MLB Power Rankings: Who Is Baseball's No. 1 Team on Opening Day?

After an offseason of trade rumors and free-agent signings, and following a full slate of spring training games, Opening Day of the 2014 MLB season is finally here.

The first day of spring may have officially been March 20, but for me—and I'm sure many other baseball fans around the country—Opening Day is when it finally feels like spring.

Whether your favorite team is expected to contend for a title or dwell in the cellar, it's hard not to approach the start of a new season with some level of optimism.

I've once again been entrusted with penning the official Bleacher Report MLB power rankings, and this year will be my third season at the helm.

I look forward to the barrage of angry comments that will be thrust my way in the weeks and months ahead. Nothing seems to bring out of the passion of a fanbase like black-and-white rankings of where their team stands among the other 29 clubs; I only ask that you be civil and argue rather than insult.

With that said, what follows is my take on where all 30 MLB teams stand at the start of the 2014 campaign. In the weeks to come, these rankings will change based on weekly performance, and I'll lay out everything that goes into my decision-making in next week's article.

For the sake of these Opening Day rankings, though, it is largely subjective on my part. It is worth clarifying that these are not necessarily predictions on where teams will finish, but an overview of where they stand right now (so injuries play a major role).

That should cover all the necessary prep work. Now, on with the show.

Note: Opening Day rosters and injury information courtesy of MLBDepthCharts.com. All statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.

30. Houston Astros

Carlos Osorio

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Dexter Fowler	RHP Scott Feldman
LF Robbie Grossman	RHP Jarred Cosart
C Jason Castro	LHP Brett Oberholtzer
2B Jose Altuve	RHP Lucas Harrell
DH Chris Carter	LHP Dallas Keuchel
1B Marc Krauss	BULLPEN
3B Matt Dominguez	RHP Jerome Williams
RF Alex Presley	RHP Brad Peacock
SS Jonathan Villar	RHP Anthony Bass
BENCH	LHP Kevin Chapman
C Carlos Corporan	RHP Josh Fields
1B/OF Jesus Guzman	RHP Matt Albers
IF Marwin Gonzalez	RHP Chad Qualls
OF L.J. Hoes

Upcoming Games

vs. New York Yankees (3)
vs. Los Angeles Angels (4)

Team Outlook

The rebuilding process has not been a quick one in Houston, as the Astros have suffered through three straight 100-loss seasons. Another last-place finish seems likely this year, but they finally look to be headed in the right direction.

With a number of impressive prospects on the way and a handful of offseason acquisitions—headlined by Dexter Fowler and Scott Feldman—they should be more competitive this year.

Core pieces like catcher Jason Castro, second baseman Jose Altuve and right-hander Jarred Cosart need to continue their development, as they are the current building blocks. Look for top prospect George Springer to join that core once he's inevitably called up.

29. Chicago Cubs

Chris Carlson

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
SS Starlin Castro	RHP Jeff Samardzija
2B Luis Valbuena	RHP Edwin Jackson
1B Anthony Rizzo	RHP Jason Hammel
RF Nate Schierholtz	LHP Travis Wood
3B Mike Olt	RHP Carlos Villanueva
LF Junior Lake	BULLPEN
C Welington Castillo	RHP Hector Rondon
CF Ryan Sweeney	RHP Brian Schlitter
BENCH	LHP Wesley Wright
C John Baker	RHP Justin Grimm
IF Darwin Barney	LHP James Russell
IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio	RHP Pedro Strop
OF Ryan Kalish	RHP Jose Veras
OF Justin Ruggiano

Upcoming Games

at Pittsburgh Pirates (3)
vs. Philadelphia Phillies (3)

Team Outlook

Speaking of rebuilding, the Cubbies are set to kick off their third season under the Theo Epstein regime. While they may be in for another long season, the future is incredibly bright, and 2015 has long been pointed to as a potential turning point for the franchise.

Third baseman Mike Olt won a job this spring, as he becomes the first of what could be a parade of potential impact position prospects to make their way to Chicago. Top shortstop prospect Javier Baez will be up at some point, but in the meantime the team is counting on bounce-back seasons from the core trio of Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija.

Some experience for their prospects and a return to form by those three would constitute a successful season, and with an improved bullpen and handful of other additions, at the very least the Cubs will be shooting to avoid reaching 90 losses again.

28. Minnesota Twins

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
2B Brian Dozier	RHP Ricky Nolasco
1B Joe Mauer	RHP Phil Hughes
RF Oswaldo Arcia	RHP Kevin Correia
LF Josh Willingham	RHP Mike Pelfrey
DH Jason Kubel	RHP Kyle Gibson
3B Trevor Plouffe	BULLPEN
C Kurt Suzuki	RHP Anthony Swarzak
CF Aaron Hicks	LHP Caleb Thielbar
SS Pedro Florimon	RHP Casey Fien
BENCH	LHP Brian Duensing
C Josmil Pinto	RHP Samuel Deduno
1B/OF Chris Colabello	RHP Jared Burton
IF Eduardo Escobar	LHP Glen Perkins
IF/OF Jason Bartlett

Upcoming Games

at Chicago White Sox (3)
at Cleveland Indians (3)

Team Outlook

The Twins turned their attention to the starting rotation this offseason, and understandably so after they had the worst starting pitching ERA (5.26) in the game last year. Right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes should be an improvement, but it's still a weak staff.

Face of the franchise Joe Mauer makes the move from catcher to first base this year, and a big offensive season could be the result. He'll need to have a big year because the offense is not going to scare anyone.

Catcher Josmil Pinto will be one to watch, as he could take over starting duties by midseason and has plus offensive tools. The 2014 season could be a tough one, but the game's top prospect—Byron Buxton—headlines one of the best farm systems in baseball, and the future is bright.

27. Philadelphia Phillies

Kathy Willens

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Ben Revere	LHP Cliff Lee
SS Jimmy Rollins	RHP A.J. Burnett
2B Chase Utley	RHP Kyle Kendrick
1B Ryan Howard	RHP Roberto Hernandez
RF Marlon Byrd	RHP Jeff Manship
LF Domonic Brown	BULLPEN
C Carlos Ruiz	LHP Mario Hollands
3B Cody Asche	RHP B.J. Rosenberg
BENCH	RHP Justin De Fratus
C Wil Nieves	LHP Jake Diekman
1B/OF John Mayberry	RHP Brad Lincoln
IF Jayson Nix	LHP Antonio Bastardo
IF/OF Cesar Hernandez	RHP Jonathan Papelbon
OF Tony Gwynn Jr.

Upcoming Games

at Texas Rangers (3)
at Chicago Cubs (3)

Team Outlook

The bottom three teams in our rankings are rebuilding franchises that are loaded with young talent. The Phillies are the polar opposite, as they have an aging roster of declining stars, and they got even older this offseason with the additions of A.J. Burnett and Marlon Byrd and the re-signing of Carlos Ruiz.

Cliff Lee should once again give the team a chance to win every fifth game, but Cole Hamels opens the year on the disabled list, and he'll need to come back quickly.

This is a roster that needs to be blown up and a franchise that needs to start rebuilding. There is still talent here, but a third-place finish in the NL East looks like the best-case scenario—and a last-place finish is not out of the question.

26. Chicago White Sox

Paul Sancya

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Adam Eaton	LHP Chris Sale
LF Alejandro De Aza	RHP Felipe Paulino
1B Jose Abreu	LHP Jose Quintana
DH Adam Dunn	RHP Erik Johnson
RF Avisail Garcia	LHP John Danks
SS Alexei Ramirez	BULLPEN
3B Conor Gillaspie	RHP Maikel Cleto
2B Marcus Semien	LHP Donnie Veal
C Tyler Flowers	RHP Daniel Webb
BENCH	LHP Scott Downs
C Adrian Nieto	RHP Ronald Belisario
1B Paul Konerko	RHP Matt Lindstrom
IF/OF Leury Garcia	RHP Nathan Jones
OF Dayan Viciedo

Upcoming Games

vs. Minnesota Twins (3)
at Kansas City Royals (3)

Team Outlook

The White Sox finally committed to rebuilding last August when they shipped out Jake Peavy and Alex Rios, and they have quickly assembled a promising young core of hitters led by Avisail Garcia and offseason pickups Adam Eaton and Jose Abreu.

The pitching staff will again be anchored by one of the game's best—and my pick for the 2014 AL Cy Young Award—Chris Sale. A big spring has John Danks looking like a bounce-back candidate, and rookie Erik Johnson is one to watch as well.

There is still work to be done, and the farm system remains relatively thin, but the White Sox had a very good offseason and look to be building toward something good a few years from now.

25. Miami Marlins

Jeff Roberson

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
LF Christian Yelich	RHP Jose Fernandez
2B Derek Dietrich	RHP Nathan Eovaldi
RF Giancarlo Stanton	RHP Henderson Alvarez
1B Garrett Jones	RHP Jacob Turner
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia	RHP Tom Koehler
CF Marcell Ozuna	BULLPEN
3B Casey McGehee	RHP Kevin Slowey
SS Adeiny Hechavarria	LHP Brad Hand
BENCH	RHP Carlos Marmol
C Jeff Mathis	LHP Dan Jennings
1B/3B Greg Dobbs	RHP A.J. Ramos
IF Donovan Solano	LHP Mike Dunn
IF/OF Jeff Baker	RHP Steve Cishek
OF Reed Johnson

Upcoming Games

vs. Colorado Rockies (4)
vs. San Diego Padres (3)

Team Outlook

The Marlins hit a meager .231 as a team last year, scoring 85 fewer runs than the second-worst offensive team and a whopping 340 fewer runs than the league-leading Boston Red Sox. They still aren't going to make a run at being the league's highest-scoring team in 2014, but the additions of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Garrett Jones, Casey McGehee, Jeff Baker and the currently injured Rafael Furcal should help.

Jose Fernandez will again be atop one of the most promising young rotations in the game, and with some extra run support they could take another step forward as a group this year.

If Giancarlo Stanton can stay healthy in the middle of the order and Christian Yelich can build on a strong showing as a rookie, this team has a chance to surprise some people. The Marlins could even push the Phillies and Mets for third place in the NL East.

24. San Diego Padres

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
SS Everth Cabrera	RHP Andrew Cashner
CF Will Venable	RHP Ian Kennedy
3B Chase Headley	RHP Tyson Ross
2B Jedd Gyorko	LHP Eric Stults
1B Yonder Alonso	LHP Robbie Erlin
LF Chris Denorfia	BULLPEN
RF Seth Smith	RHP Tim Stauffer
C Nick Hundley	RHP Donn Roach
BENCH	RHP Nick Vincent
C Yasmani Grandal	LHP Alex Torres
C Rene Rivera	RHP Dale Thayer
1B/OF Tommy Medica	RHP Joaquin Benoit
IF/OF Alexi Amarista	RHP Huston Street
OF Xavier Nady

Upcoming Games

vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (2)
at Miami Marlins (3)

Team Outlook

While lacking in star power, the Padres have put together a solid roster from top to bottom and have no glaring weaknesses. They certainly don't compare favorably to the division rival Dodgers and Diamondbacks on paper, but they could be the dark-horse team of 2014 if everything breaks right.

The pitching staff is the biggest question mark, and it could wind up being one of the NL's best or worst. Andrew Cashner looks like a legitimate ace atop the staff, and Eric Stults and Tyson Ross were both solid in 2013, but who knows what they'll get from Ian Kennedy and the already injured Josh Johnson?

Offensively, they could have two stars in the making in Jedd Gyorko and Yonder Alonso, while Chase Headley will be looking to bounce back in a contract year. The Padres could finish anywhere from second to fifth in the NL West, and they will be one of the more interesting teams to watch over the first few months.

23. Seattle Mariners

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Abraham Almonte	RHP Felix Hernandez
3B Kyle Seager	RHP Erasmo Ramirez
2B Robinson Cano	LHP James Paxton
1B Justin Smoak	LHP Roenis Elias
DH Corey Hart	RHP Chris Young
RF Logan Morrison	BULLPEN
LF Dustin Ackley	RHP Hector Noesi
C Mike Zunino	LHP Joe Beimel
SS Brad Miller	RHP Yoervis Medina
BENCH	LHP Charlie Furbush
C John Buck	RHP Tom Wilhelmsen
IF Willie Bloomquist	RHP Danny Farquhar
IF/OF Stefen Romero	RHP Fernando Rodney
OF Michael Saunders

Upcoming Games

at Los Angeles Angels (3)
at Oakland Athletics (4)

Team Outlook

It was a busy offseason for the Mariners, but will it be enough for them to make it to the postseason? My money is on "no," but they are undoubtedly improved.

Robinson Cano, Corey Hart and Logan Morrison join an offense that has perennially been one of the worst in the American League, and it's put up or shut up time for guys like Justin Smoak, Dustin Ackley and Michael Saunders. Third baseman Kyle Seager remains one of the game's more underrated young players.

Injuries have already struck, as Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker open the year on the DL. Felix Hernandez is still one of the best in the business, but it's a patchwork staff behind him to start the year. Rookie James Paxton has the stuff to be a Rookie of the Year candidate, but he'll be pitching higher in the rotation than the team would have liked.

22. New York Mets

Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
LF Eric Young Jr.	RHP Dillon Gee
2B Daniel Murphy	RHP Bartolo Colon
3B David Wright	RHP Zack Wheeler
RF Curtis Granderson	RHP Jenrry Mejia
CF Chris Young
1B Ike Davis	BULLPEN
C Travis d'Arnaud	LHP John Lannan
SS Ruben Tejada	RHP Carlos Torres
BENCH	RHP Gonzalez Germen
C Anthony Recker	RHP Jeurys Familia
1B/OF Lucas Duda	LHP Scott Rice
IF Omar Quintanilla	RHP Jose Valverde
IF Josh Satin	RHP Bobby Parnell
1B/OF Andrew Brown
OF Juan Lagares

Upcoming Games

vs. Washington Nationals (3)
vs. Cincinnati Reds (3)

Team Outlook

The Mets were not quite as active as some expected them to be this offseason, though they did make a pair of significant additions in Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon, and they also nabbed a potential bounce-back candidate in Chris Young.

With ace Matt Harvey on the shelf, this looks like a team with an eye on making some noise in 2015. For the time being, they look like a better team than last year, but they still aren't ready to make a run at the Braves and Nationals in the NL East.

Look for a big season from David Wright, as he now has some much-needed protection in the lineup. Also, don't sleep on this starting rotation, as Dillon Gee is very underrated and Zack Wheeler could be even better in his second season.

21. Colorado Rockies

Rob Tringali/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Corey Dickerson	LHP Jorge De La Rosa
RF Michael Cuddyer	LHP Brett Anderson
LF Carlos Gonzalez	RHP Tyler Chatwood
SS Troy Tulowitzki	RHP Juan Nicasio
1B Justin Morneau	LHP Franklin Morales
C Wilin Rosario	BULLPEN
3B Nolan Arenado	RHP Tommy Kahnle
2B DJ LeMahieu	RHP Wilton Lopez
BENCH	RHP Chad Bettis
C/1B Jordan Pacheco	RHP Adam Ottavino
IF/OF Charlie Culberson	RHP Matt Belisle
OF Brandon Barnes	LHP Rex Brothers
OF Charlie Blackmon	RHP LaTroy Hawkins
OF Drew Stubbs

Upcoming Games

at Miami Marlins (4)
vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (3)

Team Outlook

The Rockies were the surprise team of the first month or so last year, and while their pitching eventually returned to earth, they were still a vastly improved staff. After posting an MLB-worst 5.22 ERA in 2012, they lowered that to 4.44 last season and climbed to 28th in the league.

The additions of Brett Anderson and Franklin Morales have the staff potentially improved once again, though ace Jhoulys Chacin has been slowed by injury and will start the season on the DL. If Anderson can stay healthy, though, he could make a serious impact, and he's my pick for NL Comeback Player of the Year.

Offensively, they should be strong once again, with the health of stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez once again being the X-factor. Another step forward by young bats Nolan Arenado and Wilin Rosario could potentially give the Rockies one of the most potent attacks in the NL.

20. Toronto Blue Jays

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
SS Jose Reyes	RHP R.A. Dickey
RF Jose Bautista	RHP Drew Hutchison
1B Edwin Encarnacion	LHP Mark Buehrle
DH Adam Lind	RHP Brandon Morrow
CF Colby Rasmus	RHP Dustin McGowan
LF Melky Cabrera	BULLPEN
3B Brett Lawrie	RHP Todd Redmond
C Dioner Navarro	RHP Jeremy Jeffress
2B Ryan Goins	LHP Brett Cecil
BENCH	RHP Esmil Rogers
C Erik Kratz	LHP Aaron Loup
C Josh Thole	RHP Steve Delabar
IF Maicer Izturis	RHP Sergio Santos
OF Moises Sierra

Upcoming Games

at Tampa Bay Rays (4)
vs. New York Yankees (3)

Team Outlook

After a horribly disappointing 2013 season, the Blue Jays open the year with essentially the same roster but significantly less hype, and that could work to their advantage.

Pitching was the biggest problem last year, as they struggled to find consistency behind veterans R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle and were bit hard by the injury bug. Drew Hutchison and Brandon Morrow are back healthy now, and they will both be paramount to the team's success.

Keeping Jose Bautista on the field will also be important, and when he's healthy there might not be a more dangerous one-two punch than him and Edwin Encarnacion. Melky Cabrera had a big spring, and he could surprise some people after how bad he was last year.

19. Arizona Diamondbacks

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Gerardo Parra	RHP Brandon McCarthy
2B Aaron Hill	LHP Wade Miley
1B Paul Goldschmidt	RHP Trevor Cahill
3B Martin Prado	RHP Bronson Arroyo
LF Mark Trumbo	RHP Randall Delgado
C Miguel Montero	BULLPEN
SS Chris Owings	RHP Josh Collmenter
CF A.J. Pollock	LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith
BENCH	LHP Joe Thatcher
C Tuffy Gosewisch	RHP Will Harris
1B/3B Eric Chavez	LHP Oliver Perez
IF Cliff Pennington	RHP Brad Ziegler
OF Tony Campana	RHP J.J. Putz
	RHP Addison Reed

Upcoming Games

vs. San Francisco Giants (4)
at Colorado Rockies (3)

Team Outlook

The Diamondbacks entered the offseason looking for a power bat to protect Paul Goldschmidt, while they also needed an upgrade at closer and a front-line arm. Check and check on the first two—with the additions of Mark Trumbo and Addison Reed—but they wound up settling on Bronson Arroyo as their big addition to the rotation.

For a team that already lacked a bona fide ace, losing projected Opening Day starter Patrick Corbin this spring to Tommy John surgery was a big blow, and Arroyo has also battled a bad back. The arrival of top prospect Archie Bradley can't come soon enough, and there's a good chance he'll be up before the break.

Offensively, the team looks solid, especially if Miguel Montero can return to form, but they will have their work cut out for them keeping up with the Dodgers in the NL West. The team should be a fringe contender for a wild-card spot, though.

18. Milwaukee Brewers

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Carlos Gomez	RHP Yovani Gallardo
SS Jean Segura	RHP Kyle Lohse
RF Ryan Braun	RHP Matt Garza
3B Aramis Ramirez	RHP Marco Estrada
C Jonathan Lucroy	RHP Wily Peralta
1B Lyle Overbay	BULLPEN
LF Khris Davis	LHP Zach Duke
2B Scooter Gennett	LHP Wei-Chung Wang
BENCH	RHP Tyler Thornburg
C Martin Maldonado	LHP Will Smith
1B/3B Mark Reynolds	RHP Brandon Kintzler
2B Rickie Weeks	RHP Francisco Rodriguez
IF Jeff Bianchi	RHP Jim Henderson
OF Logan Schafer

Upcoming Games

vs. Atlanta Braves (3)
at Boston Red Sox (3)

Team Outlook

After leading the NL in runs scored in 2012, the Brewers scored 136 fewer runs last season and fell to eighth in the league in that category. Much of that had to do with the suspension of Ryan Braun and an injury-plagued season for Aramis Ramirez, but those two are both back and looking to rebound in 2014.

In their absence last season, the duo of Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez shouldered the offensive load, while Jonathan Lucroy was quietly one of the most productive catchers in the game. The pieces are all there for them to again be one of the league's highest-scoring attacks.

Pitching is the X-factor here, and the addition of Matt Garza gives them a solid rotation from top to bottom. A big season from Yovani Gallardo in a contract year along with the other four guys pitching up to their potential could make the Brewers surprise contenders in a deep NL Central.

17. Los Angeles Angels

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Kole Calhoun	RHP Jered Weaver
CF Mike Trout	LHP C.J. Wilson
1B Albert Pujols	RHP Garrett Richards
LF Josh Hamilton	LHP Hector Santiago
3B David Freese	LHP Tyler Skaggs
DH Raul Ibanez	BULLPEN
2B Howie Kendrick	RHP Matt Shoemaker
SS Erick Aybar	RHP Michael Kohn
C Chris Iannetta	RHP Fernando Salas
BENCH	LHP Nick Maronde
C Hank Conger	RHP Kevin Jepsen
IF Grant Green	RHP Joe Smith
IF John McDonald	RHP Ernesto Frieri
OF Collin Cowgill

Upcoming Games

vs. Seattle Mariners (3)
at Houston Astros (4)

Team Outlook

The Angels may have had their best offseason in years this winter, and they managed to do it without handing out another $100 million-plus contract.

Trading slugger Mark Trumbo was the big move, as they acquired a pair of left-handers in Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs who will help fill out what was a disastrous back end of the rotation last year. Bleacher Report MLB lead writer Zachary Rymer pointed to Skaggs as a potential breakout star in 2014:

"

Things should be better for Skaggs in 2014. ... a mechanical adjustment has returned some of the velocity that (he) lost in 2013. I also like the idea of him pitching regularly at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in front of what should be a solid Angels defense.

I don't know about a Cy Young campaign or anything, but if Skaggs can manage an ERA in the mid-3.00s, he could be the best player from the Mark Trumbo trade in 2014.

"

Mike Trout will once again do Mike Trout things, but the offense desperately needs to get its money's worth from Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, especially with Trumbo gone. That said, this looks like a more complete Angels team from top to bottom, and they should be able to keep up with the Rangers and Athletics in the AL West.

16. Cleveland Indians

Chris Carlson

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Nyjer Morgan	RHP Justin Masterson
1B Nick Swisher	RHP Corey Kluber
2B Jason Kipnis	RHP Zach McAllister
3B Carlos Santana	RHP Danny Salazar
LF Michael Brantley	RHP Carlos Carrasco
SS Asdrubal Cabrera	BULLPEN
RF David Murphy	RHP Blake Wood
C Yan Gomes	RHP Scott Atchison
DH Lonnie Chisenhall	LHP Josh Outman
BENCH	RHP Bryan Shaw
IF Mike Aviles	LHP Marc Rzepczynski
IF/OF Elliot Johnson	RHP Vinnie Pestano
OF Ryan Raburn	RHP Cody Allen
	RHP John Axford

Upcoming Games

at Oakland Athletics (3)
vs. Minnesota Twins (3)

Team Outlook

The Indians were the surprise postseason team of 2013, and they will have their work cut out for them if they hope to be playing baseball in October once again. That's not to say they don't look like a solid team, but the wild-card race in the AL figures to be ultra-competitive once again.

Losing Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir from their rotation in free agency isn't as bad as it looks, as Corey Kluber was quietly one of the best pitchers in the AL last year and Danny Salazar seems poised for a huge year. Those two, slotted behind ace Justin Masterson, should give the team a solid staff once again, and it will be backed by a retooled bullpen.

Offensively, they are essentially the same team, with David Murphy replacing Drew Stubbs in the outfield being the only major change. The Tigers are my pick to win the AL Central once again, and I actually have the Royals finishing second in the division and claiming a wild-card spot, but it should be a good race between those three teams.

15. Baltimore Orioles

David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Nick Markakis	RHP Chris Tillman
LF David Lough	RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
1B Chris Davis	LHP Wei-Yin Chen
CF Adam Jones	RHP Miguel Gonzalez
DH Nelson Cruz	RHP Bud Norris
SS J.J. Hardy	BULLPEN
C Matt Wieters	RHP Josh Stinson
3B Ryan Flaherty	LHP Zach Britton
2B Jonathan Schoop	RHP Evan Meek
BENCH	LHP Brian Matusz
C Steve Clevenger	RHP Ryan Webb
1B/OF Steve Pearce	RHP Darren O'Day
IF/OF Steve Lombardozzi	RHP Tommy Hunter
OF Delmon Young

Upcoming Schedule

vs. Boston Red Sox (3)
at Detroit Tigers (3)

Team Outlook

After sitting on their hands for much of the offseason, the Orioles pulled the trigger on a pair of late deals, signing free agents Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz. Those moves certainly improved the roster, but will it be enough in the AL East? My guess is they hang around but wind up missing the playoffs.

The pitching is still suspect, as their rotation is essentially a collection of No. 3-starter types. Sure, Chris Tillman and Jimenez are capable of being better than that, but there is no one on this staff that can truly be pointed to as an ace.

Offensively, the trio of Chris Davis, Adam Jones and Cruz should do plenty of damage, and a return to form for Nick Markakis wouldn't hurt either. Prospect Jonathan Schoop won the second base job with a big spring, while Manny Machado opens the season on the DL as he continues to rehab from offseason knee surgery.

14. San Francisco Giants

Ross D. Franklin

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Angel Pagan	LHP Madison Bumgarner
1B Brandon Belt	RHP Matt Cain
3B Pablo Sandoval	RHP Tim Hudson
C Buster Posey	RHP Tim Lincecum
RF Hunter Pence	RHP Ryan Vogelsong
LF Michael Morse	BULLPEN
2B Joaquin Arias	RHP Yusmeiro Petit
SS Brandon Crawford	LHP David Huff
BENCH	RHP J.C. Gutierrez
C Hector Sanchez	RHP Jean Machi
IF Ehire Adrianza	LHP Javier Lopez
IF Brandon Hicks	RHP Santiago Casilla
OF Gregor Blanco	RHP Sergio Romo
OF Juan Perez

Upcoming Games

at Arizona Diamondbacks (4)
at Los Angeles Dodgers (3)

Team Outlook

Despite returning essentially the same roster that won it all in 2012, the Giants came up well short of expectations last year and wound up tied for third in the NL West. They've made a few additions this offseason—with Tim Hudson replacing Barry Zito and Michael Morse signed to start in left—but the team will return the same core group once again.

Madison Bumgarner was a stud last season, but behind him the rest of the rotation was disappointing and far from its formerly dominant self. Turnarounds from Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum will be the key to getting things back on track in 2014.

Offensively, Buster Posey is the anchor once again, while Pablo Sandoval will be looking to cash in with a big contract year. The importance of a healthy Angel Pagan atop the lineup and in center field can't be overstated either, as the team was 39-32 with him and 37-54 without him last year. They won't catch the Dodgers, but they could make a run at a wild-card spot.

13. Kansas City Royals

Sarah Glenn/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Norichika Aoki	RHP James Shields
2B Omar Infante	LHP Jason Vargas
1B Eric Hosmer	RHP Yordano Ventura
DH Billy Butler	RHP Jeremy Guthrie
LF Alex Gordon	LHP Bruce Chen
C Salvador Perez	BULLPEN
3B Mike Moustakas	LHP Francisley Bueno
CF Lorenzo Cain	RHP Aaron Crow
SS Alcides Escobar	LHP Tim Collins
BENCH	RHP Kelvin Herrera
C Brett Hayes	RHP Wade Davis
IF Pedro Ciriaco	RHP Greg Holland
IF/OF Danny Valencia
OF Jarrod Dyson
OF Justin Maxwell

Upcoming Games

at Detroit Tigers (3)
vs. Chicago White Sox (3)

Team Outlook

In 2013, it was the Pittsburgh Pirates who broke a lengthy playoff drought, and the Royals will be looking to do the same this year. After all, they have not reached the postseason since winning it all in 1985, and last year was their first winning season since 2003.

Losing Ervin Santana hurts the rotation, but they signed a solid veteran in Jason Vargas to replace him, and the addition of flame-throwing rookie Yordano Ventura could actually make the staff even better than last year's version. Ace James Shields is also in a contract year and could be a legitimate Cy Young candidate.

Offensively, Kansas City added Omar Infante and Norichika Aoki to shore up to major holes at second base and right field, respectively. Those additions also allow the team to move Alex Gordon down to a run-production spot in the lineup, and alongside Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer, the team has some solid power bats.

If the Royals can avoid the slow start at the plate that burned them last season, they should be right in the hunt for a playoff spot down the stretch.

12. Atlanta Braves

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Jason Heyward	RHP Julio Teheran
CF B.J. Upton	LHP Alex Wood
1B Freddie Freeman	RHP Aaron Harang
3B Chris Johnson	RHP David Hale
LF Justin Upton	RHP Ervin Santana
2B Dan Uggla	BULLPEN
C Evan Gattis	RHP Gus Schlosser
SS Andrelton Simmons	LHP Ian Buchter
BENCH	RHP Anthony Varvaro
C Gerald Laird	LHP Ian Thomas
1B/OF Ryan Doumit	RHP Jordan Walden
IF Ramiro Pena	LHP Luis Avilan
IF/OF Tyler Pastornicky	RHP David Carpenter
OF Jordan Schafer	RHP Craig Kimbrel

Upcoming Games

at Milwaukee Brewers (3)
at Washington Nationals (3)

Team Outlook

The Braves slotted in at No. 6 in the power rankings to kick off spring training, but season-ending injuries to both Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy, along with Mike Minor opening the year on the DL, leave them with a decimated pitching staff and knock them out of the top 10.

That ranking is simply a reflection of where the team stands on Opening Day and is not a prediction of where they will finish. Once Minor returns and free-agent signing Ervin Santana is ready, the staff should be solid, and this will be a team that once again contends for the NL East title.

If B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla can provide something at the plate, and if Alex Wood continues to pitch like he did this spring, the Braves could be awfully dangerous. At the very least, they should be able to push for a wild-card spot.

11. Texas Rangers

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
LF Shin-Soo Choo	RHP Tanner Scheppers
SS Elvis Andrus	LHP Martin Perez
1B Prince Fielder	LHP Robbie Ross
3B Adrian Beltre	LHP Joe Saunders
RF Alex Rios
DH Mitch Moreland	BULLPEN
CF Leonys Martin	RHP Seth Rosin
C J.P. Arencibia	RHP Shawn Tolleson
2B Donnie Murphy	LHP Pedro Figueroa
BENCH	RHP Jason Frasor
C/IF Robinson Chirinos	LHP Neal Cotts
C/OF Chris Gimenez	RHP Alexi Ogando
IF Josh Wilson	RHP Joakim Soria
1B/OF James Adduci
OF Michael Choice

Upcoming Games

vs. Philadelphia Phillies (3)
at Tampa Bay Rays (3)

Team Outlook

After losing some of their offensive firepower last offseason, the Rangers reloaded this winter with the free-agent signing of Shin-Soo Choo and the acquisition of slugger Prince Fielder in a trade with the Tigers. Throw in a full season of Alex Rios, acquired last August, and this team should again be among the highest-scoring in baseball.

Injuries have hit them hard, though, as Geovany Soto and Jurickson Profar will both miss significant time among position players, while Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison are all missing from the starting rotation. As long as the neck issues that have plagued Darvish are nothing serious, the Rangers should be fine, but their depth is being tested.

Luckily for them, division-foe Oakland has also had its fair share of injuries this spring, and chances are it will be a tight race between those two teams once again for AL West supremacy. Guys like Tanner Scheppers, Robbie Ross and Martin Perez will need to step their games up, though.

10. Pittsburgh Pirates

Carlos Osorio

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
LF Starling Marte	LHP Francisco Liriano
SS Jordy Mercer	RHP Gerrit Cole
CF Andrew McCutchen	LHP Wandy Rodriguez
3B Pedro Alvarez	RHP Charlie Morton
2B Neil Walker	RHP Edinson Volquez
C Russell Martin	BULLPEN
1B Gaby Sanchez	RHP Jeanmar Gomez
RF Jose Tabata	RHP Stolmy Pimentel
BENCH	RHP Bryan Morris
C Tony Sanchez	LHP Justin Wilson
1B/OF Travis Ishikawa	LHP Tony Watson
IF Clint Barmes	RHP Mark Melancon
IF/OF Josh Harrison	RHP Jason Grilli
OF Travis Snider

Upcoming Games

vs. Chicago Cubs (3)
vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3)

Team Outlook

The Pirates were one of the best stories of 2013, and with the way they have built their roster with young, controllable players, they figure to be in the NL mix for the foreseeable future. There are some question marks heading into 2014, though.

Losing A.J. Burnett hurts the rotation, and Edinson Volquez didn't show anything this spring to project as a useful fifth starter. Full seasons from Gerrit Cole, Wandy Rodriguez and Charlie Morton should help offset that loss, though, and top prospect Jameson Taillon could be along at some point.

Offensively, the team will roll with a platoon of Gaby Sanchez and Travis Ishikawa at first base and an underperforming Jose Tabata in right field, and those two areas could become an issue. However, pitching will be the key to their success once again, and even with a handful of question marks they still look like a playoff team.

9. Oakland Athletics

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Coco Crisp	RHP Sonny Gray
3B Josh Donaldson	LHP Scott Kazmir
SS Jed Lowrie	LHP Jesse Chavez
LF Yoenis Cespedes	RHP Dan Straily
DH Brandon Moss	LHP Tommy Milone
RF Josh Reddick	BULLPEN
C John Jaso	RHP Evan Scribner
2B Eric Sogard	LHP Drew Pomeranz
1B Daric Barton	LHP Fernando Abad
BENCH	RHP Danny Otero
C Derek Norris	LHP Sean Doolittle
IF Alberto Callaspo	RHP Luke Gregerson
IF Nick Punto	RHP Jim Johnson
OF Sam Fuld

Upcoming Games

vs. Cleveland Indians (3)
vs. Seattle Mariners (4)

Team Outlook

Starting pitching depth is enough of a strength for the A's that they shopped and eventually traded left-hander Brett Anderson this offseason because they really had no spot for him. Fast-forward a few months, and Jarrod Parker has been lost for the year due to Tommy John surgery and A.J. Griffin could be headed down that road as well.

That makes a big season from Sonny Gray that much more important, as he looks to duplicate his late-season and playoff success. Jesse Chavez is the other X-factor in the rotation, as he spent last year pitching out of the bullpen but had a terrific spring.

The offense is essentially the same, and manager Bob Melvin will once again use everyone at his disposal to get the most out of his lineup. The A's won't take anyone by surprise at this point, and they have to be looked at as a serious postseason contender as long as their pitching holds up.

8. Cincinnati Reds

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Billy Hamilton	RHP Johnny Cueto
2B Brandon Phillips	RHP Homer Bailey
1B Joey Votto	RHP Mike Leake
RF Jay Bruce	LHP Tony Cingrani
LF Ryan Ludwick	RHP Alfredo Simon
3B Todd Frazier	BULLPEN
SS Zack Cozart	RHP Trevor Bell
C Brayan Pena	RHP Logan Ondrusek
BENCH	RHP Pedro Beato
C Tucker Barnhart	RHP Nick Christiani
1B Neftali Soto	LHP Manny Parra
IF Ramon Santiago	RHP Sam LeCure
OF Roger Bernadina	RHP J.J. Hoover
OF Chris Heisey

Upcoming Schedule

vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3)
at New York Mets (3)

Team Outlook

For most teams, losing Shin-Soo Choo and Bronson Arroyo would have represented a rough offseason. For the Reds, it simply gave them an opportunity to plug impressive youngsters Billy Hamilton and Tony Cingrani into bigger roles.

All eyes will be on the speedy Hamilton, as he looks to replace the on-base machine that Choo was atop the lineup. He'll immediately become the fastest player in baseball and is the smart bet to lead the league in steals, but the question remains if he'll get on base enough after posting a .308 OBP in Triple-A last year.

Mat Latos will open the year on the DL, and he'll be joined by a trio of key relievers in Sean Marshall, Jonathan Broxton and Aroldis Chapman, so new manager Bryan Price has his some hurdles to overcome right out of the gate.

This looks like a team with enough talent to return to the playoffs, but are the Reds good enough to get past the Cardinals or Dodgers in the NLCS?

7. New York Yankees

Leon Halip/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Jacoby Ellsbury	LHP CC Sabathia
SS Derek Jeter	RHP Hiroki Kuroda
RF Carlos Beltran	RHP Ivan Nova
1B Mark Teixeira	RHP Masahiro Tanaka
C Brian McCann	RHP Michael Pineda
DH Alfonso Soriano	BULLPEN
LF Brett Gardner	RHP Adam Warren
3B Kelly Johnson	LHP Vidal Nuno
2B Brian Roberts	RHP David Phelps
BENCH	LHP Matt Thornton
C Francisco Cervelli	RHP Dellin Betances
IF Dean Anna	RHP Shawn Kelley
IF Yangervis Solarte	RHP David Robertson
OF Ichiro Suzuki

Upcoming Games

at Houston Astros (3)
at Toronto Blue Jays (3)

Team Outlook

After missing the playoffs for just the second time since 1994, the Yankees got to work rebuilding their roster this offseason. Gone is superstar second baseman Robinson Cano, but the team brought in a trio of impact bats in Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann.

They also signed Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka in hopes that he can provide a boost to what was a wildly inconsistent rotation last season. David Robertson slides into the closer's role, replacing the retired Mariano Rivera, and the bullpen as a whole has a new look.

There are certainly question marks, as the infield of Mark Teixeira, Brian Roberts, Derek Jeter and Kelly Johnson is a fragile, aging one and the rotation is still far from spectacular. However, the Yankees managed to win 85 games last season with a decimated roster, and they are undoubtedly improved heading into 2014.

The Yankees simply know how to win, and while there are better teams on paper, they should be right in the AL East mix.

6. Detroit Tigers

Carlos Osorio

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
2B Ian Kinsler	RHP Justin Verlander
RF Torii Hunter	RHP Max Scherzer
1B Miguel Cabrera	RHP Anibal Sanchez
DH Victor Martinez	RHP Rick Porcello
CF Austin Jackson	LHP Drew Smyly
C Alex Avila	BULLPEN
3B Nick Castellanos	RHP Luke Putkonen
SS Alex Gonzalez	LHP Phil Coke
LF Don Kelly	RHP Evan Reed
BENCH	RHP Al Alburquerque
C Bryan Holaday	LHP Ian Krol
IF Andrew Romine	RHP Joba Chamberlain
OF Tyler Collins	RHP Joe Nathan
OF Rajai Davis

Upcoming Games

vs. Kansas City Royals (3)
vs. Baltimore Orioles (3)

Team Outlook

Down from the No. 3 spot after a spring that saw them lose a pair of everyday position players in shortstop Jose Iglesias and left fielder Andy Dirks, the Tigers still look like the favorites in the AL Central thanks to their fantastic rotation.

Detroit dealt Doug Fister to the Nationals in the offseason, but Drew Smyly should have no problem replacing his production as he makes the move from setup man to starter. The team also moved Prince Fielder, leaving some question as to how well Miguel Cabrera will be protected, and the duo of Austin Jackson and Alex Avila will need to step up.

The Tigers are not head and shoulders above the rest of their division in terms of talent like they were for the past few years. The Royals and Indians could make things very hard on the Tigers in 2014, but Detroit is still my pick to win the division. If they can just get to October, that starting rotation makes them as dangerous as anyone.

5. Washington Nationals

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
CF Denard Span	RHP Stephen Strasburg
SS Ian Desmond	LHP Gio Gonzalez
RF Jayson Werth	RHP Jordan Zimmermann
3B Ryan Zimmerman	RHP Tanner Roark
LF Bryce Harper	RHP Taylor Jordan
1B Adam LaRoche	BULLPEN
C Wilson Ramos	LHP Ross Detwiler
2B Anthony Rendon	RHP Aaron Barrett
BENCH	LHP Jerry Blevins
C Jose Lobaton	RHP Craig Stammen
IF Danny Espinosa	RHP Drew Storen
IF Kevin Frandsen	RHP Tyler Clippard
OF Scott Hairston	RHP Rafael Soriano
OF Nate McLouth

Upcoming Games

at New York Mets (3)
vs. Atlanta Braves (3)

Team Outlook

Count me among those who were incredibly high on the Nationals heading into last season—and incredibly disappointed when they limped into the All-Star break one game over .500. A second-half push was not enough to salvage their season, and the Braves wound up running away with the division.

The Nationals fooled me last year, but I'm again expecting big things this season. The addition of Doug Fister makes an already great rotation arguably the best in baseball, though he will start the season on the DL. The lineup is essentially unchanged, but a full season of Wilson Ramos and a breakout by Anthony Rendon could make them a lot better.

The X-factor here is Bryce Harper, and love him or hate him, it's impossible to argue his value to the Nationals. The team was 65-53 with him last year and 21-23 without him, and if he can stay healthy this season, Washington is my pick to win the NL East.

4. Boston Red Sox

Leon Halip/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Daniel Nava	LHP Jon Lester
2B Dustin Pedroia	RHP John Lackey
DH David Ortiz	RHP Jake Peavy
1B Mike Napoli	LHP Felix Doubront
LF Mike Carp	RHP Clay Buchholz
CF Grady Sizemore	BULLPEN
SS Xander Bogaerts	LHP Chris Capuano
C A.J. Pierzynski	RHP Burke Badenhop
3B Will Middlebrooks	RHP Brandon Workman
BENCH	LHP Andrew Miller
C David Ross	RHP Junichi Tazawa
IF Jonathan Herrera	RHP Edward Mujica
OF Jackie Bradley Jr.	RHP Koji Uehara
OF Jonny Gomes

Upcoming Games

at Baltimore Orioles (3)
vs. Milwaukee Brewers (3)

Team Outlook

The reigning champs had a busy offseason, as they waved goodbye to a trio of key contributors in Jacoby Ellsbury, Stephen Drew and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in free agency. Boston brought in A.J. Pierzynski to replace Salty, but the other two spots will be filled by a rookie in Xander Bogaerts and an oft-injured former star in Grady Sizemore.

The highest-scoring offense in baseball last season, the Red Sox should still score plenty of runs, even with a few guys who are far from sure things. Bogaerts has the tools to be a special player, and the team does have Jackie Bradley waiting in the minors for when Sizemore inevitably goes down with an injury.

The rotation is solid but not spectacular, and there is no shortage of injury history among their veteran arms. Luckily, they have a ton of high-end pitching prospects and should be able to get by if someone goes down. The Red Sox still look very much like a playoff team, but they are not my pick to win the AL East or repeat as AL pennant winners, as that honor goes to the next team in these rankings. 

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
LF David DeJesus	LHP David Price
2B Ben Zobrist	RHP Alex Cobb
3B Evan Longoria	LHP Matt Moore
RF Wil Myers	RHP Chris Archer
DH Matt Joyce	RHP Jake Odorizzi
1B James Loney	BULLPEN
CF Desmond Jennings	LHP Cesar Ramos
SS Yunel Escobar	RHP Josh Lueke
C Ryan Hanigan	RHP Brandon Gomes
BENCH	RHP Heath Bell
C Jose Molina	LHP Jake McGee
IF/OF Logan Forsythe	RHP Joel Peralta
IF/OF Sean Rodriguez	RHP Grant Balfour
OF Brandon Guyer

Upcoming Games

vs. Toronto Blue Jays (4)
vs. Texas Rangers (3)

Team Outlook

That's right, folks—the small-market Rays enter the season as my top-ranked American League team, and they are my pick to represent the AL in the World Series this year.

David Price remains atop the staff after an offseason during which most assumed he would be traded, and if rookie Jake Odorizzi can hold his own, the Rays could have the best rotation in baseball. Alex Cobb likely would have been an AL Cy Young candidate if he didn't miss two months, and Matt Moore is only getting better.

Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers moves into the cleanup spot in the order, and he gives the team the second run producer it's been missing since Carlos Pena left (the first time). The Rays should score enough to back their terrific pitching, and their bullpen always finds a way to get it done. With no clear weakness, Tampa Bay comes in ahead of the rest of the American League to kick off the year.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
RF Yasiel Puig	LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
LF Carl Crawford	RHP Zack Greinke
SS Hanley Ramirez	RHP Dan Haren
1B Adrian Gonzalez	LHP Paul Maholm
CF Andre Ethier
3B Juan Uribe	BULLPEN
C A.J. Ellis	RHP Brandon League
2B Dee Gordon	RHP Chris Withrow
BENCH	LHP J.P. Howell
C Drew Butera	RHP Jamey Wright
IF Justin Turner	LHP Paco Rodriguez
IF/OF Chone Figgins	RHP Chris Perez
IF/OF Scott Van Slyke	RHP Brian Wilson
OF Mike Baxter	RHP Kenley Jansen

Upcoming Games

at San Diego Padres (3)
vs. San Francisco Giants (3)

Team Outlook

The Dodgers started the season 23-32 last year and still managed to win 92 games. Read that over a few times, because it really speaks to just how impressive that team was once it figured things out.

Having both Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez for a full season should make the offense that much better, and if Matt Kemp can ever get healthy and back on the field, the lineup could be downright scary. Infield depth is a bit of a question mark, but it is a relatively minor one.

The rotation, provided the back injury that landed Clayton Kershaw on the DL to open the season does not persist, should be great once again. The bullpen looks substantially better than last year's version with Brian Wilson around for a full season and the additions of Jamey Wright and Chris Perez.

All the pieces are there for the Dodgers; they just need to get past the No. 1 team on this list, as these last two squads could be squaring off in the NLCS for the next several years.

1. St. Louis Cardinals

David Goldman

OPENING DAY ROSTER
STARTING LINEUP	ROTATION
3B Matt Carpenter	RHP Adam Wainwright
2B Kolten Wong	RHP Michael Wacha
LF Matt Holliday	RHP Lance Lynn
RF Allen Craig	RHP Shelby Miller
C Yadier Molina	RHP Joe Kelly
1B Matt Adams	BULLPEN
SS Jhonny Peralta	RHP Keith Butler
CF Peter Bourjos	RHP Pat Neshek
BENCH	LHP Randy Choate
C Tony Cruz	RHP Seth Maness
2B Mark Ellis	LHP Kevin Siegrist
IF Daniel Descalso	RHP Carlos Martinez
OF Jon Jay	RHP Trevor Rosenthal
OF Shane Robinson

Upcoming Games

at Cincinnati Reds (3)
at Pittsburgh Pirates (3)

Team Outlook

The Cardinals have been No. 1 in my power rankings since the start of the offseason, and nothing has changed to put them anywhere else with Opening Day upon us.

The addition of shortstop Jhonny Peralta filled their one major weak spot from last season, and they upgraded in center field with the addition of Peter Bourjos. Kolten Wong also joins the starting lineup, with Matt Carpenter shifting to third base. In fact, after a big spring, Wong is my pick for NL Rookie of the Year.

The rotation is young behind ace Adam Wainwright, but they have so much depth that it really is not a concern. The duo of Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha may be inexperienced, but they have the stuff to potentially give the Cardinals three aces.

To put it simply, there is not a deeper, more complete team entering the 2014 season than the St. Louis Cardinals, and they are right where they belong atop these rankings.