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Power Ranking the NL Central Starting First Basemen

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By @schwick26_pete

Power Rankings the NL Central Starting First Basemen

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
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At one time, first base in the National League Central was stocked with talent, boasting players like Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Joey Votto. While only Votto remains, the current group of first basemen have talent, too. Here is a ranking of the starting first basemen in the division.

5. Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
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5. Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
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Just one season ago, Pedro Alvarez led the National League in home runs. But after a trying 2014 season in which he batted just .231 and is now moving from third to first, he has a lot to prove if he is going to move up the charts in the division. Corey Hart was signed as a low risk, high reward right-handed option if Alvarez again struggles.

4. Adam Lind

Adam Lind Milwaukee Brewers
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

4. Adam Lind

Adam Lind Milwaukee Brewers
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Since Prince Fielder left after the 2011 season, first base has been a revolving door in Milwaukee. Although Adam Lind does not come to the Brewers as a big name, he will be the best option that they have had since then. He torched right-handed pitching last season, and by moving to Miller Park, fans should expect his numbers to continue to rise.

3. Joey Votto

Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

3. Joey Votto

Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

At one point, Joey Votto was viewed as one of the best hitters in all of baseball, but injuries have forced him to slip in the power rankings. Though he isn't the same slugger with 30-plus home run power, he is an on-base machine (leading the league in OBP from 2010-13) when healthy.

2. Matt Adams

Matt Adams St. Louis Cardinals
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2. Matt Adams

Matt Adams St. Louis Cardinals
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In his first full season as a starter, Matt Adams didn't hit as many home runs as expected, but he grew as a hitter. Instead of being just a home run threat, he batted .288, drew walks and was able to start to hit the ball the other way. With another year under his belt, expect him to become even more dangerous.

1. Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
Getty Images

1. Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
Getty Images

Anthony Rizzo was expected to be a star for a long time, and last season that time finally came. Rizzo not only hit a career high 32 home runs, but he batted .286 and became a force in the Chicago Cubs' lineup. With a strong lineup of young hitters around him, Rizzo's numbers will continue to grow.

Pete Schwichtenberg is a MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.

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