National League Central
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates still have yet to overtake the St. Louis Cardinals as National League Central champions, but this will be the year they finally do so. They have a smart manager in Clint Hurdle, who has made the Pirates a respectable team since taking the Colorado Rockies to their only World Series in team history.
They also have a young core with former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen, and they may have the best outfield in baseball if Starling Marte can continue to be a solid hitter with elite speed.
Gregory Polanco offers high upside with moderate power and reliable speed. The infield is also promising with first baseman Pedro Alvarez primed for a bounceback season and second baseman Neil Walker continuing to fly under the radar.
Third baseman Josh Harrison, like Polanco, offers promise for the future. The pitching is excellent with Francisco Liriano and young prodigy Gerrit Cole heading the rotation, and closer Mark Melancon and setup man Tony Watson can make starting pitchers and Pirates fans rest easy in close games.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are the epitome of consistency in the MLB as they have reached the NLCS four years in a row, including two World Series trips and a championship in 2011. However, the Pirates are rising and have a pitching staff and lineup that can compete with any team. 33-year-old starting ace Adam Wainwright has shown no signs of decline despite recovering from an abdomen injury. Lance Lynn, John Lackey and Michael Wacha are also reliable starters.
The outfield has been upgraded with the addition of Jason Heyward, but he is still trying to put all his talent together. 35-year-old outfielder Matt Holliday is a lock to hit 20 home runs and drive in 90 runs each year.
The infield is somewhat of a question mark with first baseman Matt Adams and second baseman Kolten Wong still hoping to realize their full potential, and usually consistent catcher Yadier Molina is hoping to put a forgettable 2014 behind him.
The bullpen remains dangerous with Trevor Rosenthal as the closer and Jordan Walden as the eighth-inning man. The Cardinals have experience on their side, but age may become a negative factor for them if the Pirates are able to realize their full potential.
3. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are considered to be World Series favorites by some, but there is too much inexperience on the team for them to be taken seriously as a team who can overpower the Cardinals and Pirates. Third baseman Kris Bryant, shortstop Addison Russell and second baseman Javier Baez were sent down to the minors, so fans will have to wait to see Bryant hit home runs in Wrigley Field for a while.
The lineup has unproven commodities such as second baseman Arismendy Alcantara, outfielder Jorge Soler and third baseman Mike Olt. First baseman Anthony Rizzo and shortstop Starlin Castro offer experience, and Rizzo has 35-home run power.
The starting rotation is immediately stronger with the addition of Jon Lester, and Jake Arrieta and Jason Hammel are solid starters as well. Closer Hector Rondon has a bright future ahead of him after an encouraging first full season as the Cubs’ closer.
4. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds still possess a power-filled lineup with outfielder Jay Bruce, catcher Devin Mesoraco and third baseman Todd Frazier, and first baseman Joey Votto is a reliable hitter with enough power when healthy. Outfielder Billy Hamilton stole 56 bases last season and may steal even more, and he showed growth as a hitter.
Pitching is a concern when Johnny Cueto is not starting though, and Alfredo Simon has left for the Tigers. Homer Bailey will look to prove he is worth $105 million as soon as he returns from the DL.
They may have the best closer in the majors though in Aroldis Chapman. Despite missed time, Chapman saved 36 games with a 2.00 ERA and has thrown 100 strikeouts in the last three seasons despite never pitching more than 72 innings.
5. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers got off to a fast start last season and looked like a legitimate threat to win the Central, but that was short-lived as the Cardinals and Pirates got back on track while the Brewers fell back to Earth. Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza are their only proven starting pitchers, and it remains to be seen if Francisco Rodriguez can still be a reliable closer.
The lineup has plenty of star power, although Ryan Braun has not been the same since he was caught for steroid use following his 2011 MVP season.
Outfielder Carlos Gomez is a five-tool player, and catcher Jonathan Lucroy has just entered his prime while third baseman Aramis Ramirez still has power left in him. Infielders Scooter Gennett and Jean Segura are looking to take the next step forward. It will be difficult for the Brewers to contend in a stacked and improving division.
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