Even the Chicago Cubs’ odds to win the National League Central would be the shortest they have been . The St. Louis Cardinals are just two games while the Milwaukee Brewers trail by 2.5. Is there worth with both of both trailers or will be the Cubs that the best bet to win this division?
*Odds of 12/08/2019.
While the Cubs can’t seem to pull away in the Central, they have seemed to be the most consistent team this past season. More to the point, they have picked their game up over the last month as they have been 19-12 in their last 31 games.
The Cubs rank fifth in staff ERA and are seventh in OPS, so they are a balanced group. A big issue for these has become the late innings and saves as they have blown 21 saves — the third-most from the majors. But, remember they signed Craig Kimbrel and he has been pretty reliable for these, although he is hurt at the moment.
It feels like the Cardinals can not really get there this year. They have largely been around a .500 team this season, marginally hovering above that mark. They came from the gates in the second half of the season with wins in 12 of the first 14 games. They then took two of three from the Chicago Cubs.
But the Cards quickly gave it back, dropping five in a row. It simply feels like this group is a couple of bricks short of a load. They didn’t help the roster in the trade deadline and this is precisely that they are. Their offense ranks 25th in runs scored and 24th at OPS. It is just not great enough — even in a weak division.
Of the 3 contenders in the race, the Cards have the worst record against winning teams as they’re only 30-35 (13th at the Majors) whereas the Brewers are 36-29 (fourth) whereas the Cubs are 33-31 (seventh). That’s not a fantastic sign for St. Louis.
It’s hard for me to put on board with the Brewers as they’ve largely mirrored the Cardinals this season: been close to .500 but hovered round a mark slightly above it. They had been 47-44 at the All-Star break and then started the second half 9-6, but certainly are 6-7 since.
Pitching is a battle with this group as they’ve ignored six saves since the All-Star Game. On the calendar year, their pitching staff has a WHIP of 1.38, which is 17th.
On crime, the Brewers probably have the best player in this branch in Christian Yelich. He is batting .335 and has 39 home runs but even with those extraordinary numbers, the Brewers are simply 17th in team batting average 24th in home runs because the All-Star break. I really don’t think that they have the balance to deliver this house.
The Brewers and Cardinals had to assist themselves at the trade deadline and they didn’t. The Cubs made motions prior to the deadline and the acquisition of Nick Castellanos at it together with the registering of Kimbrel. They picked up Tony Kemp and Derek Holland.
Keep in mind that the Cubs have coped with a slew of injuries but if acquire healthy. Together with Kimbrel coming shortly and Pedro Strop back, this will be the team to beat in this division. They’re the best choice.
Let us have fun and keep it civil.

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