This is the second of six articles by Tallen Todorovich previewing the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
NLB CENTRAL
In 2005, the St. Louis Cardinals won 100 games and ran away with the NL Central title. Look for the Cardinals to achieve similar success in 2006. With a deep pitching staff headlined by last years Cy Young Winner, Chris Carpenter, and a deep lineup that features perennial MVP candidate Albert Pujols, the Cardinals look primed to return to their second World Series in the last three years. Injuries to key players like Jim Edmonds and Mark Mulder are the only ways in which the Cardinals could find themselves stuck in a serious division race in ’06.
A deep pitching staff, a lights out closer, and timely hitting from Morgan Ensberg and Lance Berkman could once again propel the Houston Astros into the postseason. If Roger Clemens returns for yet another season, the Astros boast the deepest pitching staff in the National League. Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Roy Oswalt are all considered aces. Most of the Astros success depends on whether or not Rocket will return to the Astros for another season.
The Chicago Cubs could potentially contend for a wildcard spot in ’06 with the addition of Juan Pierre and Jacque Jones. Pierre and Jones could provide ample opportunities for Derrek Lee to replicate his 2005 MVP caliber season in 2006. If the Chicago pitching staff could ever stay healthy, then they could become a NL Wild Card contender.
WINNER: St. Louis Cardinals
WILD CARD CONTENDER: Houston Astros
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