MLB Preview: NL CENTRAL

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

LINEUP

1. Rickie Weeks | 2B | .234 | 14 HR | 46 RBI

2. J.J. Hardy | SS | .283 | 24 HR | 74 RBI

3. Ryan Braun | LF | .285 | 37 HR | 106 RBI

4. Prince Fielder | 1B | .276 | 34 HR | 102 RBI

5. Corey Hart | RF | .268 | 20 HR | 91 RBI

6. Mike Cameron | CF | .243 | 25 HR | 70 RBI

7. Bill Hall | 3B | .225 | 15 HR | 55 RBI

8. Jason Kendell | C | .246 | 2 HR | 49 RBI

9. PITCHER

PITCHING STAFF

1. Yovani Gallardo | 0-0 | 1.88 ERA | 20 K | 1.25 WHIP

2. Dave Bush | 9-10 | 4.18 ERA | 109 K | 1.14 WHIP

3. Jeff Suppan | 10-10 | 4.96 ERA | 90 K | 1.54 WHIP

4. Manny Parra | 10-8 | 4.39 ERA | 147 K | 1.54 WHIP

5. Braden Looper | 12-14 | 4.16 ERA | 108 K | 1.31 WHIP

CL Trevor Hoffman | 30 SV | 3.77 ERA | 46 K | 1.04 WHIP

KEY BENCH PLAYERS

Craig Counsell | .226 | 1 HR | 14 RBI

Tony Gwynn Jr. | .190 | 0 HR | 1 RBI

The Brewers’ lineup did not take a hit in the offseason, but their pitching staff took two big hits. Losing CC was probable and unfortunate, but Ben Sheets is the real loss even though Sheets will be out until June or July. I would look for the Brewers to sign him back if they struggle in the first few months. Hoffman is going to be their closer, but not for the first few week which I don’t think will hurt them a lot, considering Villanueva slipping into the role. I still like the Brewers in 2009, but I think that their pitching needs to step up if they are going to compete with the Cards and Cubs.

OVERALL GRADE: B-

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

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