Cubs Maintain Hold on NL Central Odds, but Brewers and Cardinals are Close Behind

• The Chicago Cubs (43-36) lead the NL Central by one game over the Milwaukee Brewers
• Christian Yelich is a clear MVP candidate, but the Brewers still have a -6 run differential even with his production
• The Cardinals received devastating news their closer Jordan Hicks tore his UCL and is out for the season
  

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The NL Central is the only division in baseball with a real battle at the top.

The division leads range between 5.5 and 12.5 games except for the NL Central, where only one game separates the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers.  Even the third place St. Louis Cardinals are just 2.5 games back.

2019 NL Central Odds

*Odds taken 06/26/19

When you look at the NL Central Odds it’s a three horse race and you can get plus money on the Cubs, Brewers, or Cardinals.  For my money, I’m leaning towards the 2016 World Series champions.

Every vote matters now more than ever.#VoteCubs: https://t.co/k5PitY0blM pic.twitter.com/9TQhJyjMmF

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 26, 2019

Run Differential Favors Cubs

The records are nearly equal, but a deeper dive into the stats reveals that the Cubs have been the best team in the division. Chicago has a run differential of +63, which isn’t only best in the NL Central, it ranks second in the National League.

The Brewers have actually allowed six more runs than they’ve scored and are currently the only team in a playoff spot with a negative run differential. The Cardinals are +11, which is middle of the pack, but well behind the division leading Cubs.

Free and easy.#VoteBaez: https://t.co/lxap2NrRtY#VoteContreras: https://t.co/RInsnKDNay#VoteBryant: https://t.co/fz5TvdSY5V#VoteRizzo: https://t.co/qJuZD7hJrE#VoteAlmora: https://t.co/jaFIXpC0jA#VoteHeyward: https://t.co/22xv27ItHr#VoteSchwarber: https://t.co/NkLxPHMboc pic.twitter.com/2beckU8Ga6

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 26, 2019

Can Yelich Keep MVP Pace?

Christian Yelich has proven to be one of the best players in baseball over the last couple of seasons. This year, he’s taken it to a whole new level.  He ranks first in the Majors with 29 home runs, second with 63 RBI and third with a .336 batting average. With Yelich playing this well how are the Brewers still allowing more runs than they’ve scored?

An average pitching staff isn’t helping, but it also boils down to a lineup devoid of other top end talent. Milwaukee just doesn’t have what it takes to keep up over 162 games.

🚨VOTING UPDATE! 🚨

You still have until 4 p.m. EST tomorrow to vote on the @Google All-Star ballot.

Keep voting! https://t.co/l3NbXng3qk pic.twitter.com/UdGeFuncvT

— MLB (@MLB) June 26, 2019

The Cardinals have a little more to like with the combination of Paul Goldschmidt and Marcel Ozuna, but the recent news that lights-out closer Jordan Hicks needs Tommy John surgery has put a damper on their expectations. I believe the Cardinals can re-group, possibly after a trade for a bullpen arm, and get a Wild Card spot but I don’t like their chances of catching the Cubs.

Pick: Chicago Cubs (+145)