NL Central Has Been Boring During Offseason

Sep 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) watches the action from the dugout in the sixth inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Pirates won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The MLB offseason is a month old and with just one major deal since the San Francisco Giants held up the World Series trophy, the National League Central has done very little in attacking the market.

The St. Louis Cardinals made it seem early on they may attempt to switch things up when outfielder Jason Heyward was acquired from the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Shelby Miller.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a little bit of noise when they acquired pitcher A.J. Burnett in a deal that offered him less money than had he stayed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Burnett will give the Pirates a quality veteran to go along with the predominantly younger staff. However, besides a couple smaller moves,the Bucs have not done anything to try improve the team.

This leaves the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers in a great position to move up in the top two teams, but none of them have done anything to gain ground. The Reds had some hype last season that they could compete with the Cardinals and Pirates, but fell on their face early and never recovered. Brandon Phillips is past his prime, Joey Votto is not worth his contract — and never was — and the rest of the team looks nothing like a true threat to be a contender in 2015.

The Milwaukee Brewers have provided no proof they feel the need to become better. The Brewers have not added anyone other than Adam Lind. While Lind is a solid player, it is doubtful his presence will change the club that much. On a positive note, Ryan Braun did say his thumb is finally completely healthy.

The Chicago Cubs may be the most disappointing member of the division. The Cubs lack of offseason moves certainly did not happen for of a lack of trying. The Cubs attempted to pay Russell Martin and may still have a shot at Jon Lester, but as of right now it is same old same old in Wrigleyville.

There is still plenty of time for deals to be done, but at this point the NL Central has offered fans a lackadaisical offseason.