A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report #47....2nd HALF...NL CENTRAL...Can Project A.M. of the BUCCOS...Mr. McCutchen get the PIRATES to the NL CENTRAL Crown?....RED LEGS n REDBIRDS lurking....

Among 3 of the Closet Races in the Show along with the AL Central and NL West...the National Central. The Surprise Pittsburgh Pirates behind NL MVP Leader Andrew McCutchen aka Project A.M.  have put their Stamp on the NL and they have told everyone they belong. The Defending World Champion Redbirds and Dusty Baker's Red Legs will have plenty to say about that.

NL Central Standings for July 12, 2012

       W-L     GB
1. Buccos 48-37
2. Red Legs 47-38...1
3. Redbirds 46-40....2.5
4. Brew Crew 40-45...8
5. North Siders 33-52...15
6. 'Stros     33-53......15.5

Pirates: Led Offensively by Andre McCutchen the Pirates are for real and the NL Central better take note. He is garnering early consideration for NL MVP along with Gigantes and 2012 All-Star Game MVP the Melk Man...Melky Cabrera. The Pirates will hold up as long as their Fabulous Duo of AJ Burnett and James McDonald keep putting up W's. They are a combined 19-5, 3.02 ERA, and 179 Whiffs. Buccos are a real threat to get to October than the 'Burgh will have Two 5-Star Events going....Buccos and Terrible Towel Nation.....Take that Real Sports Cities.

Reds: As long as Dusty Baker is in that Dugout the Reds will have a Chance. Now they have a Little Fuel under the Fire led by Retired Skip Tony LaRussa of the Redbirds. Votto will stay hot and don't be surprised if it is he that joins Project A.M. and the Melk Man in the NL MVP Race. Cueto is carrying the Rotation and they need RHP Bronson Arroyo to get on his horse ASAP.

Cardinals: OK Carlos Beltran has definitely eased the pain and urgency for Berkdawg to get back Lance Berkman. Beltran has put up Monster 1st half Numbers in 20 Bombs with 65 Ribbies. He has done the Same for himself leaving NYC as Burnett has dine for the Pirates. Not everyone is comfortable in the NYC. Lynn and Lohse have carried the Rotation and if they can get a Good Wainright and Carp-enter back lookout for the Defending World Champs.

Brewers: Can they stay in it well they needed to get better Starting Pitching with a struggling Wolf and not so good Gallardo. They also need someone to help out All-World OF Ryan Braun who seems to be carrying most of that Brew Crew O by his lonesome. They will have to make a Deal if they feel as though this Team is right there with a Piece or Two.

Cubs: There is always Next Year. The Positives....Castro and LaHair. They might as well dump the Demp Truck for Prospects as they are in No Shape to Win anything but last place.

Astros: They have already started by sending "El Caballo" OF Carlos Lee to the Marlins and $9 Million Cash for 2 Marlins Prospects. They will be building for awhile in H-Town but they do have the Texans getting ready to do Big Things.

Predictions: Buccos hold of Red Legs for NL Central Pennant. Red Legs and Redbirds battle Braves and Amazins' for NL Wildcard Slot...

Note: Standings from MLB.com