Perhaps no division in baseball is as interesting this year
as the NL Central. The top three teams all underwent some changes during the
off-season, and the Brewers and Cardinals both lost their biggest bats. So that
would, in theory, mean that the way is paved for the Reds to ride right to a
division title. Of course, in theory…
Even the bottom half of the division adds some interest. The
Cubs have begun their rebuilding process, and the Pirates are slowly pushing
out of theirs. Shoot, even the Astros will be interesting, at least in their
challenge of the 1962 Mets for the worst 162-game record in MLB history
(technically speaking—the Mets only played 160 due to cancellations. If you
want to get picky, the 2003 Tigers hold the record with 43 wins). 40 wins
people, that’s the mark.
In the interest of time and boredom, I’ve pared the list
down to two misconceptions if not outright delusions Spring Training may give
the fans of each team (and that’s being generous for the Astros—I don’t think
anyone has any delusions about that team). Let’s get started by going to the
outhouse—it’s a long way down, and someone (Ed Wade) left an awful mess down
there…
