NL Central = Black and Blue Division?

[jaybird2001wi]

Just took a look at the standings and the top four leaders in the NL Central are separated within a half game of each other. Only the Astros and Pirates are lower. With the Reds having young power in Joey Votto and Jay Bruce and three solid pitchers in Volquez, Harang and Cueto they could be competitive for some time this season. The Cardinals should never be counted despite any injuries they face because La Russa somehow gets the most out of his players. The Cubs will always be the favorites of the National Media and then you add the Brewers to the mix and we could have a lot of competition this season.

One other thing to add is, with some of the talent the top four teams have, could things get any worse for the Pirates? They could be on their way to a 17th consecutive losing season and the two lone bright spots are Freddy Sanchez and Nate McLouth. Will they be the punching bags of the division in 2009?

[Ennder]

The Pirates aren't anywhere near competing for the playoffs, still 3-4 years off though they have a future now unlike in past seasons. The AL west, AL central and NL west are all very weak divisions, the other 3 divisions are very strong and winning playoff spots in them will be tough.