2012 MLB Predictions: NL Central

It was truly a storybook ending for the World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, and the Redbirds are looking for more of the same in 2012.  The Cardinals are the favorites to win the National League Central this season despite losing arguably the greatest right-handed hitter to have ever played the game.

St. Louis should still put up plenty of offensive numbers similar to what made them the most productive lineup in baseball a season ago, even without Albert Pujols batting third.  Two young weapons in David Freese and Alan Craig really emerged as offensive threats in the postseason a year ago.  Molina had his best season at the plate in 2011, plus Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday will still anchor the middle of the lineup.  Outfielder Carlos Beltran signed a two-year deal in St. Louis so he’ll look to add to the offensive firepower for the Cardinals in the two hole.

Chris Carpenter will start the season on the disabled list but the Cardinals rotation should still be in good shape.  Lance Lynn will take Carp’s spot, but no one is more important to the Cardinals chances of repeating in 2012 than right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright.  He, along with Jamie Garcia, Jake Westbrook, and Kyle Loshe will toe the rubber for the Redbirds this season.  Oh, and the Cards replaced their Hall-of-Fame caliber manager Tony LaRussa with first time skipper Mike Matheny.

The Cincinnati Reds adding pitching with the addition of Matt Latos and closer Ryan Madson, but Madson will miss the 2012 season with a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.

The Milwaukee Brewers won the division by 6 games last year, but they will miss Prince Fielder too much, and the rest of the division isn’t ready to compete.  That’s why the division will once again go to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012.