Pitching/Batting Efficiencies: NL Central

Can the Reds continue their strong start? Are the Cubs actually bad? Why can't the Cardinals pitch? Lots of questions loom in the division.

Cincy currently holds the number one spot in the division, and it's thanks to their top 5 Batting Average in baseball combined with a solid ERA. They also have a +24 run differential which is way above the second place Brewers, who are surviving on their pitching.

Milwaukee has a top 3 ERA in baseball and is way ahead of the rest of the division in that aspect, but they have a bottom five offense. They need to improve upon that before the Cardinals and Cubs heat up.

The Cardinals have the worst pitching in baseball so far. They have a minus 7 run differential, which isn't Nolan Arenado's fault. They might still be the favorites in the division despite all this, and they'll most likely be in the postseason again.

The Cubs have been abysmal on offense this season and haven't had good pitching numbers, either. The Pirates have a better record than them. Chicago needs their bats to come alive and get that run differential of -23 up.

Pittsburgh not being last is smoke and mirrors, and they also have a poor run differential of -16. They'll fall back down soon.

Charting accurate as of games through April 17th.

St. Louis and Chicago look terrible statistically, but they are still the best teams on paper and hope to turn it around. In the mean time, Cincinnati is impressive and Milwaukee has been great in regards to pitching.