Major League Baseball Predictions For 2016

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NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Feb 18, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) throws during warm up drills at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Just like the National League East, the NL Central is a three-team race, and very well could wind up stealing both wildcard spots. The Cardinals, Cubs, and Pirates are all teams that want to win now and for the forseeable future. For the Brewers and Reds, their time has passed and they are now dealing with holding players on too long while trying to build them a home.

While the Reds will likely be out of it early in 2016, there are some young guys who could light a fire for their future, such as hard-throwing Amir Garrett and strikeout specialist Raisel Iglesias are promising players. Iglesias has been named to start Opening Day and will look to come off a strong call-up the end of the 2015 season. Joey Votto will continue to be the solid player he is on a meaningless team. With the large contract that he has, it will be difficult to find suitors for the first baseman.

As for the Brewers, they are dealing with the same issue in regard to Ryan Braun — ailing health and large contract. Both teams will be hindered by large salaries and aging players. The need for a rebuild will knock the Brewers and Reds out of contention for quite some time.

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For the Pirates, they look to forget their previous two disasters in the playoffs. Not getting over the hump, renewed health and the maturing of young players like Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco will hopefully take place and help the Pirates overcome elimination and underachieving.

Clint Hurdle has done a wonderful job of turning these guys into ball players, and this could be the last year they’re stuck at this ceiling. Gerrit Cole leads the Pirates once again as he continues to develop into one of the game’s best pitchers. As for Andrew McCutchen who signed on to stay in Pittsburgh, he may be a little weary if they don’t start to show more progress. The Pirates are not a bad team, and will continue to win games and challenge their foes within the division to hopefully avoid the pitfalls that come with earning a wildcard.

For the Cubs and Cardinals, it will be a season long battle as both teams are very capable of winning 100 plus games each. Both are well coached, provide young talent from the farm system, and both have playoff experience now. Despite a slew of injuries, the Cardinals managed to win 100 games last year. With Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty back at full strength and regularly in lineup, the Cardinals should not miss a beat in 2016 and win once again close to 100 games.

Prediction –

Cardinals 98-64
Cubs 94-68
Pirates 88-74
Brewers 72-90
Reds 67-93

Next: National League West

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