MLB Preview: NL CENTRAL

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

4. Brandon Phillips | 2B | .261 | 21 HR | 78 RBI

5. Edwin Encarnacion | 3B | .251 | 26 HR | 68 RBI

6. Ramon Hernandez | C | .257 | 15 HR | 65 RBI

7. Chris Dickerson | LF | .304 | 6 HR | 15 RBI

8. Alex Gonzalez | SS | .272 | 16 HR | 55 RBI (2007)

9. PITCHER

PITCHING STAFF

1. Aaron Harang | 6-17 | 4.78 ERA | 153 K | 1.38 WHIP

2. Edinson Volquez | 17-6 | 3.21 ERA | 206 K | 1.33 WHIP

3. Bronson Arroyo | 15-11 | 4.77 ERA | 163 K | 1.44 WHIP

4. Johnny Cueto | 9-14 | 4.81 ERA | 158 K | 1.41 WHIP

5. Micah Owings | 6-9 | 5.93 ERA | 87 K | 1.39 WHIP

CL Francisco Cordero | 34 SV | 3.33 ERA | 78 K | 1.41 WHIP

KEY BENCH PLAYERS

Jerry Hairston Jr. | .326 | 6 HR | 36 RBI

OVERALL GRADE: C+

It is easy to see that the Cubs have complete control over their destiny. They have the best lineup, the best pitching staff, the best bullpen in all of the Central, arguably of course (but not really). The experts are keeping their eyes on the Reds in '09, which I can see. It is possible for the Cubs to falter down the stretch, so it isn't a shoe-in that the Cubs will win the Central, but i believe the only team that can beat them is indeed the St. Louis Cardinals.

1. Chicago Cubs (98-64)

2. St. Louis Cardinals (86-76)

3. Milwaukee Brewers (82-80)

4. Houston Astros (79-83)

5. Cincinnati Reds (78-84)

6. Pittsburgh Pirates (69-93)

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