Major League Baseball is asking its fans to vote for the four most impactful players who best represent the history of each franchise.  The winners will be announced in July at the All Star Game in Cincinnati.  Today, I will give my Franchise Four picks for the National League Central, minus the Cubs.

5 Hall of Famers should make this an easy choice, but the permanent exclusion of the all-time hit king adds a slight wrinkle to the proceedings for the Reds.  Let’s say that Johnny Bench and Frank Robinson hold down two of the spots.  That leaves Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Barry Larkin, and Pete Rose for the final two slots.  I’m going to go with the exiled Rose and Morgan.

For a franchise that dates back to 1969, the Brewers, once you get past Robin Yount and Paul Molitor, don’t have much to choose from.  Ryan Braun, despite his association with PEDs, get my third slot.  I guess I’d give the final position to Rollie Fingers.

The Pirates choices include 3 from the early 20th century, of whom I don’t know a whole lot about, which makes some of these choices difficult.  Off the bat, I have to give spots to Roberto Clemente and Honus Wagner.  For the other two slots, I’m going to go with Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski.

Given their long and storied history, the choices for the Cardinals are relatively easy.  Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Lou Brock garner the first 3 slots without much competition.  The last slot I’m going to give to Ozzie Smith.