The NL Central produced the National League's contender for the World Series last season. Let's take a look at who will make an impact in 2014:
Catcher: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Molina has snuck into the top five for NL MVP each of the last two seasons. He is a massive asset for the Cardinals and he mentors the Cardinals' young, talented pitching staff very well.
First Base: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
Votto is one of the game's most talented hitters. The dangerous thing about him is that he is still considered somewhat "young."
Second Base: Kolten Wong, St. Louis Cardinals
Wong will help fulfill duties at second base with acquired veteran Mark Ellis. Wong has all the tools of a prototypical second basemen. It will be interesting to see how he does in his first full season with the Cardinals.
Third Base: Matt Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
Carpenter is a statistical nightmare to opposing pitchers. He scored close to 20 more runs than Mike Trout last year with 126. That's efficiency.
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta, St. Louis Cardinals
Peralta is the Cardinals' answer to a need for offensive production at shortstop. He will definitely add a dose of power to a lineup that loses Carlos Beltran this season.
Left Field: Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals
Holliday will be looked upon to increase his production at the plate. He's looked very impressive in Spring Training this season.
Center Field: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
McCutchen is the reigning NL MVP for a reason. He is the life of the Pirates' lineup, and they will not continue to enjoy the same success as last season without his production.
Right Field: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Braun looks to "start fresh" after a PED-scandal held him back for most of 2013. He will have to be relied upon to lead a scrappy Milwaukee club.
Rotation: St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals bring back the youngest, most talented group of pitching that the MLB has seen in quite some time. Michael Wacha and Shelby Miller will be two young guns to watch on the hill this season.
Bullpen: Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have a very proven group of relief pitchers. Not to mention rocket-armed Aroldis Chapman coming in to close teams down.
Honorable Mentions:
UT Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals
Craig has become one of the solutions that Cardinals have turned to since the departure of Albert Pujols. He will be spending most of his time in right field with youngster Matt Adams covering first base.
LHP Travis Wood, Chicago Cubs
If the Cubs can score runs for Wood, he will have a much better record than 2013. Cubs fans need to pray that the organization holds on to a talent like Wood.
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