Cubs: The thing that could bite them is their starting pitching.  But let's face it, in this division, 85 games will be enough.  Lee, Ramirez and Wood need to stay healthy, which is tougher than it sounds.

Brewers: One of the best in baseball offensively, but their pitching will be their undoing.  Ben Sheets will have his annual breakdown, Jeff Suppan is very mortal this year and their youngsters are average.  Add that and Ned Yost's tendency to act like a mad scientist and you've got a team that will finish in second, possibly third place.

Reds: Dusty Baker always makes a difference his first year.  The question is, how will he handle a younger team than he is used to?  Probably pretty well.  It's no secret Dusty thinks he was wronged in Chicago and wants to prove he knows what he's doing.

Astros: Still in free fall from 2005.  Not much here.

Cardinals: They used to be a great organization.  That's changed.  Now, they are pinching pennies and making it tough in what is baseball's easiest division to win. This could be Tony The Useless' last stand.  In fact, he may not make it through the entire season.

Pirates: Some young talent, but come on.  They still aren't even close.