In 2008, the National League Central division saw three teams fighting for playoff spots, with two of the participants, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, entering the post season. The Cubs (division winner) and Brewers (wildcard) advanced, and lost, in the playoffs and the St. Louis Cardinals kept pace until the frantic last month.

Unfortunately for the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds (the other three teams in the division), all three of those “first division” teams have qualities which can keep them as perennial contenders for the next few Central division titles.

The Cubs are big market with tons of money, a new owner and likely the best pitching staff in the National League. The Cardinals have the game’s best player in Albert Pujols AND best manager/pitching coach combination in Tony LaRussa/Dave Duncan, while the Brewers have a load of young, major league talent with more prospects on the way.

This young talent is what will keep the smaller market Brewers competitive in the near future with their big city rivals. Milwaukee showed over the last two years that inexpensive young talent CAN win in the major leagues.

Of the smaller market Astros, Pirates or Reds, which Central “second division” team has the best opportunity to be the “next Milwaukee?” Which team has the combination of on the rise young talent, and a sprinkling of veteran presence to make a push over the next two years?

The Cincinnati Reds.