The only difference between the Astros, Cubs and Brewers right now is starting pitching, but that's going to change this winter. I expect two of the starters from Chicago to have a "much worse" season next year, including Ryan Dempster who's absolute garbage but somehow managed to have a Cy Young caliber season this year. I mean for Christ Sakes, 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA... He's about as good as that pitcher who got exposed in Game 1 against the Dodgers.

In fact, the Astros defeated Ryan Dempster three freaking times this season... 4-0 at Chicago on September the 3rd, 2-0 at Chicago on August the 4th, and 4-2 in Houston on May the 20th.

Ryan Dempster went 1-3 against the Astros in 2008.

The Astros accounted for half of his 6 losses!

I just can't believe how freakishly good Ryan Dempster was versus everybody else, but I really believe the real Ryan Dempster showed up in the Cubs' 7-2 loss in Game 1 of the NLDS.

And then there's Carlos Zambrano who's a complete mess, emotion wise. The guy has the tendency to fall apart on the mound. That and his injury concerns ( dead arm ) will likely be problematic next season.

I mean sure, he can throw a no-hitter against a tired team which city was devastated by a hurricane during a home-road game, but if you look at what he's done since that no-hitter is the type of Carlos Zambrano I expect to see in 2009.

I also don't think Ted Lilly will produce numbers anywhere close to what he's done in 2008 and 2007 with the Cubs. I look for his ERA to be much higher in 2009.

The Brewers on the other hand will lose C.C. Sabathia and an injury-prone Ben Sheets. So they're already going to lose two Aces due to free agency.

I can see the Cubs and Brewers having much worse starting rotations next year, and it's up to the Astros and Cardinals to make up the ground, if either of those teams want to make the leap in 2009.

Last Edited By: JustWinStros Oct 3 08 8:38 AM. Edited 1 times.