2010 MLB NL Central Odds: The St. Louis Cardinals have laid claim to the NL Central title in four of the last six seasons and baseball oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have them favored to take it again this year at -170 moneyline odds. The online bookmaker's 2010 MLB NL Central Odds have the Cubs tabbed for second at +170, the Brewers for third at +770, the Reds for fourth at +950, the Astros for fifth at +1150, and the Pirates for sixth at +2500.
St. Louis ended a two season division title streak by the Cubs last year, taking back first place in the Central with a 91-71 
mark. The Cardinals offense averaged a respectable 4.50 runs per game, but the team won, primarily, because of an outstanding pitching staff. Tony LaRussa's starting rotation had a stellar 3.66 ERA and it ranked third in the league with a 1.28 WHIP. The bullpen was just as efficient, posting a 3.67 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.
The Cardinals rotation did lose Joel Pinero and Todd Wellemeyer, but the club signed Brad Penny to fill one of those spots and will likely use converted reliever Blake Hawksworth to fill the other. Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright give the Cards one of the best one and two starter combinations in the game.
All the principle offensive contributors are back for St. Louis, including three time MVP Albert Pujols and outfielders Matt Holliday and Ryan Ludwick.
The Cubs, which finished 83-78 last season, are in a position to challenge but they must have a healthy group of starters after Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, and Ryan Dempster all time with injuries last year. Chicago's offensive numbers declined in 2009, but the potential is still there to put a lot of runs on the board. The addition of former Ranger Marlon Byrd helps as he will fit in the two hole in front of Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Geovany Soto.
The Brewers are the only other team that has a realistic shot at first, and that is mostly due to their offense. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are two of the more dangerous hitters in baseball and they make Milwaukee a team to fear. The pitching is adequate too, but it is not on the same level as the Cardinals or Cubs.
SBGglobal.com 2010 MLB NL Central Odds:
St. Louis Cardinals -170
Chicago Cubs +170
Milwaukee Brewers +770
Cincinnati Reds +950
Houston Astros +1150
Pittsburgh Pirates +2500
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