Call to the pen
Fansided

2016 MLB Preview: Intriguing NL Spring Training Position Battles to Watch

By Jordan Wevers

Feb 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cai (18) throws to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) during a workout at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cai (18) throws to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) during a workout at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Feb 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain (18) throws to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) during a workout at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain (18) throws to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) during a workout at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

In the National League version of Call to the Pen’s 2016 MLB preview for position battles, there are quite a few teams amidst rebuilds. The Braves, Brewers, Phillies and Reds are all such cases.

It appears to be a two horse race in the NL East between the Nats and Mets. The Central should be the most competitive of the three divisions, while the West will be interesting to watch because it still boasts a lot of elite pitching since Zack Greinke signed with the Diamondbacks.

Matt Cain was once a Cy Young contender. Three times he’s seen his name appear on the ballot. Now 31, he’s hopeful of being a contributor to the rotation this year. He has not started more than 15 games since 2013. There won’t be a clear path to playing time for him, though.

As for the rest of the NL, the Cards lost quite a bit of star power but remain a well managed team. They have some question marks in their outfield, but pitching remains a strong area.

Read on to see what other interesting competitions there are to follow in baseball’s month of March.

Next: NL West

Home/MLB News