NL Central: The Best Division in Baseball

Apr 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder

(6) hits a single off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher

(not pictured) during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Pittsburgh defeated St. Louis 9-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The National League Central is the only division with three teams that boast over 30 wins. Only the AL East and West have two teams with over 30 wins. Thanks to 2013’s rearranged NL Central, it has become more potent, espcially without the Lastros.

The Cards are having a heck of a year so far, the Reds look even better than last year, and the Pirates are repeating their 2012 performance.

June could mean that the teams atop the standings slow down, and the squads in the cellar pick it up.  However, as the Midwestern heat causes the ball to fly, the Birds, Redlegs, and Bucs could all roll on.  With the additional fact that Cubbies and the Brewers look traditionally weak, the cream may continue to rise after more trips to Lake Michigan.

There are other divisions that look tough, but the NL Central has a solid three headed monster of legitimate contenders.

St. Louis (35-17)

The best starting staff is banged up, but still cruising as the best catcher in baseball calls games.  The Cards offense is producing, but not smashing yet.

Cincinnati (33-20)

The Reds are pretty good, even when their manager is an idiot.  Now that they have a real leadoff hitter (Shin-Soo Choo) and their pitchers and position players have improved, they may actually win a playoff series.

Pittsburgh (33-20)

With AJ Burnett looking like the old AJ Burnett, Pittsburgh could have the ace they needed to win.  Other talents like Sterling Marte are motivating other players and the Bucs appear better than last season.

It is early, but time flies when the heat is on.