CENTRAL DIVISION
1| MILWAUKEE 2011 | 96-66, 1st in Central Last year in playoffs | 2011
The Brewers propose that the downgrade at first base from Prince Fielder to Mat Gamel (28 home runs in triple A last season) can be countered by the upgrade at third base from Casey Mcgehee (.223, 13 HR) to Aramis Ramirez (.306, 26 HR). Francisco Rodriguez is an accidental setup man at $8 million.
2| ST. LOUIS 2011 | 90-72, 2nd in Central
Last year in playoffs | 2011
Despite the loss of Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa, the Cardinals remain deep, just not deep enough. Lance Berkman moves to first base to replace Pujols and Mike Matheny takes over as manager. Chris Carpenter is injured to start the season, with right-hander Lance Lynn his likely replacement in the rotation.
3| CINCINNATI 2011 | 79-83, 3rd in Central
Last year in playoffs | 2010
The addition of Mat Latos bolsters the Reds’ pitching staff, but they lost closer Ryan Madson, who arrived from Philadelphia, to season-ending elbow surgery. Who will end up emerging as Dusty Baker’s closer isn’t yet clear. Another key will be run production in the middle of the lineup behind Joey Votto.
4| PITTSBURGH 2011 | 72-90, 4th in Central
Last year in playoffs | 1992
The Pirates added former Yankee A.J. Burnett to the rotation but he was injured this spring and will miss the first part of the season. All-star Andrew Mccutchen, signed to a contract extension, anchors the offense. New arrival Casey Mcgehee might earn the third base job from Pedro Alvarez.
5| CHICAGO 2011 | 71-91, 5th in Central
Last year in playoffs | 2008
The flailing Cubs have a feel-good story at least. Bryan Lahair is a 29-year-old rookie who hit 38 home runs in triple A last season — his sixth season in triple A. “Wait till next year” comes early for the Cubs after a winter in which their high-profile addition was former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein.
6| HOUSTON 2010 | 56-106, 6th in Central
Last year in playoffs | 2005
There’s nowhere to go but up after the Astros posted the majors’ worst record in 2011, and before they move to the American League next year. Starter Brett Myers was shifted to the closer’s role, so it’s mostly young arms behind Wandy Rodriguez in the rotation. Former first-round pick Jason Castro returns from a knee injury.