Chopcast: Breaking down the top NL lineups

By foxsports
Published

The offseason is consumed with rankings and lists.

As pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Chopcast team decided to delve into the lineups those guys will be discussing during workouts and fearing during the season. No surprise: The Braves will be one of the first teams that come to mind for National League pitchers.

Here are the highlights of Thursday's show (and be sure to subscribe on iTunes):

1:13 — Is the Braves lineup the best baseball has to offer? With the development of farm system standouts (Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons) and offseason acquisitions (Justin and B.J. Upton) many believe Atlanta is poised for a special offensive year. Additionally, given the projected 25-man roster, manager Fredi Gonzalez should have a plethora of lineup possibilities — what are his best options on paper?

6:00  — Could Gonzalez's lineup card ever feature a back-to-back Upton exclusive?

6:40  — The team breaks down the top five spots on Jay Clemons' list: Braves, Nationals, Reds, Rockies and Diamondbacks. Could the Nationals be a more complete lineup? What's so scary about the Reds? Why are the Rockies so highly ranked?

8:00  — With the addition of Denard Span in the leadoff role, how might this change the Nationals' approach. Also, Washington trivia provided by Cory McCartney.

11:55  — Will superstar first baseman Joey Votto need to carry the Reds lineup, or is it better than most assume? Would the addition of minor league speedster and big-time prospect Billy Hamilton shake up the N.L.?

19:45  — Which teams compose the Best of the Rest? Where are the hyped Dodgers and the world champion Giants? Have the Phillies really fallen off this much?

24:!5  — With the MLB Network rolling out a new feature show, it begs the question: Are you interested in quarterbacks becoming knuckleballers? Or, better yet, will former LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux guarantee 10 Cy Youngs on the program?

Be sure to subscribe to the Chopcast on iTunes — we're 97.3 percent sure it will be the best baseball decision you make all day. SUBSCRIBE HERE»