NL spring training position battles to keep an eye on

The time has come for spring training to help determine a number of intriguing position battles involving players looking to earn a steady role with a National League club.

Here's a specific position battle for every NL team to keep an eye on as spring games get underway:

Braves - Tyler Flowers vs. Kurt Suzuki, C

Flowers split last season behind the dish with A.J. Pierzynski and will likely do the same in 2017 with Suzuki coming to Atlanta. The real question is who gets the over-glorified title of being named Opening Day starter.

Brewers - Andrew Susac vs. Jett Bandy, C

Similar to the situation in Atlanta, Susac and Bandy are likely to split the catching duties down the middle in 2017, as they're near identical players who both possess next to no experience receiving the Brewers' pitchers at the big-league level.

Cardinals - Jhonny Peralta vs. Jedd Gyorko, 3B

Gyorko hit a career-high 30 home runs playing mostly at second base last season, but with the club committed to Kolten Wong, Gyorko will challenge the aging Peralta - who was injured much of last season - for the starting gig at third.

Cubs - Jon Jay vs. Albert Almora Jr., CF

After losing Dexter Fowler to free agency, the Cubs brought in Jay, who is likely to begin the year as the starting center fielder while mentoring Almora Jr. who he's a close friend of, in the process. Almora Jr. could supplant Jay with a strong spring, however.

Diamondbacks - Chris Ianetta vs. Jeff Mathis, C

The D-Backs went out of their way to add a number of catchers to their depth charts this offseason, but the main battle in spring should be between the two veterans Iannetta and Mathis. Iannetta may have more offensive prowess, but Mathis is well-regarded for his work behind the plate and in the clubhouse.

Dodgers - Yasiel Puig vs. Andre Ethier, RF

The Dodgers are going to have two former All-Stars to choose from in spring for their vacant right field spot. L.A.'s choices are between the eccentric Puig, who was demoted at one point last season but still possesses the talent to be one of the game's best outfielders, or Ethier who only played 16 games in 2016 because of a fractured right fibula.

Giants - Jarrett Parker vs. Mac Williamson, LF

After the Giants didn't pull the trigger on their reported chase for Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez, it appears they'll choose between Parker and Williamson, who possess similar skill sets, but hit from opposite sides of the plate.

Marlins - Brian Ellington vs. Nick Wittgren vs. Jose Urena, RP

The Marlins' bullpen will be a strength in 2017, so much so that there isn't a whole lot of room left in it. Ellington, Wittgren, and Urena all have a chance at slotting into the 'pen with strong springs. Ellington and Wittgren were both impressive out of Miami's bullpen last season, while Urena can start and relieve.

Mets - Travis D'Arnaud vs. Rene Rivera, C

Injuries and lack of production from d'Arnaud caused the Mets to go with Rivera as the everyday catcher to finish last season, but it doesn't appear like New York is ready to give up on the young catcher just yet. A poor spring or another injury may make them think otherwise, however.

Nationals - Shawn Kelley vs. Blake Treinen, CL

Despite rumors surrounding the potential acquisition of David Robertson from the White Sox, the Nationals enter spring training without an established closer to finish games. The job is up for grabs between Kelley, and his 11 career saves, and the hard-throwing Treinen who has closer stuff and a proven track record over the past three seasons out of the 'pen, albeit in a different role.

Padres - Hunter Renfroe vs. Alex Dickerson, OF

There are many roster spots up for grabs at Padres camp, but one of the most appealing position battles should be between Renfroe, who had a marvelous 11-game debut last season or the powerful Dickerson, whose fifth-deck home run in Toronto last season immediately put him on people's radars.

Pirates - John Jaso vs. Josh Bell, 1B

Bell is expected to be the future everyday first baseman in Pittsburgh, but he's recovering from February knee surgery and may not end up earning the starting job if his recovery, which he said he felt "good" about entering camp, doesn't go as planned. Either of Jaso and Freese could begin the season as the Opening Day starter at first, although Jaso looks more destined for a super-utility role off the bench.

Phillies - Freddy Galvis vs. J.P. Crawford, SS

Galvis is coming off a career year at shortstop for the Phillies, hitting a career high in home runs (20) and RBIs (67), and will likely win the starting job out of camp, but Crawford is one of the game's top prospects and could challenge his counterpart with an impressive spring. Crawford struggled at Triple-A last season, so it's a long shot.

Reds - Raisel Iglesias vs. Drew Storen, CL

After Brandon Phillips was traded to the Braves, a position battle between him and Jose Peraza was thrown out the window, which doesn't leave a lot to be excited about during Reds spring camp. One interesting story line could be who the closer's job goes to. Iglesias appeared set for the role until Storen, who has saved 98 games during his career, was signed.

Rockies - Gerardo Parra vs. David Dahl, LF

When the Rockies signed Parra to a three-year deal before the 2016 season, it seemed like a strange move because of their packed, and already talented, outfield. With Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez entrenched into starting roles, Parra will battle with the budding David Dahl for the third starting job in the club's outfield.