2022 MLB Preview Series — NL Central (Feat. Ryan Pacatte)

In the fourth installment of our 2022 MLB Preview Series, Cincinnati Reds fan Ryan Pacatte returns to the show for a comprehensive preview of the NL Central. Had Major League Baseball expanded its postseason to include six playoff teams in each league, the Reds would have made the playoffs in 2021. Over the winter, the Redlegs lost three big bats from their lineup, as Nicholas Castellanos signed with the Phillies, and the Reds traded Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez to the Mariners. They also lost pitchers Sonny Gray, Wade Miley, Amir Garrett and Michael Lorenzen. Ryan sets the table for the 2022 Reds, and he and Jack estimate how they might perform in 2022 (0:00 - 28:45). The Pittsburgh Pirates are in full-rebuild mode. What should baseball fans watch for from the Buccos this season (28:45 - 37:25)? The Chicago Cubs are also rebuilding. After gutting the heart of their order last year at the trade deadline, what happens next on the North Side (37:25 - 54:35)? After firing their manager Mike Schildt and ending the 2021 regular season as baseball's hottest team, what's the trajectory for the St. Louis Cardinals entering 2022? And how should Major League Baseball recognize Albert Pujols' final season (54:35 - 1:11:45)? The Milwaukee Brewers won 95 games a season ago; will they repeat as division champions (1:11:45 - END)? Episode complete with win total projections for each team.