2014 NL Central: A Better Brew Crew

Watch out for the Brewers with Segura on the field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals will have to worry about one more team competing with them in the National League’s Central Division in 2014, and that team is the much improved Brewers.

Sure 2013 showed how bad the Crew can be but this year may show just how well they can play.  With key additions to their pitching staff like Matt Garza and the newly signed Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee will no longer be hanging with their cross lake rival Cubbies in the cellar of the division.

The main reasons why the Brewers are going to be tough this season is that they have two of the most talented players in the division in Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez.  Both guys can fly and had over 40 stolen bases during the previous season.  They are both going to be difference makers along with the returning fibber Ryan Braun and the powerful Khris Davis.

Unlike the past couple of seasons, Bob Uecker is going to have lots to cheer about besides silly races between innings.

Sausages on bikes? What will be next in 2014? Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

There is a good mix of experience and youth in Milwaukee and as St. Louis knows that combination can lead to success.  While the Crew’s home crowd can often cross the line and become lewd, they are better than the invisible audience (Reds) or one that is chatting with their heads turned (Cubs).

With solid performances from their big names (even the aged Aramis Ramirez) on the Brewers’ roster they should be able to finish ahead of the Reds and Cubs because of their hunger for change, or sausages.

Prediction:  82-80