Major League Baseball

NL Central preview

USA TODAY Sports Paul White and Ted Berg look at the National League Central, in order of projected finish: 3. St. Louis Cardinals

Cincinnatis Shin-Soo Choo

1. Cincinnati Reds
uWhy theyre enthused: They won the division last year without Joey Votto at full strength. They added Shin-Soo Choo to upgrade the offense. Their pitching options are so good they could have moved Aroldis Chapman to the rotation or left him as the closer and had strong options at either spot he didnt fill. Hell close again, part of a deep bullpen with Jonathan Broxton, Sean Marshall and Sam LeCure. They think they should have beaten the San Francisco Giants in the playoffs last year, and now theyre a better team. uWhy theyre worried: The Reds are convinced Choo will be an impact bat, but hes hardly a prototypical leadoff hitter and center field is not his ideal position. Theres not a lot of speed in the outfield, especially if Ryan Ludwick is the left fielder. uKid in play: J.J. Hoovers strong spring has management convinced the hard-throwing right-hander acquired last year from the Atlanta Braves is ready. uFollow this guy: @DatDudeBP One of the leagues most engaging Tweeters, Brandon Phillips might just show up at your Little League game if you ask him nicely. uThe end game: Theyre strong enough in all areas to win the division, but the competition isnt likely to let them run away with it.

uWhy theyre enthused: The key young players on the roster are well ahead of the curve after a 2011 World Series victory and a playoff run last year. Allen Craig, David Freese and Jon Jay have grown up quickly and take heat off veterans Matt Holliday, Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina. Craig could be ready to emerge as the teams next imBy Jake Roth, USA TODAY Sports pact player. Its as deep and balanced a lineup as any in the NL. Megaprospect Oscar Taveras could help now if they could find room in the outfield. uWhy theyre worried: Pitching is in transition. They got through uWhy theyre enthused: They nearly all of 2012 without Chris think theyve reached the point that Carpenter, but health issues likely adding key veterans to an emerging ended his career and Kyle Lohse is group of young players provides a gone. winning combination. The Pirates uKid in play: Shelby Millers think catcher Russell Martin will be opportunity has come at the perfect a strong influence on the pitching time. Manager Mike Matheny staff. Prospects Gerrit Cole and thinks the 2009 No. 1 pick has Jameson Taillon. Cole almost cercompiled the experience and matutainly will be in the rotation by rity to be ready. Stepping up as midseason. more than just a No. 5 starter uWhy theyre worried: They would be a boost. gambled when they traded closer uFollow this guy: @carlosJoel Hanrahan and turned the job beltran15. Enigmatic and often over to Jason Grilli. Consecutive motivational tweets from one of poor finishes lurk. The early-season baseballs most underrated players. schedule is loaded, so a quick start uThe end game: They contend is crucial. because think they should. The uKid in play: Cole was upset recent run of magic ended with a when he was sent to the minors. 3-1 lead in last years NLCS. The Hell be back with his power arsenal odds could finally catch up with soon. them. uFollow this guy: @Lunch boxhero45. Travis Snider shares his considerable culinary exploits socially. uThe end game: Its finally time to end the 20-year streak of sub.500 seasons and, with a bit of good fortune, hang with the divisions powers.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates

By Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports

Chicagos Starlin Castro

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By Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

uWhy theyre enthused: The last-minute signing of pitcher Kyle Lohse provides energy going into the season and gives balance to a team concerned it might have to live off its offense. The Ryan BraunAramis Ramirez combo in the middle of the order is good for more than 200 RBI, especially if Nori Aoki continues producing from the leadoff spot. uWhy theyre worried: Bullpen uncertainty wont go away. The offense will take an early hit with first baseman Corey Hart out until May with another knee injury. uKid in play: Hiram Burgos caught their eye pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic (0.69 ERA in 13 innings). He will start the season at Class AAA. uFollow this guy: @John Axford. The Canadian picked 14 of 15 Oscar winners this year. uThe end game: Not enough in any phase to stay near the top of the division for the long haul.

4. Milwaukee Brewers

St. Louis Shelby Miller

uWhy theyre enthused: First baseman Anthony Rizzo and shortstop Starlin Castro are locked in as core pieces of the building project. Jeff Samardzija can solidify his spot, especially now that hell begin the season at the top of the rotation. They saw enough of prospects Jorge Soler and Javier Baez in camp to realize more offense is coming soon. uWhy theyre worried: No. 1 starter Matt Garza is out for about a month. Rotation mate Scott Baker still is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, and third baseman Ian Stewart is out with a thigh muscle problem. uKid in play: Soler got plenty of hype for signing after leaving Cuba, but it was Baez who made the bigger impression. Hes a combination of power and pure hitting ability who could push Castro soon. uFollow this guy: @EJ36 Veteran starter Edwin Jackson interacts with his many former teammates. uThe end game: Their cover is gone with the Houston Astros off to the American League. Now, fifth in the NL Central also means last place.

5. Chicago Cubs