We're pushing 300 comments before noon so here is a little pre-pre game thread.
Jonah Keri has a great breakdown of what looks to be the most entertaining division race in the majors this year... of course, the NL Central. You can find it here:
NL Central Breakdown on Grantland
I highly recommend it as I think it was a fair and reasonable breakdown for all teams. Basic conclusion? It's anyone's division outside of the Cubs.
The most interesting point he brought up for me was maybe Nick Kingham could be an option for the rotation and it got me thinking (trouble, I know)... what's worse, making a trade and giving away a prospect forever or calling up a player early and starting his service time?
Nick Kingham has been rather dominant in AAA and there is no book on him. Could he get called up in mid August and give you six or seven solid starts equal to or better than any trade option out there not named Price or Lester? I'd say probably. If it cost you one year of FA or $5M extra dollars in super two would it be better than renting Ian Kennedy for two months and losing Adrian Sampson forever (I'm just throwing a name out there)?
Anyway, go read the breakdown. He really gets into the strengths and weaknesses of all teams and it sure feels like he believes the Pirates and Cards are probably the two front runners.