Where does Pedro Alvarez rank in the division’s first basemen?

Oct 16, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams (32) throws to first base for the out against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning of game five of the 2014 NLCS playoff at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

3) Matt Adams – St. Louis Cardinals

After the Cardinals let Albert Pujols head west to the Angels, many wondered if St. Louis’ reign at the top of the National League Central was coming to a close.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Matt Adams has proved to be more than adequate at first base and at the plate in recent years. Last season, as St. Louis made the postseason yet again, the left-handed-swinging first baseman saw his power numbers drop a bit, but he still batted .288/.321/.457 and hit 15 homers, while adding a career-high 68 runs batted in.

He’s no Pujols, but he’s proven that he can make consistent contact – which is a rare commodity for a plus-sized corner infielder.