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Which NL teams are the Chicago Cubs biggest threats?

By Paul Steeno

Oct 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) high-fives teammates during player introductions against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. The Cubs won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) high-fives teammates during player introductions against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. The Cubs won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Pirates

2016 Projected Lineup (courtesy of rotochamp.com):

Gregory Polanco OF

Josh Harrison 3B

Andrew McCutchen OF

Starling Marte OF

Michael Morse 1B

Jung-ho Kang 2B

Francisco Cervelli C

Jordy Mercer SS

Starting Rotation:

Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano, Jon Niese, Jeff Locke and Ryan Vogelsong

Rundown:

The NL Central isn’t getting any less competitive in 2016.

The Pittsburgh Pirates seek revenge after the Cubs beat them in the NL Wild Card game last season. They have the tools to enact this revenge if the season plays out right for them.

The Pirates lost several key positions players yet still project to finish close to the 98 wins that they managed last season.

Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez and Aramis Ramirez are no longer with the team but the rest of the core group of position players remains firmly rooted into place. Andrew McCutchen is a perennial MVP candidate while Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte join McCutchen to form one of the most formidable outfield trios in baseball. At least at the plate, Francisco Cervelli is one of the most underrated catchers in baseball. Last season, he slashed .295/.370/.401 with seven home runs and 43 RBIs. Jung-ho Kang finished third last season in Rookie of the Year voting.

The biggest issue for the Pirates is the back-end of the starting rotation. Jon Niese, Jeff Locke and Ryan Vogelsong are all veterans but none of these players posted a strong ERA in 2016. Elite youngster Gerrit Cole and veteran Francisco Liriano form a nice one-two punch at the top of the rotation.

The Pirates bullpen posted the best collective ERA in baseball in 2015 and look to pick up where they left off in 2016.

With both the Pirates and the aforementioned Cardinals lurking around, it won’t be easy for the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central let alone the NL pennant next season. Although the Cubs eliminated both squads in 2015, the tables could turn in 2016 assuming all three teams reach the playoffs.

Next: It's an even year....

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