Starting Rotations NL Central

Continuing our observations of each division’s rotation next is the NL Central. There are many 5^th starter competitions in this group to start the year. To me the ideal 5^th starter is one who can eat innings and put up consistent Quality Starts. In today’s fantasy world may leagues have incorporated QS as a counting stat category.

CUBS

1. RHP Matt Garza

2. RHP Ryan Dempster

3. RHP Randy Wells

4. LHP Paul Maholm

5. LHP Travis Wood

The Cubs have two others that will battle for a rotation spot. They include both Jeff Samardzija and Chris Volstead. Command has always been an issue for Samardzija and so far this spring he has not walked a batter. Former 1^st round pick Volstad has been just a consistent as Samardzija. There is still a long way to go but when it is all said and done I feel the former Red’s player Wood will get the nod. Note that this could not be settled until mid April.

REDS

1. RHP Johnny Cueto

2. RHP Mat Latos

3. RHP Bronson Arroyo

4. RHP Mike Leake

5. RHP Homer Bailey

As of today Dusty Baker is set with his rotation. Chapman is next to step into a spot if Cueto and Bailey fail to put up 30+ starts this season. Even with a great spring look for Chapman to start the season in the bullpen, barring an injury of course.

ASTROS

1. LHP Wandy Rodriguez

2. RHP Bud Norris

3. RHP Livan Hernandez

4. LHP J.A. Happ

5. RHP Jordan Lyles

With the unexpected move by management to put #2 SP Brett Myers in the closer role that opened a spot up for journey man Livan Hernandez. If you must draft an Astros SP go with The Wandy Man. He is sure to be traded to a contender before the trade deadline. All other SP are on short leashes with Houston having an abundance of mid-quality SP in the wings. Those include RHP Henry Sosa and RHP Aneury Rodriguez. Also, RHP Kyle Weiland who was acquired in the Mark Melancon trade with Boston.

BREWERS

1. RHP Yovani Gallardo

2. RHP Zack Greinke

3. RHP Shaun Marcum

4. LHP Randy Wolf

5. LHP Chris Narveson

This is one of the most consistent SP groups in all of the NL. Each starter is returning from last year where each put up double digit wins. RHP Marco Estrada will provide as swingman again this year if any SP goes down with an injury. All Brewers’ starters are worth drafting at their current ADP.

PIRATES

1. RHP Jeff Karstens

2. LHP Erik Bedard

3. RHP A.J. Burnett

4. RHP James McDonald

5. RHP Charlie Morton

The biggest surprise here is the lack of a rotation spot for former All-Star Kevin Correa. With Bedard and Burnett being brought in for their K potential it squeezed Correa out. I do not see many Pirates getting drafted this year but I do see them being streamed more than any other rotation. You know my feelings on streaming and you should look weekly at any Pirate SP getting 2 starts in a given week to add to your roster.

CARDINALS

1. RHP Chris Carpenter

2. RHP Adam Wainwright

3. LHP Jaime Garcia

4. RHP Kyle Lohse

5. RHP Jake Westbrook

A solid group of SP again in St Louis. Remember that Wainwright is coming off his injury and Carpenter getting older. Not sure exactly who will be #1 but I am leaning towards Carpenter. Garcia could lead this team in Wins and is a great early teen round pick-up.