The Blue Workhorse

The Cincinnati Reds have finally decided to do what many have been anxiously waiting for.

With a rotating outfield of Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Corey Patterson, and Ryan Freel that has combined to hit only .254, the Reds called up super-prospect (the current #1 overall prospect) Jay Bruce from Triple-A Louisville.

This is the move many fantasy owners have been waiting for. Much like Ryan Braun of a year-ago, Bruce is a prospect that can truly impact a fantasy baseball race.

The Chicago Cubs came out of nowhere to win the division last year after finishing in the cellar in 2006 (yes, even worse than the Pittsburgh Pirates). This year, which will mark the 100th anniversary of their last World Series title, with the addition of Japanese superstar Kosuke Fukudome, the Cubs will again look to take the division crown and try to end the curse of the billy goat. Standing in the way of the Cubbies will be the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, and possibly the St. Louis Cardinals.

Your NL Central previews with last year’s records, key additions, key losses, projected starting lineup, projected rotation, overall outlook, fantasy impact players, and our prediction for this season: