Who will win the NL Central??

jmaness84 · 02-26-2003, 06:30 PM

This would be the hardest division to pick id have to say. There are 4 teams with a legitimate chance.
St. Louis: This team would be one of the the favorites
Houston: another Favorite, added Kent
Chicago: I think they will be very good got good young pitching and they should have a good offensive team (Karros should thrive in Wrigley)
Cincinnati: They have the offensive potential, can their pitching staff hold up.

Even the Pirates who showed a lot of improvement last year w/ Fogg. Benson also is coming back and should be stronger. He could be the ace of the staff!!

My opinion on each teams chance of winning
Cincinnati-10%
Houston-30%
St. Louis-30%
Chicago-25%
Pittsburgh-5%
Milwaukee-Nada chance in Hell

scoobz0202 · 02-26-2003, 06:38 PM

This is easyyyyyy.

twins15 · 02-26-2003, 07:45 PM

My pick is St. Louis.

jmaness84 · 02-26-2003, 11:37 PM

Quote:

My pick is St. Louis.

They would have to be the favorites. Personally i think the cubs are going to surprise some people. They finally got a catcher in Damien Miller

bigdgp2 · 02-27-2003, 07:18 AM

Lets Go Cubbies! But i think my other fav. team (St Louis) will win NL Central. Just PLEASE beat out the Astros!

YoungEagle · 02-27-2003, 08:28 AM

Cards

CommishJoe · 02-27-2003, 10:05 AM

I'll jump on the Cardinal bandwagon as well.

The Professor · 02-27-2003, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Lets Go Cubbies! But i think my other fav. team (St Louis) will win NL Central. Just PLEASE beat out the Astros!

!!!!!

I don't think these sentiments are legal.

Since I'm always on the Cardinal wagon, I will of course pick them. I worry some about the pitching in St.Louis, though. Matt Morris HAS to move beyond the loss of DK. He's the nominal 'ace' -- he needs to prove he is worthy of that distinction. Woody Williams HAS to be healthy. Tomko, Simontacchi and Stephenson won't put fear into many lineups, either.

I imagine the Astros and their Little League Ballpark should be in the hunt...

I think the Cubs have the potential to really surprise some people...

Cooleyvol · 02-27-2003, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigdgp2
Lets Go Cubbies! But i think my other fav. team (St Louis) will win NL Central. Just PLEASE beat out the Astros!

It's not ethical to be a fan of both of these teams......................CHOOSE!!

General Mike · 02-27-2003, 11:38 AM

Astros

The Professor · 02-27-2003, 11:39 AM

You know, there are places where making the "wrong choice" will get you tarred, feathered, and run out of town...

There is almost certainly a dividing line somewhere along I-55...unfortunately, nobody has ever been able to find just where it is. It runs through houses, right across the kitchen table, and arouses partisan fights that are frightful in their intensity.

darkhorse · 02-27-2003, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cooleyvol
It's not ethical to be a fan of both of these teams......................CHOOSE!!

Wasn't Harry Carey an announcer for the Cards before he took up the mike for the Cubbies?

jmaness84 · 02-27-2003, 12:32 PM

Im not a fan of either team, but even i couldnt pick a clear cut winner for the central. Its not an easy pick like picking the Braves to win the east

The Professor · 02-27-2003, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Wasn't Harry Carey an announcer for the Cards before he took up the mike for the Cubbies?

Actually, I believe Harry had a stint on the South Side before he went in the booth for the Cubbies. So, he's clean

Harry was the first great voice of the Cards through the 1950s. Part of my thesis topic is radio/baseball/advertising and Congressional legislation. Harry was a great pitch-man for Budweiser...even after he left the Cardinals.

jmaness84 · 02-27-2003, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Professor
Actually, I believe Harry had a stint on the South Side before he went in the booth for the Cubbies. So, he's clean

Harry was the first great voice of the Cards through the 1950s. Part of my thesis topic is radio/baseball/advertising and Congressional legislation. Harry was a great pitch-man for Budweiser...even after he left the Cardinals.

I have nothing against Harry, dont get me wrong he seemed to be a great guy. I just couldnt stand hearing him on WGN, watching the Cubs game. Probably b/c he was old and had one too many of those budweisers you were mentioning. His son Skip Carry (Braves announcer) is great, very funny. I actually grew up watching Harry and Skip. Every since i was 5 ive been watching Skip on the Braves network, and watching Harry and steve stone on WGN. Now i watch Chip and Joe Carter on WGN... terrible

JML · 02-27-2003, 01:14 PM

That line The Professor mentioned? I grew up right on it. It seems to run right through my hometown of Heyworth, IL. population 1500. I chose the Cubs. I suppose people not living in the area are allowed to root for both, but if you visit, you really need to make up your mind.

I grew up in the county labeled "Mcn" (McLean), right on the border of the yellow and blue areas. Definitely a hot-spot on the Cub/Card front.

Edit- I went to a Cards-Stros game last summer with a friend who lives in St. Louis. You can bet I wore all of my Cub paraphernalia. That was... uhmmm... fun?

The Professor · 02-27-2003, 01:29 PM

Harry Caray and Budweiser...a match made in heaven:

"Every announcer has sponsor stories. For years I'd been doing Cardinal radio for a St.Louis brewery, Griesedieck Brothers. You can imagine the jokes regarding that name. Well, in the early '50s, the team was in financial trouble and Gussie [August A. Jr.] Busch bought 'em to keep the franchise in town.

Busch headed the big Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and everybody spread the word that he'll want a big-name announcer. They didn't know that first trip the Cardinals made to Chicago, Gussie Busch and an aide latched their private car to the train. I'm playing gin rummy with some players when I get a message that Mr.Busch wants to see me. Everybody figured this is it: I'm gonna find the club is worried every time I said 'Budweiser,' people'd think 'Griesedieck.' Gussie surprised 'em, says, 'We want you to work with us.' I shake hands and go back to my game.

The next season [1953], I'm their broadcaster but have been told I can't read any commercials because I'd been so associated with Griesedieck. This goes on a month, and I get a call. 'Damn it," Gussie said, 'what do you think we're paying you for? Why aren't you selling our product?' I said, 'Your people said I wasn't supposed to say a word about it for a year.' He said, 'Forget that, starting tomorrow you're selling Budweiser.' From then on I sold it 48 hours a day, and it's funny that it led to the only thing I'm ashamed of in my life.

In late '69 the Cardinals fire me; after 25 years, I expect a gold watch and get a pink slip. I go to a place near my home and in a moment of petulance had the bartender go across the street and get a six-pack of Schlitz. I knew Schlitz was Anheuser's worst competitor, and Gussie hated 'em. So I had him bring the beer because I knew the TV station would come out as soon as they knew I was there.

Now, I love Budweiser. Once, I'd been sponsored by Falstaff - I had Bud in my refrigerator. I was sponsored by Meister Brau - had Bud in my refrigerator. I drank Budweiser for, number one, its taste. Number two, when I started working for Anheuser, I wasn't making much but bought about $5,000 worth of its stock. That stock has tripled 3 for 1 at least 15 times; 2 for 1 at least 10 times; 3 for 3 stock dividends, at least five. Anheuser-Busch made me rich with a lousy little $5,000 investment 40 years ago, and here I am drinking its competitor!

People think I'm a smart investor. Little do they know how dumb I am and how smart I am by being lucky. They do know that to this day I drink nothing - well, almost nothing - but Bud.

The Professor · 02-27-2003, 01:34 PM

Nice map, JML. I'm from JCK down in the gray area (Jackson County). Oddly enough, there are plenty of Cubs fans there, too.

Mostly Chicago transplants either working or going to school, but they have one guaranteed fire-back when talking baseball:

"You like the Cardinals? Why!?! Chicago is in Illinois!!"

To which a good bulk of born and bred So.Illinoisans will reply:

"Unfortunately..."

JML · 02-27-2003, 01:37 PM

Growing up where I did, I always saw Cub games on WGN. It wasn't until much later I found out that WGN is a nationally broadcast "Superstation". I could never figure out why there were so many Cub fans around the country. I just assumed they were all as smart (read: masochistic) as me!

andymac · 02-27-2003, 01:42 PM

Hey guys, I am also from Central Illinois. Effingham to be exact (labled Ef on the map), and it is definitely a 50/50 split. I always combat the Cubs fans say Chicago is in Illinois by stating that Effingham is closer to St. Louis (100 miles) than Chicago (210 miles).

02-26-2003, 06:30 PM	#1
jmaness84 All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,685	Who will win the NL Central?? This would be the hardest division to pick id have to say. There are 4 teams with a legitimate chance. St. Louis: This team would be one of the the favorites Houston: another Favorite, added Kent Chicago: I think they will be very good got good young pitching and they should have a good offensive team (Karros should thrive in Wrigley) Cincinnati: They have the offensive potential, can their pitching staff hold up. Even the Pirates who showed a lot of improvement last year w/ Fogg. Benson also is coming back and should be stronger. He could be the ace of the staff!! My opinion on each teams chance of winning Cincinnati-10% Houston-30% St. Louis-30% Chicago-25% Pittsburgh-5% Milwaukee-Nada chance in Hell

02-26-2003, 07:45 PM	#3
twins15 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Area 51 Posts: 4,792	My pick is St. Louis. __________________ "Ah man we're just hungry man" - Dovonte Edwards Bismarck Boy Scouts of the OTBL - league yes-man Ross Gload at baseball-reference.com Book Quotes and Book Lists

02-27-2003, 07:18 AM	#5
bigdgp2 All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 606	Lets Go Cubbies! But i think my other fav. team (St Louis) will win NL Central. Just PLEASE beat out the Astros! __________________ https://challenge.ootpdevelopments.c...lawlsopher.jpg

02-27-2003, 10:05 AM	#7
CommishJoe Global Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 5,238	I'll jump on the Cardinal bandwagon as well. __________________ Joe Success isn’t owned. It’s leased. And rent is due every day.

02-27-2003, 11:39 AM	#11
The Professor Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East of East Posts: 3,020	You know, there are places where making the "wrong choice" will get you tarred, feathered, and run out of town... There is almost certainly a dividing line somewhere along I-55...unfortunately, nobody has ever been able to find just where it is. It runs through houses, right across the kitchen table, and arouses partisan fights that are frightful in their intensity. __________________ History isn't really about the past - settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are."

02-26-2003, 06:38 PM	#2
scoobz0202 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Celina, Ohio Posts: 969	This is easyyyyyy.

02-27-2003, 08:28 AM	#6
YoungEagle Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Wayne, MI Posts: 364	Cards

02-27-2003, 11:38 AM	#10
General Mike Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Somerset, NJ Posts: 255	Astros

02-27-2003, 12:32 PM	#13
jmaness84 All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,685	Im not a fan of either team, but even i couldnt pick a clear cut winner for the central. Its not an easy pick like picking the Braves to win the east

02-27-2003, 01:14 PM	#16
JML Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The act or process of locating. Posts: 2,154	That line The Professor mentioned? I grew up right on it. It seems to run right through my hometown of Heyworth, IL. population 1500. I chose the Cubs. I suppose people not living in the area are allowed to root for both, but if you visit, you really need to make up your mind. I grew up in the county labeled "Mcn" (McLean), right on the border of the yellow and blue areas. Definitely a hot-spot on the Cub/Card front. Edit- I went to a Cards-Stros game last summer with a friend who lives in St. Louis. You can bet I wore all of my Cub paraphernalia. That was... uhmmm... fun? Last edited by JML; 02-27-2003 at 01:38 PM.

02-27-2003, 01:29 PM	#17
The Professor Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East of East Posts: 3,020	Harry Caray and Budweiser...a match made in heaven: "Every announcer has sponsor stories. For years I'd been doing Cardinal radio for a St.Louis brewery, Griesedieck Brothers. You can imagine the jokes regarding that name. Well, in the early '50s, the team was in financial trouble and Gussie [August A. Jr.] Busch bought 'em to keep the franchise in town. Busch headed the big Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and everybody spread the word that he'll want a big-name announcer. They didn't know that first trip the Cardinals made to Chicago, Gussie Busch and an aide latched their private car to the train. I'm playing gin rummy with some players when I get a message that Mr.Busch wants to see me. Everybody figured this is it: I'm gonna find the club is worried every time I said 'Budweiser,' people'd think 'Griesedieck.' Gussie surprised 'em, says, 'We want you to work with us.' I shake hands and go back to my game. The next season [1953], I'm their broadcaster but have been told I can't read any commercials because I'd been so associated with Griesedieck. This goes on a month, and I get a call. 'Damn it," Gussie said, 'what do you think we're paying you for? Why aren't you selling our product?' I said, 'Your people said I wasn't supposed to say a word about it for a year.' He said, 'Forget that, starting tomorrow you're selling Budweiser.' From then on I sold it 48 hours a day, and it's funny that it led to the only thing I'm ashamed of in my life. In late '69 the Cardinals fire me; after 25 years, I expect a gold watch and get a pink slip. I go to a place near my home and in a moment of petulance had the bartender go across the street and get a six-pack of Schlitz. I knew Schlitz was Anheuser's worst competitor, and Gussie hated 'em. So I had him bring the beer because I knew the TV station would come out as soon as they knew I was there. Now, I love Budweiser. Once, I'd been sponsored by Falstaff - I had Bud in my refrigerator. I was sponsored by Meister Brau - had Bud in my refrigerator. I drank Budweiser for, number one, its taste. Number two, when I started working for Anheuser, I wasn't making much but bought about $5,000 worth of its stock. That stock has tripled 3 for 1 at least 15 times; 2 for 1 at least 10 times; 3 for 3 stock dividends, at least five. Anheuser-Busch made me rich with a lousy little $5,000 investment 40 years ago, and here I am drinking its competitor! People think I'm a smart investor. Little do they know how dumb I am and how smart I am by being lucky. They do know that to this day I drink nothing - well, almost nothing - but Bud. __________________ History isn't really about the past - settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are."

02-27-2003, 01:34 PM	#18
The Professor Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East of East Posts: 3,020	Nice map, JML. I'm from JCK down in the gray area (Jackson County). Oddly enough, there are plenty of Cubs fans there, too. Mostly Chicago transplants either working or going to school, but they have one guaranteed fire-back when talking baseball: "You like the Cardinals? Why!?! Chicago is in Illinois!!" To which a good bulk of born and bred So.Illinoisans will reply: "Unfortunately..." __________________ History isn't really about the past - settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are."

02-27-2003, 01:37 PM	#19
JML Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The act or process of locating. Posts: 2,154	Growing up where I did, I always saw Cub games on WGN. It wasn't until much later I found out that WGN is a nationally broadcast "Superstation". I could never figure out why there were so many Cub fans around the country. I just assumed they were all as smart (read: masochistic) as me!

02-27-2003, 01:42 PM	#20
andymac Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Effingham, IL Posts: 5,725	Hey guys, I am also from Central Illinois. Effingham to be exact (labled Ef on the map), and it is definitely a 50/50 split. I always combat the Cubs fans say Chicago is in Illinois by stating that Effingham is closer to St. Louis (100 miles) than Chicago (210 miles). __________________ June Madness: Links FTB: andymac