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MLB: Predicting who will win each division

By Ryan Ferguson

August 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
August 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 5, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a 2-run homer in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a 2-run homer in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Undoubtedly the most competitive in baseball, this division has been fairly unpredictable in 2014. Sure, we knew the Pirates would compete and the Cardinals, ever resourceful, were bound to have a major stake in proceedings but, quite frankly, nobody could have foreseen the manner in which every NL Central team has failed to pull away from the pack.

Milwaukee, the surprise package coming off a 74-88 season in 2013, has led the way for most of this campaign. The Brewers, nursing a two-and-a-half game lead, have a loaded lineup which scores plenty, launches a lot of home runs, and relies on contributions from many different players. Whilst Carlos Gomez, Jonathan Lucroy, Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez dominate the headlines, Milwaukee is a strong team in the true essence of the word, with exceptional players like Scooter Gennett producing fine numbers.

By contrast, the Cardinals seem almost terminally afflicted by the loss of Yadier Molina. The inspirational catcher, forced to the DL by a thumb injury, set the tone for a once-insatiable offense which has been uh characteristically woeful this season; St Louis ranking 29th in Major League runs scored and home runs.

The jury is out on deadline acquisitions Justin Masterson and John Lackey, whilst the Cardinals hoped for more from prospects like Kolten Wong and Oscar Taveras. Obviously, this is a phenomenally innovative organisation and, led by the gritty Adam Wainwright and irrepressible Matt Carpenter, one which still figures to play a part in the climax of a strange season.

Similarly, Cincinnati hopes to ride stellar pitching and exceptional defense into October, in the face of down seasons for many offensive stars. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips landed on the DL and Jay Bruce (.223/.303/.384, 12 HR and 46 RBI in 97 games) is enduring the worst year of his career, as the Reds find it increasingly difficult to score runs.

The starting rotation, marshalled by Johnny Cueto (14-6, 2.05 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) and featuring the impressive Mat Latos, has kept Cincinnati within striking distance, but it remains to be seen whether Bryan Price can piece together enough consistent offense to take full advantage.

Meanwhile, the Pirates lurk with blatant intent. Leading the league in on-base percentage, possessing great team chemistry, and appearing to have every piece of the jigsaw, Pittsburgh is just as shocked as everybody else that a major winning streak is yet to be forthcoming.

The loss of Andrew McCutchen, the team’s iconic leader, to the disabled list will be a real test for the Pirates, who must play better defense and drive-in more of their innumerable base runners in order to really command this division in the final weeks.

In the Central, everything is up for grabs.

PREDICTED DIVISION WINNER: Milwaukee Brewers

Ron Roenicke has a variety of offensive tools in his arsenal, which makes his ballclub highly unpredictable and very difficult to beat.

However, the main reason I feel the Brewers will emerge victorious is continuity. This is a settled team, lead by experienced veterans, which knows what is required to win. In particular, the starting rotation, illuminated by sagacious stars like Kyle Lohse, Matt Garza, Yovanni Gallardo and Wily Peralta, gets the job done with a minimum of fuss.

Milwaukee has a powerful blend of star power and team-oriented altruism, which may catapult the 2014 Brewers to just the fourth postseason berth in team history.

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