NL Central

With about a month left to go in the MLB regular season, I took a crack at predicting the Cubs' 2015 Opening Day roster. While a lot remains unchanged, there are a lot of new players who have been added to the mix this offseason. 

With spring training just around the corner and the new year being rung in, it feels like the MLB offseason is over. However, for the Chicago Cubs, like most other teams in the league, there is still some work to be done. Even though the bulk of Chicago's offseason moves have likely already been made, it will still look to improve its 2015 roster.

The dropping of the crystal ball signaled the start of 2015, officially designating the disastrous season of 2014 as last year's news.

When we discuss the Cincinnati Reds from this juncture, we discuss a new product. The Reds lack the potent starting rotation they once had, but they do offer some offensive prowess that many fans have longed for.

Through their signing of Jon Lester, trade for Miguel Montero and other various moves this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have made one thing clear: They plan to compete starting in 2015. Whether they're truly competitive this upcoming season remains to be seen, but for the first time in several years, the team actually has an expectation of success.

If the Cincinnati Reds were holding out hope of Johnny Cueto giving them a hometown discount on an extension, it sounds like they can forget about it.

Though 2015 doesn't officially begin until January 1, the Chicago Cubs have already kicked off their 2015 by making a huge splash in free agency and a few trades during the 2014-15 offseason.

Dear Santa,

Reds fan here. We haven't been on the greatest of terms since Clinchmas, now over four years ago. Where have you been since? And what's with all the coal in our red stockings?

On Monday we learned the Pittsburgh Pirates have won negotiating rights to Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Johnny Cueto has reportedly provided a deadline for the Cincinnati Reds to discuss a contract extension.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed up to take a chance on a 27-year-old shortstop who hit 40 home runs last season.

Yeah, you'll have to trust me that there is some chance involved with a player like that. Actually, "risk" might be the better word, as the shortstop in question is no sure thing.

We can say this, though: The Pirates are just the team to roll the dice on him.