NL Central Preview

The National League Central division is very up for grabs in 2011. Let's us break down the six teams that will compete for the title, in the reverse order that they finished last season.
Pittsburgh Pirates

• Last season: 57-105 (6th)


• Additions: Lyle Overbay, Matt Diaz, Kevin Correia and Joe Biemel


• Manager: Clint Hurdle (1st season)


• ESPN Projected Record: 70-92 (5th)


• Star to Watch: Andrew McCutchen

Chicago Cubs

• Last Season: 75-87 (5th)


• Additions: Matt Garza, Carlos Pena, Kerry Wood and Reed Johnson


• Manager: Mike Quade (2nd season)


• ESPN Projected Record: 82-80, 4th


• Star to Watch: Aramis Ramirez (Click for my article on him over at VFTB)

Houston Astros

• Last Season: 76-86 (4th)


• Additions: Bill Hall and Ryan Rowland-Smith


• Manager: Brad Mills (2nd season)


• ESPN Projected Record: 69-93, 6th


• Star to Watch: Carlos Lee

Milwaukee Brewers

• Last Season: 77-85, 3rd


• Additions: Mark Kotsay, Yuniesky Betancourt, Shaun Marcum, Sergio Mitre and Takashi Saito


• Manager: Ron Roenicke (1st season)


• ESPN Projected Record: 85-77, 1st


• Star to Watch: Prince Fielder

St. Louis Cardinals

• Last season: 86-76, 2nd


• Additions: Lance Berkman, Ryan Theriot and Gerald Laird


• Manager: Tony LaRussa (16th season)


• ESPN Projected Record: 83-79, 3rd


• Star to Watch: Matt Holliday

Cincinnati Reds

• Last Season: 91-71, 1st


• Additions: None


• Manager: Dusty Baker (4th season)


• ESPN Projected Record: 85-77, 1st


• Star to Watch: Jay Bruce

The Cubs open up the regular season on Friday!