NL Central

Spring Training can't come soon enough for rabid Cardinal fans, and with the turning of the new year, it's a good time to preview the Cardinals' 25-man Opening Day roster.

As usual, the team has question marks in the middle infield and in the starting rotation.

The Cincinnati Reds have made strides this offseason to ensure their chances for yet another NL Central title. Though those strides may have filled some holes, such as that at leadoff, some of them have also weakened the team in other areas.

These may not be considered major deficiencies in the Reds' lineup, but they will still create challenges that the team must overcome during the 2013 season.

Starting pitching is perhaps the biggest question mark for the Milwaukee Brewers heading into 2013, but left-handed veteran Tom Gorzelanny could be a major key to the rotation.

One of the most surprising developments of the MLB offseason was the Chicago Cubs' pursuit of free-agent pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

The Cubs' interest didn't result in signing Sanchez and adding him to the top of their starting rotation. But offering a five-year, $77 million contract did make a statement of purpose to the other 29 MLB teams and any players deciding where to take their talents. 

The Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central in 2012, but the team still has some weaknesses entering the 2013 season.

After being up two games to none against the San Francisco Giants, then losing three straight games at home in Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati Reds fans and team members were left with a bitter taste in their mouths at the end of last season.

If the San Francisco Giants formula for success is as strong as it appears to be, they could have a run for their money coming from the St. Louis Cardinals over the next decade.

The cornerstone of the Giants success hasn’t come from blockbuster trades and massive free-agent splashes. It has come from two things, smart player acquisitions and some serious homegrown pitching.

The 2013 offseason has been relatively busy for the Chicago Cubs.

Despite the fact that the Cubs are still in a rebuilding phase, they went out and signed starting pitchers Scott Baker (h/t ESPN Chicago) and Edwin Jackson (h/t ESPN Chicago).

Although the Milwaukee Brewers have a relatively deep farm system, they lack a true impact prospect. On the other hand, most of their top talent is ready to contribute in the major leagues in either 2013 or 2014.

The organization’s prospect pool is highlighted by a slew of right-handed pitchers in Wily Peralta, Tyler Thornburg, John Hellweg and Taylor Jungmann. After the graduation of Jean Segura to the major leagues late last season, the Brewers also lack a legitimate position prospect.

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to win the National League Central and make a deep playoff run in 2013, so it's time to evaluate the team's offseason moves.

For the second straight offseason, the team stayed put at the winter meetings. Just like last year, the Reds made some major moves after the meetings wrapped up.