Call to the pen
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Predicting the Final 2016 NL Central Standings

By Jacob Kornhauser

October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) greets third baseman Kris Bryant (17) before playing against the New York Mets in game three of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) greets third baseman Kris Bryant (17) before playing against the New York Mets in game three of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Cincinnati Reds

David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports
David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Record: 64-98

Key Additions: OF Trayce Thompson, 3B Eric Jagielo

Key Subtractions: 3B Todd Frazier, RP Aroldis Chapman

Biggest Strength: Power hitting

Biggest Weakness: Starting pitching

Last season was a rough year in Cincinnati and it figures to get even worse as the team attempts to rebuild. That means 2016 is going to be a long one for the Reds, who have more questions than answers as spring training approaches.

While the team did a nice job trading away guys like Frazier and Chapman in order to get solid prospects, that’s not going to translate on the field right away. Both Thompson (brother of Warriors guard Klay Thompson) and Jagielo figure to play at the major league level at some point, but their potential impact is unknown.

The really troubling thing about the Reds is their lack of starting pitching. After all, last season they traded away their top two pitchers in Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake. That led to them starting a rookie in every game for over a month. Add to the mix that Homer Bailey is coming off of Tommy John surgery and the rotation looks like it could be a disaster.

Really, 2016 is going to be about the Reds finding out who is going to be on this team when they start seriously competing again. Especially in the rotation, they’re going to be able to find out who has it and who doesn’t.

That will help them down the road, but not in 2016 and that’s why they will finish a distant fifth in this division race.

Next: 4. Milwaukee Brewers

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