https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2819454-mlb-predictions-2019-projecting-the-final-standings#slide5
This blog post will focus on my thoughts based upon the article written by Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report. I will be focusing my attention at the portion of the article that looks at the NL Central Division which is where the Brewers are located.
This article ranks the Cubs up top the division with 5 less wins than last season putting them at a record of 90-72, followed by the Cardinals who are projected to show no change in their record at 88-74, the Brewers at a 13 differential ending up at 83-79, the Reds +14 at an even 81-81 and lastly the Pirates who are supposed to be back 7 games from last year ending at 75-87. I honestly look at the division a little differently. In my opinion the Brewers made aggressive to improve their depth at catcher and also brought back 3B Moustakas along with obtaining some pitchers and some valuable prospects. With that being said I honestly believe the Brewers could eclipse a 100+ win season. If their bullpen stays healthy I think this is a very realistic possibility. Followed by the Brewers in the standings I predict the Cardinals to end up 2nd in the division based off of their off season moves as well. They went out and got Paul Goldschmidt who was probably the best 1B available and potential future Hall of Famer. Then comes the Cubs, who were relatively quiet throughout the off season. Don’t get me wrong the Cubs have a competitive team from top to bottom, but for them to duplicate their success from last year, I just have a hard time seeing it happen. After these top team switch ups I agree with the rankings for the rest of the teams meaning the Reds finishing up behind the Cubs and then the Pirates ending up in last. The Reds actually went out and got Sonny Gray a very high value starting pitcher who brings a lot of potential to a struggling lineup. Then for the Pirates in last they are essentially in a rebuilding process with the goal of finding the right piece to build around to allow them to add depth to most of their positions as well as their pitching rotations. Meaning that my final standings look something like this…
- Milwaukee Brewers
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Chicago Cubs
- Cincinnati Reds
- Pittsburgh Pirates