NL Central Predictions in 2008

The NL Central is a division where it doesn't take too much to come out on top. Often, 85 wins will do the job. For the Cardinals, winning the NL Central with 83 wins in 2006 got them the World Series. This year, the NL Central is made up of declining teams, young up and coming teams, and another team who's legendary drought may be a bit more publicized this year.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have gone 100 years without a World Series. There, now that's out of the way.

So where do they stand on breaking it? The Cubs seem to be in their best position to make a run since Steve Bartman. Lou Piniella made the Cubs rebound from a slow start to take the division last year, and this year, the Cubs picked up Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome to shore up the batting order. However, when the Cubs got to the playoffs last year, they were done away with very easily. The NL Central may be in their grasp, but this has to be the most mentally tough team in Chicago history to go further.

Milwaukee Brewers

The surprise of the NL for the first half of the season. The Brewers got their first winning season in over a decade, contending for the playoffs up until the last week. MVP candidate Prince Fielder became a breakout star, and the Brewers have the young talent that could keep them from being a one hit wonder. But the Brewers did succumb to the grind of the second half last season and tapered off from their hot pace. This time the Brewers need longer lasting success to take the NL Central, and they must deal with having high expectations for the first time in years.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals fell fast from their World Series in 2006, furthering the notion that they merely peaked at the right time that year. After an off season where Tony LaRussa's fate was uncertain, and Scott Rolen had to be sent away, the Cardinals are in the midst of starting over. Rick Ankiel was a big success story until his history with HGH was uncovered, but now the Cardinals need him to repeat his batting success for a whole year. Albert Pujols is the biggest bat in the game when he's healthy, and without him returning to form, the Cardinals are not going to go far in the NL Central.

Cincinnati Reds