On The Wire Episode 270 — Opportunity Knocking: NL Central
Adam and Kevin continue “Opportunity Knocking” in the NL Central. They cover second base after Brandon Lowe, Konnor Griffin’s early draft price, the Cubs’ outfield and rotation holes, St. Louis’ young core, and first base in Milwaukee if Jake Bauers leaves. Most rotations in the division could use a veteran innings eater.
Welcome and Introduction 0:00-5:00
NL Central kickoff as the Brewers close in on the World Series
Pittsburgh Pirates 5:00-35:00
Lowe’s exit leaves a power hole at second; Griffin goes at the 1-2 turn
Players Discussed: Brandon Lowe, Jacob Gonzalez, Luis Arraez, Gleyber Torres, Konnor Griffin, Jake Mangum, Ryan O’Hearn
All-righty rotation returns; Mason Montgomery projects as closer
Players Discussed: Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, Mason Montgomery
Chicago Cubs 35:00-45:00
Happ and Suzuki hit free agency, opening outfield spots
Players Discussed: Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramírez, Kevin Alcantara, Alex Bregman
Rotation could lose four or five starters; Palencia likely closes
Players Discussed: Shota Imanaga, Kevin Gausman, Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, Cade Horton, Daniel Palencia
St. Louis Cardinals 45:00-55:00
Young core and payroll room; third base the spot for a splash
Players Discussed: Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera, Joshua Báez, JJ Wetherholt, Nolan Gorman, Blaze Jordan, Bo Bichette, Rainiel Rodriguez
Young rotation needs veteran depth; O’Brien holds the closer role
Players Discussed: Kyle Leahy, Andre Pallante, Quinn Mathews, Michael McGreevy, Riley O’Brien, Liam Doyle
Milwaukee Brewers 55:00-1:10:00
Pratt settles in at short; first base opens if Bauers walks
Players Discussed: Cooper Pratt, Joey Ortiz, David Hamilton, Jake Bauers, Josh Bell, Jackson Chourio, Luis Lara
Rotation needs a veteran as Woodruff likely departs
Players Discussed: Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Kyle Harrison, Brandon Woodruff, Trevor Megill, Tyler Mahle
Cincinnati Reds 1:10:00-1:30:00
Steer is the swing piece; Duno or Trevino behind the plate
Players Discussed: Sal Stewart, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Héctor Rodríguez, JJ Bleday, Alfredo Duno, Jose Trevino
Lodolo is a question mark and Pagán’s option decides the closer picture
Players Discussed: Chase Burns, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, Emilio Pagán, TJ Antone, Adrian Morejon
