NL CENTRAL

Corbin Burnes leads the pitchingrich Brewers

- MATT EDDY

TEAM TO BEAT 

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

The Cardinals return the core of their 93-win division-champions, with a few notable exceptions. MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado return to anchor the lineup. Free agent Willson Contreras replaces Yadier Molina behind the plate. A host of young players could step forward, including Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez, while 21-year-old rookie sensation Jordan Walker could impact the lineup. The Cardinals' key question remains pitching. St. Louis' starters had the lowest strikeout rate among postseason rotations last year. A full season from Jordan Montgomery will help, as would healthy, effective seasons from Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz.

TOP PLAYER

NOLAN ARENADO, 3B, CARDINALS

Fans can set a metronome to Arenado's offensive and defensive production. He has been a regular third baseman for 10 seasons and has won 10 Gold Gloves. Since his 2013 debut, Arenado leads all hitters with seven 100-RBI seasons and is tied for the lead with seven 30-homer seasons. The 32-year-old is coming off a third-place finish in National League MVP balloting-his sixth top 10 finish and is on the short list of favorites to win the award this season.

TOP PITCHER

CORBIN BURNES, RHP, BREWERS