* – indicates new to team
AVG – Batting Average
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves

1. Cincinnati Reds
Their pitching and defense is unmatched as the division favorites.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
They’ll provide much needed competition for the Reds.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
The losing streak ends in 2013 with a record above .500.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
One of the best offensive teams doesn’t have enough pitching.
5. Chicago Cubs
The only place to go is up for the ‘lovable losers’.

Player to Watch: OF Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
Had the Pirates and McCutchen for that matter not struggled down the stretch last season, he would have been the NL MVP. Pittsburgh has changed their culture thanks in large part to McCutchen and their manager Clint Hurdle.  He know that he’ll need Andrew to be at his best if the Pirates are to compete and maybe even go for one of the Wild Card spots.
Best Acquisition: OF Shin-Soo Choo Cincinnati Reds
He had worn out his welcome in Cleveland and the Reds were more than happy to acquire him.  It will be interesting to see how he handles the task of being the center fielder, but he should do fine as the Reds leadoff hitter.  The lineup behind him is full of power with Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce.  Choo should have a nice bounce back season.
New Kid on the Block: OF Starling Marte Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have two elite starting pitchers waiting in the minors for their chance to shine.  The time is now for the Pirates top hitting prospect in Marte.  Like McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez before him he’ll be expected to produce immediately and in the leadoff spot.  It will be important for him to get off to a good start to help McCutchen and Neil Walker bat with runners on.

38 SV 1.51 ERA

Dusty Baker’s Job: Keep Chapman in the bullpen.

Most Important Player: 1B Joey Votto

6. C Russell Martin*
. 211 AVG 21 HR 53 RBI
7. RF Gaby Sanchez
.217 AVG 7 HR 30 RBI
8. SS Clint Barmes
.229 AVG 8 HR 45 RBI

Bench

OF Travis Snider
.250 AVG 4 HR 17 RBI
OF Jose Tabata
.243 AVG 3 HR 16 RBI
C Michael McKenry
.233 AVG 12 HR 39 RBI

Rotation

1. A.J. Burnett
16-10 3.51 ERA
2. Wandy Rodriguez
12-13 3.76 ERA
3. James McDonald
12-8 4.21 ERA
4. Francisco Liriano*
3-2 4.40 ERA
5. Jeff Karstens
5-4 3.97 ERA

Setup

Jared Hughes
2-2 2.85 ERA

Closer

Jason Grilli
2 SV 2.91 ERA

Clint Hurdle’s Job: End the Pirates losing streak.

Most Important Player: OF Andrew McCutchen

7. 1B Alex Gonzalez
.259 AVG 4 HR 15 RBI
8. SS Jean Segura
.264 AVG 0 HR 14 RBI

Bench

C Martin Maldonado
.266 AVG 8 HR 30 RBI
OF Logan Schafer
.278 AVG 11 HR 40 RBI (AAA stats)
INF Taylor Green
.184 AVG 3  HR 14 RBI

Rotation

1. Yovani Gallardo
16-9 3.66 ERA
2. Kyle Lohse*
16-3 2.86 ERA
3. Marco Estrada
5-7 3.64 ERA
4. Mike Fiers
9-10 3.74 ERA
5. Chris Narveson
1-1 7.00 ERA

Setup

Tom Gorzelanny*
4-2 2.88 ERA

Closer

John Axford
35 SV 4.67 ERA

Ron Roenicke’s Job: Hope that the bullpen improves.

Most Important Player: OF Ryan Braun