Feature Presentation

AL: East | Central | West
NL: East | Central | West (4/20)

NL Central

Note: placed in predicted order of finish

St. Louis Cardinals

   The Good: What's not to like about the Cardinals? They have one of the top three hitters (Albert Pujols) and top three pitchers (Chris Carpenter) in all of baseball leading the way. They also have one of the most balanced line-ups in baseball with lots of talent (Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen) surrounding Pujols. Arguably, they also have the best rotation (Mark Mulder) in the National League.
   The Bad: While Jason Isringhausen is a stud, the bullpen is a bit suspect. The Cardinals fans, front office and clubhouse will be praying that Rolen can stay healthy this year.
   The Skinny: The Cardinals are a lock for the playoffs. Pujols is going to blast 40 homers, Carpenter is going to win 20 games and the Cardinals will most likely make it to the World Series.

Houston Astros

   The Good: The 3-5 hitters (Lance Berkman, Morgan Ensberg, Preston Wilson) are as dangerous as any team's. That will give opposing teams nightmares, especially with #1/#2 hitters Craig Biggio and Willy Taveras already on base. Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, Brandon Backe headline an above average rotation. Closer Brad Lidge is solid
   The Bad: The 'Stros will miss Jeff Bagwell a bit, but nowhere near as much as they'll miss Roger Clemens. The Rocket is sitting at home reading this article, while his Astros teammates will be battling to stay alive with the Cardinals. Also, if Oswalt and Pettitte can't stay healthy, than you can forget Houston making it to the playoffs.
   The Skinny: The top 5 hitters are solid and automatic to contribute. They'll need guys like Brad Ausmus and Jason Lane to provide sparks when needed. Wandy Rodriguez is due for a breakout year.

Milwaukee Brewers

   The Good: The Brewers have been voted "most surprising team of 2006" by countless of MLB analysts (including yours truly). Geoff Jenkins, Carlos Lee and Prince Fielder have a lot of potential in the heart of the line-up. Second baseman Rickie Weeks is going to be a stud for years to come and how can you not love Mr. Versatility in Bill Hall. When healthy, Ben Sheets is very reliable. Doug Davis and Chris Capauno should combine for 30+ wins this year.
   The Bad: It seems like Sheets is never healthy anymore. That's not a good thing for the Brew Crew as Sheets is their ace. What the Brewers organization has to worry about is not panicking towards the end of the year if the Brewers are in a playoff chase. The Cardinals and Astros are better teams, but the Brewers can't think like that if they want to keep playing in October.
   The Skinny: The Brewers will win more games than most people think. It's just too bad they play in the NL Central where they'll have an outside chance of making the postseason thanks to St. Louis/Houston being just a bit better. Like I said though, they can't think like that.

Chicago Cubs

   The Good: Derrek Lee for starters. If it weren't for Albert Pujols, Lee would be the best 1st baseman (offensively) in the game. Juan Pierre is one of the fastest man on earth in center, Jacque Jones is underrated in RF and Aramis Ramirez is simply sensational over at third. The Cubs have three guys worthy of being considered an ace; Carlos Zambrano will shine in the role.
   The Bad: Two thirds of their potential aces can't stay healthy in Mark Prior in Kerry Wood. The Cubs would automatically be inserted in playoff talks if these two could stay healthy, but that's not part of their bag baby. Not only are they letting down their team and fans, but fantasy owners who dare to draft them.
   The Skinny: It's been 98 years since the Cubs have won a World Series and there is no reason for change this year. Dusty Baker will continue to take heat (even though he doesn't deserve it) and Prior/Wood will take their usualy 292 trips to the DL. A third place finish would be a positive step.

Pittsburgh Pirates

   The Good: The Buccos get to host the All-Star game. No really, the Pirates are getting better. Their 3-5 hitters in their line-up read as this: Sean Casey, Jason Bay and Jeromy Burnitz. That's a solid foundation to build around. What's just as solid is the potential for the starting rotation. Zach Duke and Ian Snell are two of the best young pitching prospects in the game.
   The Bad: Other than having 16 straight losing seasons? While the Pirates young rotation has potential, the key word is young. They are unproven and in a Division stacked as the NL Central is, they are going to get Major League experience right off the bat. (no pun intended)
   The Skinny: The Pirates are on the right track, that's for sure. They are still another year away, though.

Cincinnati Reds

   The Good: Ken Griffey. I don't care what people say, he's still one of the best players. When healthy, he can really help his club out. Besides him, all of Adam Dunn - his homers and strike outs - is a nice piece to have in the line-up as is Austin Kearns. Aaron Harang is a decent ace and former Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo will thrive for his new team.
   The Bad: Ken Griffey. He's always hurt and his ballclub pays for it. With his bat out of the line-up, the Reds order weakens. I like Eric Milton, but he gives up a lot of homers. He's the least of their problems, though. The Reds do not have a closer and not really a bullpen either.
   The Skinny: Ken Griffey. He's the deciding factor that will make or break the Reds season. Even if healthy, there is not much on this roster that can keep the Reds in conention with the Cards/Stros.

You can reach Doug McKinney @ dmckinney@featurepresentationonline.com.