Making a Difference: NL Central

The National League Central has recently been dominated by the St. Louis Cardinals. In fact, since the 2000 season, the Cards have won or shared the division title seven times. This year, they have some competition by a team that hasn’t sniffed the division crown since 1995. The Cincinnati Reds are on top of the Central and are looking down on everyone else, including the Cardinals. Cincy has a three-game lead on the Cards with only three games remaining against one another. If Cincinnati continues to swing a “red” hot bat, they will find themselves doing something they haven’t done in years: playing meaningful October baseball.

Here are three hitters from the National League Central that have had excellent years:

Corey Hart – OF – Milwaukee Brewers
Hart is bouncing back from a mediocre 2009 season in which the right fielder hit only 12 homers, drove in 48 and hit .261. This year, Hart regained his power and even competed in the Home Run Derby at this year’s All-Star game in July. With good reason too: Hart now has 23 homeruns, 78 RBI and a .284 average. There is no doubt that Hart is a solid keeper candidate due to his late draft round from this year. The Brewers might not be having a great season, but Hart is.

Hunter Pence – OF – Houston Astros
Pence is another player that suffers because of a team that is not producing around him. The fourth-year right fielder is having a solid year without much to work with. With Carlos Lee having an awful year, and the Astros trading Lance Berkman at the deadline, Pence is left without much talent around him. He is, however, still producing. Pence is on pace to hit 24 homers and 89 RBI this season, compared to 24 home runs and 72 RBI in 2009.

Scott Rolen – 3B – Cincinnati Reds
Rolen has been that player you wish could have stayed healthy throughout his career. The Reds’ third baseman is doing a good job this season of not being put on the DL multiple times, unlike the past few seasons. Rolen has hit 18 homers and 68 RBI this season with a .537 slugging percentage – nice increases from last year’s 11, 67 and .455. He produces when he plays, is surrounded by a powerful offense and is in the race for the division title…all of which may give Rolen a reason to stay healthy.