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TODD ROSIAK RATES THE NL CENTRAL
A position-by-position look at the NL Central, season predictions from our beat writers and power rankings.
FIRST BASE 1. Anthony Rizzo, Cubs 2. Joey Votto, Reds 3. Matt Carpenter, Cardinals 4. Eric Thames, Brewers 5. Josh Bell, Pirates To watch: Rizzo and Votto finished fourth and seventh, respectively, in 2016 NL MVP balloting.
SECOND BASE 1. Ben Zobrist/Javy Baez, Cubs 2. Josh Harrison, Pirates 3. Jonathan Villar, Brewers 4. Kolten Wong, Cardinals 5. José Peraza, Reds To watch: Zobrist will remain a super utility man, also likely to see significant time in left and right field.
SHORTSTOP 1. Addison Russell, Cubs 2. Aledmys Díaz, Cardinals 3. Jordy Mercer, Pirates 4. Zack Cozart, Reds 5. Orlando Arcia, Brewers To watch: Russell and Diaz are two of the most exciting young players in the division.
THIRD BASE 1. Kris Bryant, Cubs 2. David Freese/Jung Ho Kang, Pirates 3. Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals 4. Travis Shaw, Brewers 5. Eugenio Suarez, Reds To watch: Bryant is young enough and good enough to follow up his 2016 NL MVP with several more.
LEFT FIELD 1. Ryan Braun, Brewers 2. Kyle Schwarber/ Ben Zobrist, Cubs 3. Gregory Polanco, Pirates 4. Adam Duvall, Reds 5. Randal Grichuk, Cardinals To watch: Perhaps the deepest position in the division. A healthy Schwarber could make the biggest impact.
CENTER FIELD 1. Dexter Fowler, Cardinals 2. Starling Marte, Pirates 3. Keon Broxton, Brewers 4. Billy Hamilton, Reds 5. Albert Almora/Jason Heyward, Cubs To watch: Some big changes in the division in this spot, as Fowler goes from the Cubs to their rival and Marte replaces Andrew McCutchen. RIGHT FIELD 1. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates 2. Stephen Piscotty, Cardinals 3. Domingo Santana, Brewers 4. Jason Heyward, Cubs 5. Scott Schebler, Reds To watch: How will McCutchen, the 2013 NL MVP, take his move from center to right in Pittsburgh?
CATCHER 1. Yadier Molina, Cardinals 2. Willson Contreras, Cubs 3. Francisco Cervelli, Pirates 4. Devin Mesoraco/Tucker Barnhart, Reds 5. Jett Bandy/Manny Piña, Brewers To watch: With Molina getting up in age, Contreras is in position to become the next top backstop in the division.
STARTING ROTATION 1. Cubs 2. Cardinals 3. Pirates 4. Brewers 5. Reds To watch: Chicago’s trio of Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and Jake Arrieta is as good as it gets in the NL.
BULLPEN 1. Cubs 2. Cardinals 3. Pirates 4. Brewers 5. Reds To watch: The Cubs lost closer Aroldis Chapman, but Wade Davis isn’t a bad replacement.
BENCH 1. Cubs 2. Cardinals 3. Brewers 4. Pirates 5. Reds To watch: Javy Báez, Jon Jay and Tommy La Stella lead a versatile, experienced and talented group of reserves for Chicago.
MANAGER 1. Joe Maddon, Cubs 2. Mike Matheny, Cardinals 3. Clint Hurdle, Pirates 4. Craig Counsell, Brewers 5. Bryan Price, Reds To watch: There are some serious managerial chops in the division, led by the skipper of the World Series champion Cubs.
OVERALL 1. Cubs 2. Cardinals 3. Pirates 4. Brewers 5. Reds To watch: After winning their first title in 108 years, the Cubs enter 2017 positioned to repeat.