NL Central Predictions

1)Chicago Cubs

Starting rotation (followed by percentage of League ERA)

Carlos Zambrano - 75%
Ted Lilly - 101%
Jason Marquis - 106%
Rich Hill - 112% (90% last year)
Wade Miller - 90%

The Cubs starters have averaged 97% of the League ERA in their careers. If we use Rich Hill's number from last season, it's just 92% for the staff. While this staff might not look that great, this division lacks anything better.

Offense

The Cubs were bad offensively last season, ranking 15th in runs, 716, and 14th in OPS at .741. Expect serious improvement this season. Sweet Lou was a hitter and he knows how to get his players to hit. The addition of Alfonso Soriano, a healthy Derrek Lee, and the blossoming of young players like Matt Murton, should boost the offense into high gear. Piniella will get offense out of this bunch, at least enough to win the division.

2)St Louis Cardinals

Starting pitchers

Chris Carpenter - 90%
Kip Wells - 101%
Anthony Reyes - 108%
Adam Wainwright - 77%
Braden Looper - 84%

The Cardinals staff has averaged 92% of the League ERA in their careers. Wainwright's ERA in the minors was 3.76, and Reyes was 3.31. Some real question marks here, with Wainwright and Looper going from relief to starting. But Reyes should be better this year. I think the Cards were smart to avoid giving big money to Weaver and Suppan after the World Series. Be very interesting to see how Wainwright and Looper do this year.

Offense

The Cards were 6th in both runs, 781, and OPS, .769, in the NL last season. Anchored by Pujols, Edmonds and Rolen, this team will score runs.

The Cards have a few too many question marks in their starting rotation to pick them first. But they should be in the hunt, barring injuries.

3)Milwaukee Brewers

Starting pitchers

Ben Sheets - 91%
Chris Capuano - 97%
Jeff Suppan - 99%
Dave Bush - 94%
Claudio Vargas - 108%

The Brewers starters have averaged 98% of the League ERA in their careers. Unless Vargas surprises this year, the Brewers will need one more starter to take this division.

Offense