NL Central preview

1. St. Louis Cardinals

The NL champions of a year ago will pick up right where they left off thanks to one of the most well-rounded teams in baseball. Players such as Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter are coming off career years, and there will be some slight regression, but they're still top notch. Ditto for ace Adam Wainwright, who is joined by young, talented starters Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates

With the postseason monkey off their backs, the Pirates now know they can compete with NL's best. Reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen and Washington Heights' Pedro Alvarez will drive in tons of runs, but they'll miss departed ace A.J. Burnett. Gerrit Cole and Francisco Liriano are capable of filling his void and turning in some standout seasons on the hill.

3. Cincinnati Reds

This team will live and die with it's talented rotation, which needs to stay healthy. Opening Day starter Johnny Cueto suffered serious injuries in each of the past two seasons, and Mat Latos won't be ready to start the season. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce make this lineup dangerous, too, but there won't be room for everyone in the playoffs.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers' place in the standings is the most volatile. They could find a way to win or lose 90 games. Figure closer to 74 as they did a year ago when Ryan Braun was suspended for the final two months of the season. Milwaukee's pitching isn't special, but its lineup might come through for them.

5. Chicago Cubs

One day, the Cubs will win a World Series. But at this rate, it would seem the players to do it aren't born yet. There's very little to like here. The most interesting thing about them is the question, "Will the Cubs trade pitcher Jeff Samardzija?" The front office likely just wants to see young guys like Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo have a good year.