Around the NL Central

Sometimes we get so bogged down with what the Reds are doing (or not doing in the eyes of some) that we tend to forget what the other teams in the NL Central are doing, or, again, not doing.

That’s what this post, which will be a weekly feature here, will strive to do. I started this last Saturday and I believe that by checking in on our divisional neighbors, we can become a little more familiar with them.

So, as I was skimming through blogs and other news worthy items, I found a few that grabbed my attention. Hopefully, they will grab yours as well.

Remember when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had this wide receiver named Jeff Samardzija? He was projected as a late first round to early second round draft pick for the NFL. Samardzija elected to become a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, his hometown team. Things haven’t exactly worked out for him as you will see in this by piece by Gordon Wittenmyer from the Chicago Sun-Times.

Speaking of the Cubs, manager Mike Quade chimes in on who he feels will win the NL Central.

One subject that will seem to never die is the use of PEDs. It’s excessively polarizing. The subject has now become an argumentative point (to some) in regards to election into the Hall of Fame. That aside, a blog centering around the Houston Astros, Astros Country, reveals something I find of interest on the PED issue. I don’t really want to divulge too much, but apparently the recent mumblings regarding a few Astros and their possible use some years ago may have been uncovered if not for a conspiracy? You decide.

So the Milwaukee Brewers are all-in for the 2011 season, Deals to land Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum have elevated the Brewers to the status of contender. We all know Milwaukee possesses a potent lineup centering around the guy at first, Prince Fielder. But why are we already discussing where he could be in 2012? Check out a post from Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

My favorite blog that covers the Pittsburgh Pirates is right here on the FanSided network. Rum Bunter should be among your daily reads if you want straight and to the point opinion on the Bucs. I was not disappointed with a recent post where the subject of Jose Tabata and his perceived lack of power drove him to improve in that area.

The St. Louis Cardinals are going to have one of the best starting staffs in 2012. Kind of hard not to say that when you have Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Jaime Garcia and Jake Westbrook. Seriously, it isn’t. When I read this post, I chuckled. Actually, I laughed…a lot. Please explain how singing Ian Snell and Miguel Batista will improve that? Even if these are only minor league deals…

Anthony Castrovince over on MLB.com has a nice piece on how the NL Central will be a four team race. I can see the Reds, Cards and Brewers. But I’m still a little hesitant to put his fourth team in the mix.