First Base- Paul Goldschmidt
He was the runner up for the NL MVP award last year, and with a better supporting cast probably could have won it outright. For 2014 though I expect him to be right in the think of the MVP race again. Has the ability to hit 40 home runs and steal 20 bases, a rare combination for a first baseman.
Second Base- Daniel Murphy
The NL is overall pretty weak at this position. Matt Carpenter was the clear-cut best in 2013, but he's moving to third base in 2014. For me it was between Murphy and Aaron Hill at the top, but I'll take Murphy. He handles the bat extremely well, and was second in hits in the NL last year. He also has good instincts on the bases, stealing 23 bags last year.
Shortstop- Hanley Ramirez
After a few down years, Ramirez was back to his old self last season when he was healthy. Teammate Yasiel Puig got all the attention, but Ramirez put up equally as good numbers, if not better, when he returned from injury. He seemed right at home in a Dodgers uniform, and with a full season could put himself in the MVP race.
Third Base- David Wright
Two Mets on the infield, I know its hard to believe. But when he's healthy he's a steady producer in the middle of the lineup. Doesn't put up the standout numbers like others on this list, but is a reliable .300 hitter with 30 home run power.
Left Field- Bryce Harper
Harper is on this list purely because of potential, not for his track record thus far in his young career. The 21 year old left fielder has off the charts power, and could hit 50 home runs in a season sometime soon. Harper is the definition of a 5 tool player, he just has to stay healthy in order to display those tools.
Center Field- Andrew McCutchen
The reigning NL MVP winner can do it all, and scarily enough seems like he can get even better. I wouldn't be surprised if he puts up better numbers in 2014 than he did last year. The sky is the ceiling for the Bucs centerfielder.
Right Field- Giancarlo Stanton
Maybe the most powerful hitter in the majors, Stanton has already hit 117 home runs in his 3 and a half year career. Its easy to forget he is still only 24 years old as well. If the Marlins front office gave this guy some protection he could easily hit upwards of 50 home runs.
Catcher- Yadier Molina
He was the frontrunner for the NL MVP in 2013 before going down with an injury, and should make another run at it again. His offensive production continues to get better every season. What he does defensively and with the young pitching staff in St. Louis might not show up on a stat sheet, but is probably his most impressive asset.
Starting Pitcher- Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw is the undisputed best pitcher in the National League. Even though he is going to miss the first few weeks of the season Kershaw can still put up the numbers to win the Cy Young for a second consecutive year.
Setup Man- Mark Melancon
Melancon did a tremendous job filling in as the Pirates closer when Jason Grilli went down with an injury in 2013. By seasons end he has a 1.39 ERA and a WHIP under 1. If Grilli scuffles early on in 2014 Melancon might be coming for his closing job.
Closer- Craig Kimbrel
Last season wasn't as dominant as his 2012 season, but it was still nothing short of impressive. It would have been unrealistic to expect Kimbrel to average almost 2 strikeouts an inning like he did in 2013, but this guy is still the class of the National League when it comes to shutting the door in the 9th inning.
Lineup
1. Bryce Harper
2. Andrew McCutchen
3. Giancarlo Stanton
4. Paul Goldschmidt
5. Hanley Ramirez
6. David Wright
7. Yadier Molina
8. Daniel Murphy
9. Pitcher
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