MLB Preview: NL CENTRAL

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

2. Freddy Sanchez | 2B | .271 | 9 HR | 52 RBI

3. Nate McLouth | CF | .276 | 26 HR | 94 RBI

4. Ryan Doumit | C | .318 | 15 HR | 69 RBI

5. Adam LaRoche | 1B | .270 | 25 HR | 85 RBI

6. Andy LaRoche | 3B | .166 | 5 HR | 18 RBI

7. Brandon Moss | RF | .246 | 8 HR | 34 RBI

8. Jack Wilson | SS | .272 | 1 HR | 22 RBI

9. PITCHER

PITCHING STAFF

1. Paul Maholm | 9-9 | 3.71 ERA | 139 K | 1.28 WHIP

2. Ian Snell | 7-12 | 5.42 ERA | 135 K | 1.76 WHIP

3. Zach Duke | 5-14 | 4.82 ERA | 87 K | 1.50 WHIP

4. Ross Ohlendorf | 1-4 | 6.46 ERA | 49 K | 1.87 WHIP

5. Jeff Karstens | 2-6 | 4.03 ERA | 23 K | 1.34 WHIP

CL Matt Capps | 21 SV | 3.02 ERA | 39 K | .97 WHIP

KEY BENCH PLAYERS

Eric Hinske | .247 | 20 HR | 60 RBI

Craig Monroe | .202 | 8 HR | 29 RBI

Oh, dear. The Pittsburgh Pirates will begin yet another losing season on Monday. Although it seems like they are beginning to get better, they still have lots to do to get this team back to the playoffs, or even a winning record for that matter. They have a young, young pitching staff and young players in the field. The emergence of Nate McLouth helps the Pirates somewhat, but the problem is he has no help. Sadly, it looks as though the Pirates will finish dead last in the NL Central yet again.  

OVERALL GRADE: C-

CINCINNATI REDS

LINEUP

1. Willy Taveras | CF | .251 | 1 HR | 26 RBI

2. Jay Bruce | RF | .254 | 21 HR | 52 RBI

3. Joey Votto | 1B | .297 | 24 HR | 84 RBI

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