Cubs Win! Cubs Win!

There isn't much distance between the Cubs and the Brewers in terms of geographic location, they are separated by a mere 90 mile drive along I-94. Come October, the same could be the case when you take a look at each team's regular season performance.

Last year I predicted the Cubs to win the division, and they did so, but not before making it seem virtually impossible by under-performing offensively for much of the season, as well as taking quite a while to discover themselves as a team. The Brewers are an exciting young team that impressed last year and could only get better, having given the Cubs more than a run for their money by leading the division for much of the year before fading late.

Both teams look poised to return in 2008 with another strong season, and if Homer Bailey progresses the way he might the Reds could be players in the picture as well. And I suppose Tejada could make a difference on the Astros, but I wouldn't say its likely.

All this points to what could be another exciting year in an up and coming division. About all we know for sure is that the Pirates will almost definitely finish in last place barring mass injury or death striking another team in the division.

My pick is going to be a repeat from last year, as I'm going with the Chicago Cubs. It wasn't an easy decision for me, but I think Zambrano will show improvement over last year and the offense will perform more like I expected it to throughout last season. It just seems to me that there are too many big bats in that lineup, in the friendly confines of Wrigley, to not rebound from their lackluster performance last season. And as much as I love Prince Fielder, I'll need to see more consistency from Rickie Weeks before I feel that lineup can challenge the likes of Soriano, Ramirez, and Lee down the interstate. Not to mention the huge injury risk the Brewers need to deal with in the form of Ben Sheets, as well as the question as to whether Eric Gagne can find healing for his shattered psyche after doing everything within his power to keep the Red Sox from winning the World Series last season.

So, my pick is for the Cubs to raise another division flag, giving themselves yet another chance to sink or swim in the playoffs.


So, for those keeping track at home, my picks thus far are:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
East: New York Mets
Central: Chicago Cubs