In 2012 the NL Central had two teams battling for the pennant in the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. The Reds won the division but the Cardinals made a deeper run in the playoffs. Regardless, both of these teams have a great starting rotation along with a reliable closer. Look for these two teams to once again battle for the 2013 division title.

The NL Central is one of the most interesting divisions in baseball when it comes to starting pitchers. There are a lot of big names who haven’t pitched well as of late and need to have a good upcoming season. For example, can Jeff Samardzija and Edwin Jackson compete at the Major League level for the entire season? How much does AJ Burnett have left in the tank? And will the young Brewers pitching staff be able to hang with the bullies of the Central in the Reds and Cards? Only time will tell.

Putting together the best pitchers of this division was a tricky task. Aroldis Chapman is becoming a starting pitcher this season which affected his draft stock. He did not make the top eight list because he hasn’t proven himself and some scouts are wondering if he can even handle throwing 200 plus innings without losing the power that made him ever so popular. Chapman is expected to be the number five pitcher come opening day.

John Axford is another name that did not crack the top eight. He had some horrible numbers last season with a Major League leading 9 blown saves. I believe he will bounce back but don’t expect him to pitch like he did in 2011. The Ax Man is one of many closers in the NL Central looking to have a bounce back season.

Let’s now take a look at the best pitchers of the NL Central.

1. Adam Wainwright, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

Sure, Wainright had a disappointing 2012 season but he was also coming off a 2011 season riddled with injuries. One of the main things he needs to work on this season is becoming more consistent. Expect him to pitch around 200 innings with a mid three era. Another interesting stat is how well he pitches at home. Last season he went 10-6 with a 3.73 era at home. Don’t look for these numbers to change anytime soon.

2. Johnny Cueto, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds

Cueto is arguably the best pitcher in the NL Central. He is only 27 years old and is improving every single year. Look for Cueto to have the best starting pitcher ERA in the Central at roughly 2.70-2.90. Personally I think Cueto has just as much upside as Wainwright and I am really excited to see what he does this season. His strikeout numbers are tough to judge but last season he had 170 which is solid. Look for a HUGE season from this Dominican Republic righty.

3. Mat Latos, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds

Latos is one big kid! At 25 years old the 6 foot 6 pitcher is looking to continue his successful baseball career. He is one of the most amazing day game pitchers going 6-0 with a .197 last season. He gives right handed batters nightmares with a .208 average against. Like most pitchers on this list look for him to have a mid three era.

4. Jason Motte, Relief Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

Motte was used to being a relief pitcher who came in to get some holds. Last season that all changed when he was given the closer role and never looked back. He has a mid two era along with an impressive whip of 0.94. He flirted with 100 strikeouts last year but came up short. The chances for him to reach 40 saves is very possible for this right handed pitcher and on a good St. Louis team expect him to reach this goal.

5. Yovani Gallardo, Starting Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

Gallardo is hands down the ace of this Milwaukee Brewers staff. He had a rough start to the 2012 season but figured things out as time progressed. Yo is only 25 years old but has the feel of a veteran pitcher. He can strikeout 200 along with racking up the wins. Look for him to get anywhere from 14-18 wins.  The fact that he is only 25 years old is a telling sign. This guy is good and only getting better.

6. Wandy Rodriguez, Starting Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

Consider me one of the biggest fans of Rodriguez. At 34 he has been in the league for awhile and the only way to do that is by being consistent. He has not recorded an ERA higher than 3.76 since 2007. When I think of great pitchers I think of consistency and that is exactly what he is. The wins will be a bit lower than most but he is still a solid middle of the lineup starter for your fantasy team.

7. Matt Garza, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

Garza could be a risk pick. In his first simulated pitching assignment of the season Garza had to end early due to discomfort in his pitching arm. If he continues to feel this discomfort drafting Garza would be a bad decision but if he recovers well look for him to flash some numbers. You are looking at around 10 wins and a high three low four era. Keep an eye out for the number of innings Garza will pitch this season.

8. Jonathan Broxton, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds

The trade from the Kansas City Royals last season was all part of the Reds plan to put Chapman into the starting lineup. And Jonathan Broxton will be taking over his duties. You obviously can’t expect Broxton to put up the strikeout numbers of Chapman but look for him to be a large part of the Reds. He’s anticipated for 30-40 saves along with a good era of mid 2. If Broxton can’t handle the closers role look for Chapman to potentially move back to the ninth depending on his success in the starting lineup.