Chicago Cubs: Predicting the standings in the National League Central

Oct 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players from left Addison Russell , Javier Baez and Kris Bryant celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game two of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Fourth Place: Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are a few years of fermenting away before they become true contenders again. Yet, there are still solid offensive pieces on the roster. Ryan Braun is getting older, but is still effective when available. Second baseman Jonathan Villar proved to be a great option at leadoff with a .369 on-base percentage and 62 stolen bases.

However. There is no Jonathan Lucrory or Chris Carter. Or Scooter Gennett.

In terms of pitching, Matt Garza will lead a staff that was 13th in ERA last year. Junior Guerra excelled as a rookie in 2016, with a 2.81 ERA, posting the second-best WAR on the team. Still, there are no real shut-down threats. And, with a bullpen that features Neftali Feliz on the back end, it’ll be on the offense to supply some cushion in games.

What the experts say:

Bleacher Report: 62-100, fifth place

ESPN: 74-88, fourth place

Fangraphs: 71-91, fourth place

SB Nation: third place

Sports Illustrated: fourth place

Sporting News: fourth place

USA Today: 72-90, fourth place

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