I'm going to have to disagree with trox on this one. I now think that the Brewers are the class of the N.L, and not just the central. Just because ESPN doesn't show the Brewers twice a week like certain AL behemoths doesn't mean that they aren't pretty loaded with talent. Look at Fielder, Hart, and Braun just hitting the peak of their careers, pair them with two legitimate Cy Young caliber pitchers and I think they will make a run at it. Chicago has proven to be inconsistent, and the Cards seem to be doing it with smoke and mirrors (not a jab at the Cards, just saying that they are greatly overachieving!), so if Milwaukee can string some six and seven game win streaks together down the stretch (I think they will) they will be on top when the dust settles. I'm even going to stop in at the Peppermill sports book to put a c-note where my mouth is (pray for me.)
This could potentially be a very good deal for the Brewers, or it could turn out they screwed up their future. Of course that is usually how it is for all trades. Obviously the Brewers are going for a championship with this trade, and they definitely have the talent to get there. Their hitting is solid, Braun and Fielder are both stellar. Pairing Sabathia with Sheets will make their rotation formidable, especially if they can make the playoffs. Then again, Sabathia would have to deliever a much better postseason performance than what we witnessed last season. The other way I see this trade working out for the Brewers is if they manage to sign Sabathia at the end of the season. Like I said before, that would make their rotation very solid for the next few years (as long as Ben Sheets stays). If Sabathia turns out to be a rental and they don't win a championship the Brewers could get screwed. But that is the risk they take.
The Cubs still look strong, and with the way they have been playing, I would think that they are the favorite in the Central and the NL. I don't think CC Sabathia can improve the Brewers enough to win the central. Wild Card, very possible. Whole Sha-bang? Maybe, but they need lights out stuff from CC and Sheets. The Cardinals could also still put up a fight. Wainwright is due to come back in the not too distant future, and I think there is still a chance that Carpenter could get some starts. So if one pitcher makes the difference, then there are still 3 dogs in this fight.
As a longterm Brewers fan, I can't begin to tell you how excited folks are about this development. I'm not sure if CC alone can take us all the way, but danged if it doesn't seem like Melvin is serious for a change. The Brewer farm system has long been a breeding ground for excellent prospects; it's no wonder Cleveland mined it well for Sabathia. We'll see how it plays out, but the nervousness on the part of other NL teams puts a big grin on our faces.
The Cubs have traded for Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin. The Cubs have been the class of the NL Central this year and this is a huge upgrade to their rotation. Then again, chances are good that Harden will make at least one trip to the DL between now and September.
