A Walk Around (NL) Central Park

Let’s take a stroll through the NL Central this afternoon with a week in the books. The Cardinals lead the division by a game at 4-2. The Astros sit in the basement with a dismal 0-6 record.

St. Louis Cardinals

-Colby Rasmus has everyone thinking Jim Edmonds is still patrolling center field even after visiting with No. 15 this weekend in Milwaukee. Rasmus has been spectacular both in the field and at the plate in the first week of the season. Colby makes his D Rasmus-see TV

-The love for Rasmus as a power option in the lineup is displayed in this article after a brilliant start to 2010. Rasmus emerges as middle-of-lineup threat

–Pitchers Hit Eighth was Honkin’ for Jaime as the lefty made his debut in style with a win over the Brew Crew.

Pittsburgh Pirates

-Yes, the Pirates are tied for second place with a 3-3 record. Want more reasons to believe in Pittsburgh?

-Jerry Crasnick says Andrew McCutchen gives Pirates fans something to believe in this summer.

-Steve Henson gives another with a look at Garret Jones’ journey from years in the minor leagues to a slugger in the majors.

-Tom over at Rum Bunter looks at the Pirates up-and-down first week of the season. The Pirates Have a Jekyl & Hyde First Week in 2010.

Cincinnati Reds

-Mike Leake was wild in his first start, but battled through the control issues to get the win. Amazingly, the rookie allowed only one run despite walking seven against the Cubbies.

-The Louisville Courier-Journal is calling Aroldis Chapman the Cuban Missile after he struck out nine in his minor league debut. He reached 101 MPH three times!

Milwaukee Brewers

-As we all know, Jim Edmonds is now a member of the Brew Crew. He’s making the most of his opportunity early, starting in right for most of the week. He enjoyed a night in center against the Redbirds, causing some to remember the good ‘ol days.

-Trevor Hoffman chases his 600^th career save. It’s been a special run for the future Hall of Famer.

Chicago Cubs

-The Ricketts era in Chicago started last week. The family has big plans for the Cubs. The biggest? Win that elusive World Series title.

-Jordan Campbell looked at some of the fans complaints after a rocky start for the North Siders. He wants to stay optimistic that the Cubs will come around.

Houston Astros

-For all the worries for the Cubs, no team in the Central feels worse right now than the Houston Astros, who laid an egg in the first week going 0-6.

-The silver lining for Houston is that Lance Berkman missed the first week. He is still recovering from knee surgery and targets April 20 for his return.