Without Albert Pujols, Where Will St. Louis Cardinals Finish in NL Central?

After losing Albert Pujols to the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals will find it much more difficult to repeat as World Series champions.

But, with Adam Wainwright coming back from injury and stars like Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday returning, it won't be impossible.

With Prince Fielder likely leaving the National League Central this offseason in free agency, the two top teams in the division from 2011 will be weaker.

So, with that being said, where will the Cardinals finish in 2011? Let's take a look now.

6. Houston Astros

With a weak starting rotation and a weak batting order, there's not a lot to like in Houston.

This team still has quite a way to go before they'll be able to climb out of the NL Central cellar.

Another 100-loss season wouldn't be a surprise for the Astros.

5. Chicago Cubs

So far in the Theo Epstein era, the Cubs have signed David DeJesus, lost Carlos Pena, downgraded from Aramis Ramirez to Ian Stewart at third base and weakened their starting rotation.

Epstein better convince Prince Fielder to play at Wrigley or else he and new manager Dale Sveum will be in for a long first season.

Even with Fielder, I don't see the Cubs finishing anywhere but fifth in the NL Central.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have a strong rotation and a strong bullpen, but their lineup will cause them problems this season.

First of all, they probably won't have Prince Fielder at first anymore. Then, they'll also most likely be without NL MVP Ryan Braun for the first 50 games of the season after a positive PED test.

Those first 50 games will be rough for Milwaukee and they'll probably find themselves in too big of a hole to get out of when Braun returns.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are a very young team that is finally realizing their potential.

Behind guys like Andrew McCutchen, Garrett Jones and Joel Hanrahan, this team is solid in all aspects of the game.

But, they faltered down the stretch last season and don't have a lot of experience in division title races, so they'll probably falter again this season.

But, they are on the right track and won't be easy to beat in September.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals still have a couple holes to fill, but they are returning mostly the same players from the World Series championship team of 2011 (minus Albert Pujols).

With a healthy Adam Wainwright, the starting rotation will be improved dramatically.

And, if the Redbirds can sign Carlos Beltran to play right field, they'll be in great shape for another run at the playoffs.

1. Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball in 2011.

But, with guys like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips in the lineup, their absence from the playoffs should be short-lived.

Adding Mat Latos to the starting rotation will be a big help and if the team can either re-sign Francisco Cordero or sign a new closer, they'll be set for another run at an NL Central crown.

In a year when the two top teams in the Central from 2011 have downgraded, the Reds have slightly upgraded and that should be enough to win the division in 2012.