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Predicting Major League Baseball. National League West
Milwaukee Brewers -- 95-67
My first inkling was that the Brew Crew would come down from last year. The only difference is that you're swapping Aramis Ramirez's production (which wasn't terrible in 2011) for Prince Fielder's (who was terrific, MVP-like). Ramirez could hurt something and miss 90 games. Or he might be really really solid. Otherwise, it's the same team that won 96 a year ago and an MVP that would love nothing better than to prove everyone wrong. All in a weak division.
Cincinnati Reds -- 90-72
The Reds are my weak spot. I quietly root for them and am always taken in by the perceived talent. They certainly were not quiet in acquiring Mat Latos and Ryan Madson to shore up the pitching. My main concern is protecting Joe Votto. He was walked 19 more times last season following his MVP year. Between Jay Bruce, a potentially healthy Scott Rolen or Ryan Ludwick, can the Reds force opponents to throw Votto strikes?
St. Louis Cardinals -- 89-73
Finished 90-72 in 2011 with their No. 1 starter never taking the mound. Essentially, the Cards are swapping Adam Wainwright for the rabble that they threw in there. They also added Carlos Beltran. That's the good. The bad is that they lost the best hitter in baseball. For me, Beltran is not a difference maker in a line-up. Coaching changes and all that jazz. Yuck. Maybe it turns out OK.
Pittsburgh Pirates -- 81-81
The surprise team of 2011 for three months before the old Pirates reared their ugly heads in the second half of the year. Counting on this young team learning something and Clint Hurdle continuing to turn the attitude around. My prediction is, well, predicated on the Pirates starting rotation staying in tact and performing to an average norm. I'm an less than sure about this. Erik Bedard seems cooked.
Chicago Cubs -- 64-98
I don't know what is worse for the Cubbies: The suspect bullpen, the rotation full of guys that wouldn't crack any decent team's roster or the line-up consisting of very little power threat. If Alfonso Soriano is your clean-up hitter, you've got troubles. This team seems terrible and they were not very good last year. Nothing to feel good about outside of some prospects getting a look.
Houston Astros -- 62-100
By sheer luck alone, the Astros have to improve, right? Basically, luck is the only thing this franchise has going for it. At least they're throwing out the throwbacks this year with the Colt .45s. At least. Party.
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