Really? I know the Reds lost a couple of key players, but that staff is still elite, and the Pirates got better. Don't forget your Central Div. leading Brewers! It looks to me that the Cubs are actually a solid ball club, and if in ANY other division would be a serious contender. How did the Pirates get better? And the Reds staff is elite? The Bucs got better the same way they did for the last 2 years, gelling as a team. And yes, I think the Reds have a top 5 NL staff, maybe better. If they don't lose Arroyo, it would be the best. So far this season they have lost a bunch of 1 run games, just like the Cubs. But anyway, the "gelling as a team" thing is pure silliness. And even if that were a thing, the Pirates lost their best starting pitcher from last year. Pure silliness? If you don't believe that teams after years of playing together improve then, well, I'm speechless. And don't forget: St. Louis lost Carpenter last year and didn't miss a beat. (In spite of a not too sharp rookie manager) And I can't help adding that the year after JORDAN "retired" the Bulls had a better record at the Allstar break than in the previous championship season!