Predicting the 2011 MLB season. Without a net.
NL West
Cincinnati Reds -- 94-68
Think about this: They're about to get their second full years from Mike Leake and Aroldis Chapman. That's scary. This in addition to Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez and Homer Bailey. A good mix of veterans and youngsters. By the way, is this Jay Bruce's break-out year?
Milwaukee Brewers -- 85-77
Watch out for the Brew Crew! They've addressed their rotation and bullpen. Question is: Can they score? You've got your big guns, but will secondary bats come around and provide some support? Doug Melvin has Milwaukee back, contending.
St. Louis Cardinals -- 81-81
You don't lose your Cy-Young candidate No. 1 starter (Adam Wainwright and expect to bounce back that easily. Added two nice versatile bats in Nick Punto and Ryan Theriot, but I don't think it's enough. This is an extremely old team that's about to break the piggy bank for their star or they're going to let him go and start over. Tons of potential for injuries.
Houston Astros -- 80-82
I'd bet on a bounceback year from Carlos Lee, a break-out year from Brett Wallace and a continuance from Chris Johnson. If Houston can find themselves six or seven pitchers, expect them to win around 90 games, not 80.
Chicago Cubs -- 78-84
I think Matt Garza helps. However, this is an old, 75-win team a year ago in a tough division. Adding Carlos Pena to a team that swings free and easy (Rudy Jaramillo!) is not a good thing. Might set a franchise record in strikeouts.
Pittsburgh Pirates -- 62-100
Ugh. I feel so bad for the Pirates and the city of Pittsburgh. I feel that they deserve better. If your big addition is Kevin Correia, then things are amiss.
