Adam Wainwright and the 10 Biggest Wild Cards in the 2012 NL Central Race

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in about two weeks. The 2012 Major League Baseball season is just around the corner, and that is never a bad thing.

The NL Central has the same power structure as last season.

Milwaukee, St.Louis and Cincinnati will all contend for the crown with Chicago, Pittsburgh and Houston bringing up the rear.

Every team has their sure-things and bona fide superstars. Each team also has surprise players, and x-factors heading into the season.

Here are the 10 biggest wild cards in the NL Central this season:

Chris Johnson

The Houston Astros need a miracle next season if they wish to climb out of the NL Central's cellar.

Chris Johnson could, at least, provide a bright spot in Houston's dark situation.

Johnson had a solid rookie season but dropped off last year. He hit just seven home runs, and hit .251.

He has great potential at the plate, and in the field. He will be expected to anchor a lineup with very little expectations overall.

Houston's current situation is dismal. Johnson needs to give the fans a little something to be excited about.

Sean Marshall

Sean Marshall is not just one of the tallest relief pitchers in the game, but also one of the best.

Marshall went 6-6 last season for the Cubs, nailed down five saves and had a 2.26 ERA. He is a versatile pitcher and can fill several roles late in the game.

Mat Latos is a major part of the Reds' attempt to improve their team pitching this season. Marshall is a different part, but a big part nonetheless.

If he can provide a solid foundation to the Reds' bullpen more leads will be protected.

With the Reds' current lineup, you can bet they will have plenty of leads.

Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez could be the missing link in the Pirates' revival. He must provide power, and he must provide it often.

Alvarez was expected to bash home runs on a consistent basis when he entered the major leagues. Instead, he has 20 home runs in 169 career games and has hit a mere .230 at the plate.

He has shown little consistency at the plate, poor defense and the inability to adjust. That is not a good combination.

Alvarez cannot be considered a bust yet, but he is reaching that point. He must display his potential this season if he wants to remain in the Pirate lineup.

If he can find his stroke, the Pirates could surprise people this season.

Corey Hart

Prince Fielder is a Detroit Tiger, and Ryan Braun is facing a 50-game suspension to start the season.

Someone will have to pick up the slack in the Milwaukee lineup. That someone may have to be Corey Hart.

Hart is a capable player. He had 26 home runs last season, and can hit for average as well. He is also a solid defender.

The Brewers will be able to win games with their pitching staff, but they must be able to score runs as well. Beyond Hart, there are several question marks for the Brewers offensively.

Hart must hold this lineup together until reinforcements arrive.

Mat Latos

The Cincinnati Reds' team pitching ranked 12th in the National League next season. Mat Latos is expected to help improve that rank this season.

Latos was acquired from San Diego in exchange for Edinson Volquez, Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal and Brad Boxberger.

The Reds paid a pretty penny for the right-hander. He is worth it, if he can adjust to his new team.

Latos was 9-14 for the Padres last season. However, he had a 3.47 ERA, a .233 BAA and struck out 185 batters in 194.1 innings.

He is a power pitcher and will be fine as long as he adjusts. Great American Ballpark is not the comfortable pitchers' park PetCo Park is. As long as Latos realizes that, all will be well.

Latos is part of the effort to bring the Reds' pitching up to par with their powerful lineup. If he can have a big year, the Reds will be a force to reckon with.

Matt Garza

Matt Garza needs to impress the front office this season, whether it be Chicago's or anyone else's.

Garza and the Cubs avoided arbitration, but Theo Epstein has hinted toward Garza's availability throughout the offseason.

If Garza wants big money he will need to improve in 2012. He went 10-10 last season with a 3.32 ERA. He was ninth in the National League in strikeouts, but he still shows inconsistency.

The Cubs are not playoff contenders even if Garza throws well, but they have a shot at respect. Garza must be their ace, and show consistent pitching every five days.

He certainly has the talent, now he must earn his money.

Shaun Marcum

Shaun Marcum and the Brewers just avoided arbitration. Now, Marcum needs to show Milwaukee he is worth the money.

Marcum won 13 games for Milwaukee last season and had a 3.54 ERA. Not bad for being the No. 3 starter.

He has quietly put up a 50-32 career record with a 3.77 career ERA. He will not wow anyone with velocity or theatrics, but he is a well above-average middle of the rotation arm. He eats innings, and knows how to pitch.

Milwaukee may need to rely on their pitching staff to win games, at least until Ryan Braun returns to the lineup.

Zach Greinke and Yovani Gallardo are both very talented, and a lethal one-two punch.

A big contract year from Marcum gives Milwaukee one of the rotations in the National League.

Carlos Beltran

Carlos Beltran is not Albert Pujols, nor is he expected to be. But, he is expected to make up for some of Pujols' lost production.

He is a career .283 hitter with power and Gold Glove defense. He is aging, but most of his five tools still remain.

Beltran's solid season last year leaves reason to believe that he still has some juice left in the tank.

The Cardinal pitching staff should win many games, but the Cardinal lineup will need to pull its' wait as well.

Beltran, along with returning players Lance Berkman, David Freese and Matt Holliday will need to shoulder the load.

If Beltran can produce and provide veteran leadership the Cardinals will surprise people despite their loss of the game's best overall hitter.

Ryan Braun

Ryan Braun is facing a 50-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs heading into next season. He will likely serve the suspension, but will need to make an impact upon his return.

The Brewers lost Prince Fielder this offseason, and lost Braun for the short term.

Braun's impact will be felt. He has won four straight Silver Slugger awards and is the reigning National League MVP. He is one of the best all-around hitters in baseball today.

Milwaukee has two huge voids to fill in their lineup. If they can hold down the fort until Braun returns, they could be in good shape.

The key is for Braun to remain in good shape, and stay hungry while watching from the sidelines.

If he can, Milwaukee will be fine.

Adam Wainwright

The St. Louis Cardinals won the 2011 World Series without the services of their best pitcher, Adam Wainwright.

Wainwright missed the season because of Tommy John surgery.

Now, with Wainwright back in the mix the Cardinals have to like their chances again in 2012.

Wainwright has a career 66-35 record and a sub-3.00 ERA. He is the Cardinals' ace when healthy with veteran Chris Carpenter a close No. 2.

The Cardinal rotation is solid with Carpenter and lefty Jaime Garcia leading they way, but with Wainwright in the mix they have one of the best pitching rotations in the National League.