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| Will Upton and/or Cabrera join the NL Central before next season begins? (US Presswire) |
Our Eye on Baseball series on team needs by division continues on Thursday with the NL Central. It appears to have two great teams heading into the 2013 season, regardless of what happens this offseason.
Also, the division has shed some pounds this offseason and is now only five teams. Doesn't it look great? Dare I say the best shape of its life?
Anyway, let's break it down by team.
The Reds won 97 games in 2012, and it's not like every single little thing broke in their favor, either. They'll have most parts back, too, so expectations will be high in 2013. Lots of eyes will be on minor-league speedster, converted-center fielder Billy Hamilton, but it would be a rush to throw him atop the order immediately.
Biggest needs: Center fielder (preferably one who can hit leadoff), left fielder, a decision on Aroldis Chapman's role (closer or starter) -- which affects the back end of the bullpen needs.
Possible free agency targets: Ryan Ludwick and either Ryan Madson or Jonathan Broxton (it's very doubtful they retain both; if they sign either, I'd bet on Chapman moving to the rotation). As for CF? B.J. Upton, Michael Bourn, Shane Victorino, Angel Pagan -- and it all comes down to affordability.
Possible trade targets: Denard Span (the Twins need pitching, so this is where Chapman's move to the rotation could help free up trade bait), Coco Crisp.
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The Cardinals don't really need to do much to this team. They are very well set up offensively and should have a healthy Adam Wainwright/Chris Carpenter duo atop their starting rotation. Plus, rookie Shelby Miller will be ready to join the rotation. Don't expect the Cardinals to make a huge splash this offseason because they don't really need to.
Biggest needs: Mostly just filling minor holes, such as the back end of the rotation, a middle infielder and in middle relief, with an emphasis on left-handers.
Possible free agency targets: Stephen Drew, Jeremy Affeldt, Randy Choate, Sean Burnett, Jason Grilli, Koji Uehara.
Possible trade targets: Asdrubal Cabrera, which would qualify as a huge splash.
After being ravaged by injuries and a horrifyingly bad performance from the bullpen for most of the season, the Brewers finished 2012 at 83-79 and in third place in the division. But even with better health in 2013, Milwaukee has some serious work to do in order to compete with the top-two Central powers.
Biggest needs: Aside from health, the entire bullpen needs to be revamped and the rotation could be improved as well.
Possible free agency targets: Josh Hamilton? Zack Greinke? They'll be expensive. Cheap starter options: Jeff Francis, Jeremy Guthrie, Joe Blanton, Scott Feldman, Joe Saunders. Bullpen options: Brett Myers, Jeremy Affeldt, Carlos Villanueva (who can also spot start), Randy Choate, Sean Burnett, Mike Adams, Jason Grilli, Koji Uehara, Joakim Soria. And many more starters or relievers on the cheap.
Possible trade targets: It's hard to see the Brewers making a trade for an established big-leaguer, given the current state of their farm system.
Unless the Pirates decide to drastically increase payroll (I'll pause for laughter), they won't have much to spend this winter. The idea of trading closer Joel Hanrahan to free up some payroll has been mentioned by several media outlets and makes a lot of sense. There are good starting pitchers soon to be ready for the majors, so temporary spot-holders are all they need in a few rotation spots. Most position players are set, aside from behind the plate, where Rod Barajas is gone and Michael McKenry remains.
Biggest needs: Veteran starting pitcher, veteran catcher.
Possible free agency targets: Kevin Millwood, Chris Young (SP), Jeff Francis, Jeremy Guthrie, Scott Feldman, A.J. Pierzynski, David Ross.
Possible trade targets: Jair Jurrjens, Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano and any catchers that become available (John Buck?).
The Cubs almost got off to a huge start in the offseason, as they agreed to trade embattled relief pitcher Carlos Marmol in exchange for All-Star starting pitcher Dan Haren, but the deal fell apart. If a report on CSNChicago.com is true -- and I believe it -- that the Cubs backed out after seeing Haren's medicals, then the Cubs probably dodged a bullet. Regardless, the rebuild continues. The Cubs won't have a big payroll this season, but they'll instead continue to build toward the future.
Biggest needs: Starting pitching, third base (though the Cubs will probably give Ian Stewart another shot), organizational depth.
Possible free agency targets: Shaun Marcum, Brandon McCarthy, Ryan Dempster, Scott Baker; really, any starting pitcher who won't be overly expensive, though the Cubs do have money. Any cheap, veteran reliever, too, likely with the plan of trading him in July. B.J. Upton? My colleague Dayn Perry thinks so.
Possible trade targets: Any starting pitcher or minor leaguer, with an emphasis on minor-league starting pitching.
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