2013 MLB Picks: NL Central Division Odds and Predictions – Cincinnati Reds the Favorite

2013 MLB NL Central Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Vegas Favorites and Odds to Win 2013 National League Central: The National League Central was officially created in 1994, but because of the strike that happened that season, the first division winner wasn’t crowned until 1995. Overall, the St. Louis Cardinals have dominated the NL Central, winning a record eight division titles. The Cardinals have also been responsible for three of the four pennants won by teams from the division and for both the World Series victories. However, St. Louis is currently three years removed from its last division crown, tying the longest stretch since the inception of the of the NL Central. For a look at how the Cardinals and the other teams in the division stack up in 2013, here is a quick preview of the National League Central.

1.      Cincinnati Reds: The Reds won the division for the second time in the last three years in 2012 and did so despite 2010 MVP Joey Votto missing significant time. Votto will be at full strength to start the 2013 season, and he joins a strong offensive core that features Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips. Not to mention that adding Shin-Soo Choo to the top of the lineup in the offseason should make the offense even more consistent. On the mound Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos form a nice 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, and flamethrower Aroldis Chapman is either going to make the rotation or the bullpen elite depending on where he fits best. Yes, this current group has failed miserably in the postseason, but Cincinnati should still own the Central in the regular season.

2.      St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols left in free agency and Tony La Russa retired, but the Cardinals still made the playoffs last season. Dependable bats Yadier Molina, Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday are all back from that team while Allen Craig is among the younger players that should only continue to improve. The pitching staff won’t have veteran Chris Carpenter to anchor it, but Adam Wainwright should be back in ace form after surgery in 2011, and the St. Louis bullpen is one of the best in the game. Throw in this group’s knack for getting the job done in the clutch, and the Cardinals will likely be in the mix for a Wild Card spot again in 2013.

3.      Milwaukee Brewers: Assuming Ryan Braun continues to dodge a suspension from his “alleged” PED use, the Brewers should actually have a decent offense in 2013. Aramis Ramirez is one of the steadiest bats at the position, and Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart are streaky but dangerous hitters, as well. If highly-touted shortstop Jean Segura is able to find some consistency and catcher Jonathan Lucroy bounces back from injury, Milwaukee’s lineup could be downright scary. On the flip side, the starting rotation and bullpen are both full of question marks. Outside of Yovani Gollardo, the Brewers don’t have anyone they can be confident in on a regular basis. Unless the pitching surprises, Milwaukee will be fighting to reach .500 rather than to reach the playoffs.

4.      Pittsburgh Pirates: After giving their fans a glimmer of hope last year, the Pirates crashed back to earth and didn’t even finish above .500 in 2012. It will likely be more of the same in 2013 as Andrew McCutchen remains the only strong bat for an otherwise abysmal offense that ranked among the 10 worst in runs scored and average last year. The silver lining for the Pirates is a starting rotation that features A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez, James McDonald and Francisco Liriano. Assuming they all stay healthy, Liriano especially, Pittsburgh could have one of the deeper staffs. On the flip side, Joel Hanrahan is no longer waiting to close the door in the ninth, adding another potential weakness to an already-flawed team.

5.      Chicago Cubs: It’s kind of funny how a franchise with a fanbase that cares so much has to cheer for a team so bad. A year after finishing in the cellar of the NL Central, the Cubs seem poised for a repeat performance. The massively overpaid Alfonso Soriano is the only reliable source of power for the offense, and outside of shortstop Starlin Castro and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, there isn’t a lot of hope for the near future either. The rotation is equally thin with Matt Garza as the only starter with a history of sustained success. Plain and simple, Chicago’s roster is a mess.

2013 MLB NL Central Division Odds
5121 Chicago Cubs +2000
5122 Cincinnati Reds -125
5123 Milwaukee Brewers +500
5124 Pittsburgh Pirates +1200
5125 St Louis Cardinals +200

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