What’s Up in the NL Central

It’s nice to browse through blogs of teams that are in the NL Central. You can get some great info and even a laugh or two along the way. While this will not promise either, I hope you at least get some great info.

Chicago Cubs

Here’s something almost scary to ponder: the Cubs not playing at Wrigley Field. Might not be that far-fetched any longer. While Wrigley is truly an iconic stadium, the situation developing in the Windy City is leaning a little on the dire side.

This issue revolves around renovations and advertising. Or shall I say, dollars. Seems like the Cubs wanted to install a new scoreboard in left field as a means to further revenue from advertising, but it has met some resistance.

Take this from Jacob R Misener of Cubbies Crib…

"[Chicago Alderman Tom] Tunney and Cubs representatives reportedly discussed the installation of a roughly 6,000 square foot video board in left field, something that the iconic structure currently does not have, in hopes of further increasing revenue. Tunney adamantly opposed the plan, citing concerns over the rooftop owners who have an agreement with the team for seating on tops of buildings surrounding Wrigley."

Roadblock? Sure is if you also consider that owner Tom Ricketts has a self-imposed deadline of Arpil 2 in which to get this matter resolved. And Tunney has other matters that he wants in order to sign off on this.

And to think there’s more to baseball than the games…

Oct 22, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Lohse (26) walks off the field after the first inning of game seven of the 2012 NLCS against the San Francisco Giants. (Photo: Kelley L Cox – USA TODAY Sports)

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have a new pitcher: Kyle Lohse. Apparently, the Brewers aren’t scoffing at the relinquishing of a first round pick in order to sing him. Terms of the deal are three years, $33MM. This signing could make the Brewers a bigger threat within the NLC, except…

Some Brewers fans aren’t all giddy about this deal. Not much need to be said here other than go to Reviewing the Brew to get the Twitter reax.

A couple of bits from Hardball Talk’s Aaron Gleeman on the way and we graciously tip our hat in his direction…

Pittsburgh Pirates

Bus hurler Jeff Karstens could begin the season on the DL. Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette states Karstens was scratched from his most recent start due to shoulder soreness and could start the season on the DL. Karstens has complained of the soreness since mid-February.

Tough break here for Karstens and the Pirates. He was looking at being their #4 starter. Now with the occurrence of shoulder soreness, it looks like Jonathan Sanchez could grab a rotation spot.

I don’t think more need be said…

St. Louis Cardinals

The Redbirds now have a starting staff. Jennifer Langosh of MLB.com tweets that Shelby Miller will take on the role of the Cards #5 starter for 2013.

To me, this is of no surprise. Once it was announced that Chris Carpenter would most likely not be available for this season, Miller was a natural selection to me. Miller saw a little time with the Cardinals last season and posted some pretty impressive numbers in Triple-A.

The Cards staff…

1. Adam Wainwright
2. Jaime Garcia
3. Jake Westbrook
4. Lance Lynn
5. Miller

This staff might not scare anyone now, but if Garcia and Westbrook bounce back and Lynn pitches as he did during the first half of last season…