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MLB 2017: National League Central Rankings

By Jason Evans

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players including Anthony Rizzo (44) , Kris Bryant (17) , Addison Russell (27) and Mike Montgomery celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players including Anthony Rizzo (44) , Kris Bryant (17) , Addison Russell (27) and Mike Montgomery celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) pitches to a Houston Astros batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) pitches to a Houston Astros batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Pitching

5. Cincinnati Reds– Gone are the days of Mat Latos and Johnny Cueto. Anthony Desclafani is the defacto ace. They added Scott Feldman to eat some innings, but the rotation is about young arms like Brandon Finnegan, Tim Adelman, Robert Stephenson and others. If the Reds are going to get back to relevancy, they need some young arms to start taking those next steps.

4. Milwaukee Brewers- Junior Guerra was a nice find last season. Zach Davies was the first among their wave of young pitching coming up. They still have guys like Jimmy Nelson and Willy Peralta as well.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates- Can Gerrit Cole rebound after a rough season last year? Ivan Nova looked like a new pitcher after coming to Pittsburgh. The rest of the rotation should be the young and talented arms of Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl and Tyler Glasnow. If they all reach their potential, look out.

2. St. Louis Cardinals- Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez will lead the rotation. Mike Leake will be the third starter. The rest is thrown into flux with Alex Reyes‘ injury. Can Lance Lynn and Michael Wacha recover from their injuries? Can Trevor Rosenthal become a starter?

1. Chicago Cubs- Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks form a nice top three. However, Arrieta struggled in the second half and Hendricks has to prove he can do it again. John Lackey will back as the fourth starter and the fifth will be a combo of Brett Anderson and Mike Montgomery.

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