Fantasy Baseball: NL Central Burning Questions

Now an early look at the NL Central.

1. Can the Cubs’ offense bounce back?

Geovany Soto had a miserable season and hit just .218. He was brilliant in Triple-A Iowa in 2007 and had an amazing rookie season in '08. I fully expect him to bounce back in 2010. Even if he is an average of his past two years, he’d have a decent season. Just don’t reach for him.

Assuming Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano can stay healthy, they should have better seasons as well. Marlon Byrd hit 70 percent of his HRs at Rangers Ballpark, so I expect him to take a step back in Chicago.

At 34, I don’t expect Derrek Lee to match the 35 HRs and 111 RBIs. As a whole, though, I do think the Cubs will be much-improved on offense next year thanks to the addition by subtraction of Milton Bradley.

2.  Can Carlos Marmol get it done at Closer?

His BAA was equally nasty as a closer and a setup man, though his ERA and WHIP both improved when he took over at closer. He has both the stuff and demeanor to get the job done. I think he can be a high-end closer next year despite entering the season with just 23 career saves.

3.  Is Joey Votto set to bust out big time?

Joey’s average and OPS soared dramatically in his second full season. Despite playing in 20 fewer games, he had 13 more runs, six more doubles, one more HR, the same amount of RBIs, and 11 more walks. As long as he stays healthy, Votto should emerge as one of the games best hitters.

4. How about Jay Bruce?

I’m not sure he’ll light the world on fire, but he should be improved. Hard not to when you hit .223. I’m encouraged by the way he played in September—he hit .353 with four HRs and 16 RBIs in 34 ABs.

5. Is Lance Berkman’s dip a sign of things to come?

I don’t think so. He’s about as steady as they come. Gone are the days of 40 HRs and 120 RBIs, but he should still be good for 30 and 110.

6. Is Tommy Manzelli going to be a viable fantasy option?

I don’t think so. He didn’t exactly put up monster numbers for Triple-A Round Rock last year, hitting .289 with 68 runs, nine HRs, 56 RBIs, and 12 SBs in 530 ABs.

7.  Is Casey McGehee for real?

He had an impressive Rookie season—hitting .301 with 58 runs, 16 HRs, and 66 RBIs in 355 ABs. I like the way he responded in September hitting .337 with five HRs and 26 RBIs after struggling in August hitting .241. I wouldn’t want him as a starter, but his 2B/3B eligibility make him a decent bench option.

8.  Can Garrett Jones continue to be a power threat?

He certainly hit his share with 21 in 314 ABs for a 14.9 AB/HR ratio. It is highly unlikely he can maintain that ratio. His OPS of .939 was also significantly higher than the majority of his minor league stints.

9.  Will Mark McGwire be a distraction?

I don’t think so. He came clean early enough, so is shouldn’t be much of an issue for the Cards.

10.  Will Ryan Franklin continue to be an elite closer?

Franklin was one of the surprise closers last year when he recorded 38 saves with a 1.92 ERA. His numbers were significantly worse after the All-Star break.

0.79 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, .165 BAA
3.33 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, .284 BAA

While he was a pleasant surprise last year, I see no reason to believe he can match his 2009 production.

- AL East Burning Questions
- AL Central Burning Questions
- AL West Burning Questions
- NL East Burning Questions
- NL West Burning Questions