Next Generation of NL Central Standouts

With the former kings of the National League Central departed for Anaheim and Detroit, now is the time for attention to be brought to the rising stars of the division. 

The Cardinals have a trio of arms that could rival the dominance of Lee, Halladay, and Hamels in the future. The Cubs have been stockpiling young talent since the arrival of Theo Epstein this winter. Can the Pirates finally climb over the .500 mark after countless losing seasons?

With a plethora of prospects nearing big-league ready, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To help simplify things, here are the top five prospects in the National League Central.

5. Devin Mesoraco, 23, Catcher: Cincinnati Reds

He batted .289 with 15 home runs and 71 runs batted in at AAA, appearing in 120 games.  This season, pending he does not suffer any physical injury, Mesoraco is slated to split time at the major league level for his first full professional season. 

This spring, he has been focusing on his defense, given the fact that he has never really struggled hitting the ball. With Cincinnati’s revamped rotation expected to help the Reds contend with the Cardinals, this 23-year-old will be counted on to call strong games early on.

Dusty Baker is still hesitant to name him the starting catcher, and for now he has to prove he can handle the day-to-day duties at the big league level. If he does that, he could quickly overtake Yadier Molina as the best catcher in the central, and possibly all of baseball, as well.

4. Jameson Taillon, 20, Pitcher: Pittsburgh Pirates

Think Texas hardball. Taillon features a fastball in the mid to upper 90s, an above-average slider, as well as a duo of off-speed pitches in a changeup and a breaking ball.  

His slider and fastball are clearly a cut above the rest, and his control is still developing. He went 2-3 with a 3.98 ERA last season at Single-A West Virginia, striking out 97 batters in 92.2 innings pitched.

Taillon could very well become the face of this franchise in coming years. He brings a heater that can be blown by the best offensive players, and his slider is above average, especially for his age.

Following the McCutchen extension, Pittsburgh looks ready to hold onto some of their young developed talent, and there is no doubt that Taillon will see big league action by 2013.

3. Brett Jackson, 23, Outfielder: Chicago Cubs

Jackson has suffered several setbacks during his minor league stint. However, he seemed to put all the pieces together last season at Triple-A Iowa, hitting .297 with 10 home runs and 26 RBI in 48 games. 

He is often touted as a five-tool player, who has 20-30 home run potential. With Marlon Byrd entering the last year of his contract, and Alfonso Soriano being named in trade rumors, 2012 should be the debut year for Jackson.

The Cubs are looking to rebuild with a strong youth movement in 2012, and Jackson is a key part of these plans.  He, along with Anthony Rizzo and Matt Szczur, will look to take the Cubs back to the postseason and past the National League Division Series, something the North Siders have been unable to do since 2003. 

2. Gerrit Cole, 21, Pitcher: Pittsburgh Pirates

Cole was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, and was promptly given an $8 million signing bonus. While he did not see any action during 2011 due to his late signing date, he made appearances in the Arizona Fall League, pitching 15 innings for the Mesa Solar Sox and collecting 16 strikeouts to go along with his 3.00 ERA.

This right-hander has all the tools to become a major league ace. He and Taillon should form one of the most formidable duos in not only the NL Central, but the entire National League.  Cole has been clocked above 100 mph on his fastball, and is learning to mix in his off-speed pitches, his changeup and slider. 

While he is still a couple years off the horizon, there is no doubt this kid is the real deal.

1. Shelby Miller, 21, Pitcher: St. Louis Cardinals

Ace. Last year at Double-A, Miller went 9-3 with a 2.70 ERA, complimented by his 1.212 WHIP. Miller is the back-to-back St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and has rocketed through the lower levels.

While he clearly has all the physical tools to dominate, he has experienced numerous off-the-field issues, and has resisted advice from coaches and management.

Despite this, he should continue to progress, especially with more maturity.  He is yet to eclipse the 150-inning mark in a single season, and 2012 is likely to be the first time he sees it. With Carpenter and Wainwright both back in action, there is little reason to rush this right-hander, and it is widely believed that he will break the 2013 camp at the major league level.