six teams in the division, it is not a tough job to pick the division winner.

6.) Houston Astros
I am going to reward the Pirate's management by not giving them the 6th place honor. The Astros have fallen a long way from their World Series trip in 2005. Yes Lance Berkman is still an elite player, and Carlos Lee can still hit homers, but when your infield consists of Feliz, Manzella, Matsui, and Blum, your offense is lousy. Roy Oswalt is not the ace he once was and although there is hope for Wandy Rodriguez to emerge as an ace, the rest of the rotation of Paulino, Myers, and Norris is suspect. Throw in the bullpen full of guys who failed in other locations: Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon, and the team shouldn't expect to go too far this season.

5.) Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are moving in the right direction, its just a slow moving process. The team features a outfield on the rise including Lastings Milledge, Garret Jones, and future star Andrew McCutchen. One of the better catchers, Ryan Doumit, can also be seen in this lineup, and at second base Aki Iwamura brings a good glove to the infield. The pitching rotation has some ability, but their youth and experience in the reason for my 5th place projection. Maholm and Duke are a solid 1-2 combo and Dotel should be a decent closer.

4.) Cincinnati Reds
This team has so many players who have been hyped up, but have yet to come close to these expectations. Whether its outfielder Jay Bruce, first baseman Joey Votto, or pitchers Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey, if this team is to compete, they need these guys to step up. Unfortunately, ace Edinson Volquez starts the season on the 60 day DL, so veterans Arroyo and Harang will have provide quality starts until he returns.

3.)Chicago Cubs
Let it be known, the streak of years without a World Series will continue again this year as the Cubs are not a contender. Yes, they have money and guys with pricey contracts, but that does not take away from the fact that these players are old, injury prone, and overpaid. Think about their roster, Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukodome, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, and many others and you can apply old, injured, or overpaid to almost everyone. Still despite these issues, these players can still make up a middle-of-the-pack team. Maybe next year Cubs fans.

2.) Milwaukee Brewers
When it comes to the Brewers, it comes down to two names Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. 2 of the best players in the MLB carry this lineup which also holds Corey Hart and speedster Carlos Gomez. A key to this offense is going to be Rickie Weeks who looked to have finally reached his potential before suffering a season-ending injury last year. Led by ace Yovanni Gallardo, and new addition Randy Wolf, the Brewers have a pretty solid rotation and have veteran closer Trevor Hoffman to finish games off. The Brew Crew should be fighting for the Central and a Wild Card birth all season long.

1.) St. Louis Cardinals
Do I even have to say more than Albert Pujols? Well they re-signed Matt Holliday and still have former Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter. Adam Wainwright has emerged as a great starter and with the best manager in baseball, Tony LaRussa, it is likely that this team will win the division. Albert is that good.