Ranking the National League Central: Intro

Over the next two weeks, I will begin a series of posts in regards to that talent and managers within the National League Central. For each position, I will rank the players as they are so named on the depth chart of each teams website. I will also be ranking each starting staff as a group and each bullpen staff as a group. Each position, closer and even managers will have a separate ranking.

I know there will be disagreements on my view. Keep that in mind that this is my view and does not include those of the other staff of Blog Red Machine. I understand that my rankings may be viewed as skewed toward the Reds. There may be a few that believe I’m being too harsh on certain organizations.

I’m going this route in lieu of a route taken in the past.

You see, before last season, all the FanSided sites put their heads together and produced all division teams. All the NL Central blogs were responsible for the NL Central, a fact I’m sure you already arrived at. I’m going out on a limb here and guess that the same may happen for the upcoming season.

Here at BRM, we have produced an all division team for the past two postseasons plus we did our own 2011 preseason all division team. There will be another preseason all NL Central team, but we won’t be doing that for at least another month. It’s only the beginning of February (or end of January depending on when you’re reading this)! Yes, I can’t wait for the season to start either.

Whenever you do rankings, many things should be considered. I believe sometimes when such lists are devised, the defensive abilities of players are tossed aside. Well, they may We tend to look at offensive numbers only. Defense is important, and I will consider that here. Well, defense can be drawn into conversations where catchers are involved.

I’ve believe I’ve created an interesting opportunity with the starting staffs as well as the bullpens being done as a single unit versus each pitcher. By focusing on the staff as a whole, a new dynamic and conversation could be created. Well, that’s my hope.

I’m taking this from a piece former staffer Alex Apple wrote some time ago. It was on the developing rivalry between the Reds and Cards. The comments on that piece were astounding. One comment pointed at the starting staffs. Maybe that’s why I’m treating the staffs as one instead of individuals. This is a team game, you know. Plus, we’ll go the individual route when the all division team is announced.

I felt driven to separate the closer, but I cannot explain why that’s the case. Could be that they are in their own little world.

Tomorrow, I will begin with the guys that call the shots, the managers. There is a surprise already…

Like what you’re reading? Stay up-to-date on all things Reds by following Blog Red Machine on Twitter (@blogredmachine). Also, please take a minute and “Like” our page on Facebook!