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MLB: An updated prediction of the 2017 playoff picture

By Anthony Sosa

May 17, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Jedd Gyorko (3) congratulates center fielder Dexter Fowler (25) after hitting a solo home run off of Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Jedd Gyorko (3) congratulates center fielder Dexter Fowler (25) after hitting a solo home run off of Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Central

Current Standings:

Milwaukee Brewers: 25-20

St. Louis Cardinals: 22-20

Chicago Cubs: 23-21

Cincinnati Reds: 21-24

Pittsburgh Pirates: 20-26

As mentioned in the first slide, I, like many others, saw the Cubs winning this division with ease. Other teams in the NL Central continue to challenge Chicago for the top spot.

After winning their first World Series in 108 years, the Cubs look like they’re suffering from a World Series hangover. Hovering around the .500 mark, the Cubs don’t look as strong as they did last season.

Meanwhile, the Brewers continue to play good baseball and are one of the most surprising teams, so far, in 2017. Who knows how long they can sustain this success? They might compete for one of the two NL Wild Card spots.

The Cardinals are looking to make the postseason again after missing out on the playoffs last season. Mike Leake currently holds the best ERA in the NL (2.03).

After a hot start to 2017, the Reds are coming back down to Earth. Only three games under .500 during a rebuilding season? I’m sure they’ll settle for that.

The Pirates currently sit in last place in the NL Central. This season seemed like make or break time in Pittsburgh. They seem like clear sellers heading towards the trade deadline. It also didn’t help that they lost Starling Marte for 80 games.

Who wins the division?

As great as the Brewers are playing, I just don’t seem them winning this division. I’m not sure their pitching staff can continue to produce wins for the club.

I don’t think the Cubs win this division either. They are a lock for a Wild Card spot, but not the division.

Overall, I think the Cardinals prevail in the Central. Especially if Leake continues to pitch like he has to this point.

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