Cardinals, Cubs and Brewers: 2 truths and 1 lie about the NL Central

Apr 9, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) laughs with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) during warmups before game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger (24) is congratulated by manager David Ross (3) after scoring against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Truth: The Chicago Cubs are exactly where they should be

It’s only been a handful of games, but the Cubs find themselves positioned exactly where they should be the rest of the season: in third place.

Chicago loaded up this past winter by bringing in Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon, and it’s led to mixed results to begin the year. Their +8 run differential is right in line with their 5-4 start to start the season and is indicative of the talent they’ve added. This wasn’t a good team in 2022, but it stands to reason that they’ll be improved in 2023, the question being how much.

The Cubs aren’t better than the Cardinals talent-wise, but they are clearly ahead of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Ultimately, their placement in the division depends on how well the Brewers do, and considering Milwaukee took two out of three from Chicago to open the season, all signs point to a likely third place finish for the North Siders.

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