3 Reasons Cardinals Will Hold on and Steal NL Central From Cubs

Coming into the season, the Chicago Cubs were the generalized favorites in the NL Central. However, the expectation was that the Milwaukee Brewers, and even the St. Louis Cardinals, would push them. The Redbirds have certainly done that and more, however, and they lead the division by three games as we inch closer to the month of September.

It's hard to believe in a Cubs teams that is so up-and-down in every facet of their game, so here are three reasons the Cardinals will hold on and steal the NL Central from the Cubbies, with the Brew Crew firmly situated in the rearview mirror.

3. Veteran Bats Heating Up

Imagine what this offense could do if Matt Carpenter heats up like he did a year ago? Even without Carpenter bringing much offense to the table at this moment, other veteran bats have been carrying the load in the second half. Paul Goldschmidt still needs to do more, but since the All-Star break, he's belted 13 home runs with an .895 OPS. Marcell Ozuna has been red hot, hitting .312 with four home runs and a .969 OPS over the last month. Even Dexter Fowler has done some great things at the dish, hitting .253 with four home runs and an .836 OPS over his last 87 at-bats. This offense will go as far as these established vets will take them, and right now, they are one of the hotter offenses in the NL because these guys are carrying them.

2. Young Studs Carrying Rotation

Carlos Martinez and Adam Wainwright may not be anchoring the Cardinals rotation anymore, which would be concerning if you didn't have anyone to take their place. Luckily for St. Louis, they absolutely do. Jack Flaherty has been pitching like an ace in the month of August, posting a 0.28 ERA with 40 strikeouts over 32 innings in five starts this month. Oh, and Dakota Hudson has been brilliant this month as well, posting a 1.71 ERA over his last five starts, and narrowly missing a no-no.

1. Suddenly Strong Cardinals Bullpen

It's vitally important, especially down the stretch of the regular season, for bullpens to lock things down when you a have a lead. That's exactly what the Cardinals' bullpen has done, and they don't have closer Jordan Hicks or heralded pitching prospect Alex Reyes available. On the season, the Cardinals bullpen ranks second in ERA (3.67) and first in opponents' batting average (.211). They've been even better since the All-Star break, ranking first in bullpen ERA (3.25) and second in opponents' batting average (.220). Give a tip of the cap to St. Louis starting rotation, as the pen doesn't need to eat a lot of innings, but when called upon, they shut things down.