NL Central 2008

[CubinNY]

The NL Central was by far the strongest division in NL this year. The Cardinals, Astros, or Brewers would have won the NL West this year. Only Houston is way off their Pythagorean W-L total (+9). The Cubs are exactly at 0. They didn't get lucky this year, they are just good. Only Cin. and Pitt. had a losing record against the West and only Mil and Pitt had a losing record against the East.

 

Offense

The NL Central had 3 of the top 8 offensive teams in the NL with the Cubs #1 in runs/game. Interestingly, the Cardinals scored more runs/game than did the Brewers. Pujols for MVP (is there really any doubt?)

 

Pitching

The NL Central had 4 of the top 8 pitching staffs the NL. Cubs were behind only the Dodger in ERA+. And they are going to again lead the league in strikeouts.

 

Phun Phact:

The Cubs will draw 3.30 million fans this year. That puts them behind:

 

NY 3.9 mill

LA 3.7

STL 3.34

PH 3.32

Cubs

Mil 3.0

 

What's it all mean? Maybe nothing but the Cubs should win the NL this year. They're the best team in the strongest division in the NL and there is no question about that.

 

(EDIT: This may need to go into general baseball discussions? who can keep it straight anyway?)

[Sammys Boombox]

Early in September I thought it was possible that the NL Central would have 3 of the 4 best records in baseball (Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals).