National League Capsule Previews

A team-by-team look at the National League entering the 2002 regular season, including players each club acquired and lost, projected lineups and rotations. Teams listed in order of finish last year:

Atlanta Braves

2001: 88-74, 1st place, NL East.

Manager: Bobby Cox (17th season).

Reaching Base: .324 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: LHP Mike Remlinger (3-3, 2.76, 1 save, 74 games) and RHP Kerry Ligtenberg (3-3, 3.02, 1 save, 53 games).

He's Here: OF Gary Sheffield, 3B Vinny Castilla, RHP Albie Lopez, C Henry Blanco, RHP Darren Holmes, RHP Tim Spooneybarger.

He's Outta Here: OF Brian Jordan, RHP John Burkett, SS Rey Sanchez, LHP Odalis Perez, RHP Steve Karsay, RHP Jose Cabrera, RHP Steve Reed, C Paul Bako, OF Dave Martinez (injured, out for season), RHP Rudy Seanez, 3B Ken Caminiti, OF Bernard Gilkey, C Eddie Perez.

Projected Lineup: SS Rafael Furcal (.275, 4 HR, 30 RBIs, 22 SB, .321 OBP), CF Andruw Jones (.251, 34, 104, 104 runs, 142 strikeouts, .312 OBP), LF Chipper Jones (.330, 38, 102, 113 runs, 98 walks, .427 OBP), RF Gary Sheffield (.311, 36, 100, 96 runs, .417 OBP), 3B Vinny Castilla (.260, 25, 91, .308 OBP), C Javy Lopez (.267, 17, 66, .322 OBP), 1B Julio Franco (.300, 3, 11, .376 OBP), 2B Marcus Giles (.262, 9, 31, .338 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Greg Maddux (17-11, 3.05 ERA, 27 walks in 233 IP), LHP Tom Glavine (16-7, 3.57), RHP Kevin Millwood (7-7, 4.31, 20 HR allowed in 121 IP), RHP Jason Marquis (5-6, 3.48), RHP Albie Lopez (9-19, 4.81 ERA).

Closer: RHP John Smoltz (3-3, 3.36, 10/11 saves).

Hot Spot: Smoltz, a starter for nearly all of his 13-year career, begins his first full season as a closer. Took over role for final 1 ½ months last season and thrived, striking out 37 in 34 innings with 1.59 ERA. But he's got to show he can do it for a full season.

Stat Sheet: Long known for dominant pitching, the Braves may have to get by with offense this season. Third, fourth and fifth starters went a combined 21-32 last season.

Bottom Line: The Braves won their 10th consecutive division title but ranked 13th in the NL in runs scored, prompting major shakeup in the lineup. Sheffield, one of the game's most feared cleanup hitters, came over from Los Angeles and should be a major improvement over Jordan. Castilla returned to his original team, prompting the move of Chipper Jones from 3B to LF. Furcal returns to leadoff role after missing nearly half of last season with shoulder injury. Scoring runs shouldn't be a problem. But pitching doesn't appear nearly as dominant unless Millwood returns to 1999 form (18-7, 2.68 ERA) and Marquis comes through big in first full year as a starter. Smoltz should be one of the game's best closers. Despite major improvement by the Mets, the Braves are still the team to beat in the NL East.

Philadelphia Phillies

2001: 86-76, 2nd place, NL East.

Manager: Larry Bowa (2nd season).

Reaching Base: .329 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Ricky Bottalico (3-4, 3.90, 66 games) and LHP Rheal Cormier (5-6, 4.21, 60 games).

He's Here: RHP Terry Adams, OF Ricky Ledee, INF Dave Hollins, OF John Mabry.

He's Outta Here: OF Brian Hunter, LHP Omar Daal, LHP Dennis Cook.

Projected Lineup: SS Jimmy Rollins (.274, 14, 54, 97 runs, 46 SB, .323 OBP), CF Doug Glanville (.262, 14, 55, 28 SB, .285 OBP), RF Bobby Abreu (.289, 31, 110, 118 runs, 36 SB, .393 OBP), 3B Scott Rolen (.289, 25, 107, .378 OBP), 1B Travis Lee (.258, 20, 90, .341 OBP), C Mike Lieberthal (.231, 2, 11 in 34 games), LF Pat Burrell (.258, 27, 89, 162 Ks, .346 OBP), 2B Marlon Anderson (.293, 11, 61, .337 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Robert Person (15-7, 4.19), LHP Randy Wolf (10-11, 3.70), RHP Terry Adams (12-8, 4.33), RHP Brandon Duckworth (3-2, 3.52, 11 starts), RHP Vicente Padilla (3-1, 4.24, 0 starts) or RHP David Coggin (6-7, 4.17).

Closer: RHP Jose Mesa (3-3, 2.34, 42/46 saves).

Hot Spot: With Rolen's pending free agency and his refusal to sign a long-term deal with the Phillies, the situation can be a distraction until the three-time Gold Glover is either traded or the Phillies drop out of contention.

Stat Sheet: The Phillies haven't had back-to-back winning seasons since 1982-83.

Bottom Line: While Braves and Mets made significant moves, the Phillies only added Adams and dealt Daal. If Rollins builds on last year's success, Burrell develops into the slugger the team expects and Lieberthal can return to All-Star form, the offense will be among the league's best. The Phillies don't have a legit ace, but the rotation is deep and the bullpen has plenty of decent arms. Rolen's contract situation could become a distraction. His tense relationship with Bowa doesn't help.

New York Mets

2001: 82-80, 3rd place, NL East.

Manager: Bobby Valentine (7th season).

Reaching Base: .323 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: LHP John Franco (6-2, 4.05, 58 games) and RHP David Weathers (4-5, 2.41, 80 games).

He's Here: 2B Roberto Alomar, 1B Mo Vaughn, OF Jeromy Burnitz, RHP Pedro Astacio, LHP Shawn Estes, RHP Jeff D'Amico, OF Roger Cedeno, RHP David Weathers, LHP Mark Guthrie, OF Gary Matthews Jr., INF Lou Collier, INF John Valentin.

He's Outta Here: 3B Robin Ventura, 1B Todd Zeile, RHP Kevin Appier, OF Matt Lawton, LHP Glendon Rusch, OF Benny Agbayani, RHP Jerrod Riggan, OF Tsuyoshi Shinjo, INF Desi Relaford, INF Lenny Harris, RHP Rick White.

Projected Lineup: LF Roger Cedeno (.293, 6, 48, 55 SB .337 OBP), 2B Roberto Alomar (.336, 20, 100, 113 runs, 30 SB, .415 OBP), 1B Mo Vaughn (injured last year -- .272, 36, 117, .365 OBP in 2000), C Mike Piazza (.300, 36, 94, .384 OBP), RF Jeromy Burnitz (.251, 34, 100, 150 Ks, .347 OBP), 3B Edgardo Alfonzo (.243, 17, 49, .322 OBP), CF Jay Payton (.255, 8, 34, .298 OBP), SS Rey Ordonez (.247, 3, 44, .298 OBP).

Rotation: LHP Al Leiter (11-11, 3.31), RHP Pedro Astacio (8-14, 5.09), LHP Shawn Estes (9-8, 4.02), RHP Steve Trachsel (11-13, 4.46), RHP Jeff D'Amico (2-4, 6.08).

Closer: RHP Armando Benitez (6-4, 3.77, 43/46 saves).

Hot Spot: Trainer's room. Vaughn, Alfonzo, Astacio and D'Amico all have injury questions and the Mets need those players healthy to make a run at the Braves.

Stat Sheet: Mets' outfielders had only 40 homers last season -- just six more than Burnitz had himself.

Bottom Line: After going to the World Series in 2000, the Mets struggled last season, finishing with the fewest runs in the majors. They were second-to-last in the NL in both average and homers. Remaking the offense was GM Steve Phillips' No. 1 goal and he succeeded by adding Alomar, Vaughn, Cedeno and Burnitz. The Mets have both speed and power in the lineup and can score runs many ways. The pitching could be a question, although Astacio looked strong in the spring and will be counted on to support Leiter.

Florida Marlins

2001: 76-86, 4th place, NL East.

Manager: Jeff Torborg (1st season).

Reaching Base: .326 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Braden Looper (3-3, 3.55, 71 games) and LHP Vic Darensbourg (1-2, 4.25, 58 games).

He's Here: OF Tim Raines.

He's Outta Here: LHP Jesus Sanchez.

Projected Lineup: 2B Luis Castillo (.263, 2, 45, 33 SB, .344 OBP), CF Preston Wilson (.274, 23, 71, 126 Ks, .331 OBP), LF Cliff Floyd (.317, 31, 103, .390 OBP), RF Kevin Millar (.314., 20, 85, .374 OBP), 3B Mike Lowell (.283, 18, 100, .340 OBP), 1B Derrek Lee (.282, 21, 75, .346 OBP), C Charles Johnson (.259, 18, 75, .321 OBP), SS Alex Gonzalez (.250, 9, 48, .303 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Ryan Dempster (15-12, 4.74), RHP Brad Penny (10-10, 3.69), RHP A.J. Burnett (11-12, 4.05, no-hitter), RHP Josh Beckett (2-2, 1.50), RHP Matt Clement (9-10, 5.05).

Closer: RHP Antonio Alfonseca (4-4, 3.06, 28/34 saves).

Hot Spot: Reviving Gonzalez's career may be the biggest challenge for the Marlins' new coaching staff. The shortstop made the All-Star team as a rookie in 1999 but slumped in the second half of the season and has struggled since. He hit .200 in 2000 and .250 with 26 errors -- many on routine plays -- last year while annoying his teammates with lackadaisical play.

Stat Sheet: Lack of control has kept the Marlins' young starting pitchers from making a breakthrough. Dempster led the majors with 112 walks last season. Clement led the majors with 15 wild pitches and walked 85, while Burnett walked 83.

Bottom Line: Jeffrey Loria, who recently became the third owner in the Marlins' 10-season history, has tried to allay concerns that he'll move or fold the team. He says he's not ready to discuss whether a new ballpark is needed or how it might be financed, but he says baseball can succeed in South Florida despite sagging attendance in recent years. The turnaround won't begin until the Marlins start to win, but if the young pitchers blossom, Florida could finish above .500 for only the second time.

Montreal Expos

2001: 68-94, 5th place, NL East.

Manager: Frank Robinson (1st season).

Reaching Base: .319 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: LHP Graeme Lloyd (9-5, 4.35, 84 games) and RHP Guillermo Mota (1-3, 5.26, 53 games).

He's Here: LF Jose Canseco, 1B Andres Galarraga, 3B Chris Truby, RHP Osvaldo Fernandez, CF Lance Johnson, OF Felix Jose, RHP Alan Mills, LHP Ed Vosberg.

He's Outta Here: RHP Mike Thurman, 3B Ryan Minor, LF Mark Smith.

Projected lineup: CF Peter Bergeron (.211, 3, 16, .275 OBP), 2B Jose Vidro (.319, 15, 59, .371 OBP), RF Vladimir Guerrero (.307, 34, 108, 45 2Bs, 107 runs, 37 SB, 24 IBBs, .377 OBP), LF Jose Canseco (.258, 16, 49, .366 OBP), SS Orlando Cabrera (.276, 14, 96, 41 2Bs, .324 OBP), 1B Lee Stevens (.245, 25, 95, .338 OBP), 3B Chris Truby (.206, 8, 23, .276 OBP), C Michael Barrett (.250, 6, 38, .289 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Javier Vazquez (16-11, 3.42, 208 Ks, 5 CGs, 3 shutouts), RHP Tony Armas Jr. (9-14, 4.03), RHP Carl Pavano (1-6, 6.33), RHP Tomo Ohka (1-4, 4.77; 2-5, 6.19 with Boston), RHP Masato Yoshii (4-7, 4.78).

Closer: RHP Scott Strickland (2-6, 3.21, 9/12 saves).

Hot Spot: While he is strong defensively in center field, Bergeron will have to find a way to get on base at leadoff if he wants to hold on to his starting job. Prospect Ron Calloway has had a strong spring and Johnson has experience, if Bergeron falters.

Stat Sheet: Montreal tied Milwaukee for the second-lowest OBP in the NL, just ahead of Pittsburgh's meager .313. And compounding their inability to get on base, the Expos grounded into a major league-leading 151 double plays last season, 17 more than AL leader Kansas City.

Bottom Line: They still exist. That's saying something after baseball's effort to eliminate two teams in the offseason. If Pavano can return to the form that saw him go 8-4 with a 3.06 ERA in 2000 before season-ending elbow surgery, the Expos have a shot at having a winning record for the first time since 1996, when they finished second. Don't expect miracles, though. Montreal has gone 346-464 (.427) in the last five years, losing at least 94 games each of the last four seasons, and improvements to Braves and Mets during the winter all but rule out any chance of the Expos contending in the NL East. They do, however, have plenty of incentive to beat out Florida. After former owner Jeffrey Loria abandoned the franchise on the commissioner's doorstep to take over the Marlins, he took along manager Jeff Torborg, the entire coaching staff, and virtually everyone and everything in the front office that wasn't bolted down.

Setting Up: RHP Octavio Dotel (7-5, 2.66, 61 games) and RHP Nelson Cruz (3-3, 4.75, 66 games).

He's Here: OF Brian Hunter, RHP T.J. Mathews, C Gregg Zaun, 3B Geoff Blum.

He's Outta Here: OF Moises Alou, 3B Vinny Castilla, C Tony Eusebio, 3B Chris Truby.

Projected Lineup: 2B Craig Biggio (.292, 20, 70, 118 runs, .382 OBP), SS Adam Everett (.249, 5, 40 at Class AAA New Orleans), 1B Jeff Bagwell (.288, 39, 130, 126 runs, .397 OBP), RF Lance Berkman (.331, 34, 126 RBIs, 110 runs, 55 2Bs, .430 OBP), CF Richard Hidalgo (.275, 19, 80, .356 OBP), LF Daryle Ward (.263, 9, 39, .323 OBP), 3B Morgan Ensberg (.310, 23, 61 at Class AAA), C Brad Ausmus (.232, 5, 34 RBIs, .284 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Wade Miller (16-8, 3.40), RHP Roy Oswalt (14-3, 2.73), RHP Shane Reynolds (14-11, 4.34), RHP Dave Mlicki (7-3, 5.09), LHP Carlos Hernandez (1-0, 1.02 ERA in 3 starts) or RHP Tim Redding (3-1, 5.50).

Closer: LHP Billy Wagner (2-5, 2.73, 39/41 saves).

Hot Spot: Alou's departure clears the way for Ward, who is getting his big chance after waiting on the bench four years. Ward has power and has improved his defensive skills.

Stat Sheet: Miller earned the opening day assignment with a strong season. The Astros were 22-10 in games he started. Miller, in his first full season in the majors, went six or more innings in 28 of his 32 starts.

Bottom Line: The division got tougher around the Astros. The Cardinals added Tino Martinez and the Cubs got Alou. But Houston has one of the top young rotations in baseball, which doesn't always get noticed in the hitter friendly stadium formally known as Enron Field. Ward probably won't have the kind of 2001 season that Alou did a year ago and Ensberg is the probable successor to Castilla at third. Ensberg has big league potential, but he's just starting out.

St. Louis Cardinals

2001: 93-69, same record as Houston in NL Central, won wild card.

Manager: Tony La Russa (7th season).

Reaching Base: .339 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: LHP Steve Kline (3-3, 1.80, 9 saves in 89 games), RHP Dave Veres (3-2, 3.70, 15 saves) and RHP Mike Timlin (4-5, 4.09, 3 saves).

He's Here: 1B Tino Martinez, RHP Jason Isringhausen, UT Eduardo Perez.

He's Outta Here: 1B Mark McGwire, RHP Dustin Hermanson, UT Bobby Bonilla, UT Craig Paquette, RHP Alan Benes, RHP Mike James.

Projected Lineup: 2B Fernando Vina (.303, 9, 56, 22 HBPs, .357 OBP), LF Placido Polanco (.307, 3, 38, .342 OBP), RF J.D. Drew (.323, 27, 73 in 109 games, .414 OBP), 3B Albert Pujols (.329, 37, NL rookie-record 130 RBIs, 112 runs, .403 OBP), CF Jim Edmonds (.304, 30, 110, .410 OBP), 1B Tino Martinez (.280, 34, 113, .329 OBP), SS Edgar Renteria (.260, 10, 57, .314 OBP), C Mike Matheny (.218, 7, 42, .276 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Matt Morris (22-8, 3.16), RHP Garrett Stephenson (injured last year -- 16-9, 4.49 in 2000), RHP Woody Williams (15-9, 4.05), LHP Bud Smith (6-3, 3.83), RHP Darryl Kile (16-11, 3.09).

Closer: RHP Jason Isringhausen (4-3, 2.65, 34/43 saves).

Hot Spot: Left field. Cardinals have given several players an audition, including Japanese import So Taguchi. It's likely that Polanco, who played three infield positions last year, will be the opening day starter in left with Kerry Robinson and Al Martin also getting time. Taguchi, who looked good defensively but had trouble hitting the ball out of the infield, likely won't make the team. The Cardinals, who signed him to a three-year, $3 million contract, have a $600,000 buyout.

Stat Sheet: On the way to becoming a unanimous choice as Rookie of the Year, Pujols started at four positions last year -- first base (32), left field (37), right field (33) and third base (52). La Russa says he'll be the everyday third baseman this year.

Bottom Line: After falling to the eventual World Series champion Diamondbacks in a tight opening series, La Russa believes the Cardinals have unfinished business in the postseason. This is the most complete team in his seven years as manager. St. Louis has perhaps the best rotation in the majors, one so deep LHP Rick Ankiel won't be missed as he slowly recuperates from bouts of wildness and elbow tendinitis. Martinez is an upgrade over the wobbly McGwire of the past two seasons at first base at less than half the salary. Isringhausen, the closer, perhaps is the hammer the team has been missing.

Chicago Cubs

2001: 88-74, 3rd place, NL Central.

Manager: Don Baylor (3rd season).

Reaching Base: .336 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Kyle Farnsworth (4-6, 2.74, 76 games) and LHP Jesus Sanchez (2-4, 4.74, 16 games).

He's Here: SS Alex Gonzalez, INF Chris Stynes, INF Kevin Orie, LHP Jesus Sanchez, LF Moises Alou.

He's Outta Here: LF Rondell White, 2B Eric Young, SS Ricky Gutierrez, RHP Kevin Tapani, RHP Todd Van Poppel, LHP Felix Heredia, OF Michael Tucker.

Projected Lineup: 2B Delino DeShields (.276, 2, 16, .380 OBP in 68 games), 3B Bill Mueller (.295, 6, 23, .403 OBP in 70 games), RF Sammy Sosa (.328, 64, 160, 146 runs, 116 walks, .437 OBP), 1B Fred McGriff (.282, 12, 41, .383 OBP in 49 games), LF Moises Alou (.331, 27, 108, .396 OBP), C Todd Hundley (.187, 12, 31, .268 OBP), SS Alex Gonzalez (.253, 17, 76, .303 OBP), CF Corey Patterson (.221, 4, 14, .266 OBP in 59 games).

Rotation: RHP Jon Lieber (20-6, 3.80), RHP Kerry Wood (12-6, 3.36, 217 Ks in 174 innings), RHP Jason Bere (11-11, 4.31), RHP Juan Cruz 3-1 in 8 starts), RHP Julian Tavarez (10-9, 4.52) or RHP rookie Mark Prior (15-1, 1.69 at Southern Cal).

Closer: LHP Jeff Fassero (4-4, 3.42, 12/17 saves).

Hot Spots: The hot corner, of course, where the Cubs are still looking for stability nearly 30 years after the departure of Ron Santo. Mueller, who fractured his knee last season while chasing a foul pop and missed three months, needed more surgery this spring and probably won't be ready Opening Day. Chris Stynes or DeShields will have to fill in, which could create a roster opening for rookie Bobby Hill.

Stat Sheet: Closer Tom Gordon saved 27 games after returning from elbow ligament replacement surgery but now is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. That means the 39-year-old Fassero must reprise his role of last season when he stepped in for the injured Gordon and had nine saves in April. Or it might be time to give the closer's role to Farnsworth, whose fastball has been clocked at 100 mph.

Bottom Line: Seeking to add even more protection for Sosa following one of his greatest seasons ever, the Cubs signed Alou to bat behind McGriff. On paper, it's a formidable 3-4-5, but Alou was slowed in spring by another injury, this one to his side. Patterson, a first-round pick four years ago, must show that he's finally ready or the job could go to Roosevelt Brown.

Milwaukee Brewers

2001: 68-94, 4th place, NL Central.

Manager: Davey Lopes (3rd season).

Reaching Base: .319 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: LHP Ray King (0-4, 3.60, 82 games) and RHP Mike DeJean (4-1, 2.77, 75 games).

He's Here: 2B Eric Young, RF Matt Stairs, INF Lenny Harris, OF Alex Ochoa, RHP Francisco Campos, LHP Glendon Rusch, C Paul Bako, RHP Jose Cabrera, LHP Takahito Nomura.

He's Outta Here: RF Jeromy Burnitz, RHP Jeff D'Amico, RHP Jimmy Haynes, RHP Allen Levrault, C Henry Blanco.

Projected Lineup: 2B Eric Young (.279, 6, 42, 31 SB, .333 OBP), 3B Tyler Houston (.289, 12, 38, .343 OBP in 75 games), CF Jeffrey Hammonds (.247, 6, 21, .314 OBP in 49 games), 1B Richie Sexson (.271, 45, 125, .342 OBP), LF Geoff Jenkins (.264, 20, 63, .334 OBP in 105 games), SS Jose Hernandez (.249, 25, 78, 185 Ks, .300 OBP), RF Alex Ochoa (.280, 8, 52, .334 OBP), C Raul Casanova (.260, 11, 33, .303 OBP in 71 games).

Rotation: RHP Ben Sheets (11-10, 4.76), RHP Ruben Quevedo (4-5, 3.61), Nick Neugebauer (1-1, 7.50), LHP Glendon Rusch (8-12, 4.63), RHP Paul Rigdon (3-5, 5.79).

Closer: RHP Chad Fox (5-2, 1.89 2/4 saves).

Hot Spot: Manager Davey Lopes enters the final year of his three-year contract and after last season's second-half dive, he's going to have to get off to a good start despite a brutal early schedule. With the spotlight coming to Milwaukee for the All-Star game, the Brewers need to change to focus from nine consecutive losing seasons and at least show some progress even if they post their 20th consecutive year without a playoff berth. But his preferred opening day pitcher, Jamey Wright, had a setback, jumbling his rotation right out of the box.

Stat Sheet: The Brewers became the first major league team in history to strike out more times (1,399) than they got hits (1,378) last year, when they posted their worst record in 17 seasons. New batting coach Gary Matthews is trying to teach his hitters not to chase bad pitches.

Bottom Line: Milwaukee retooled its lineup by signing Young to add more speed on the bases. With Hammonds back from injury, Ochoa back in right field (platooning with Stairs) and either Houston or Ron Belliard at third, the Brewers hope to add some buck for their bang, hitting three-run homers instead of all the solo shots that characterized their all-or-nothing approach last season.

Cincinnati Reds

2001: 66-96, 5th place, NL Central.

Manager: Bob Boone (2nd season).

Reaching Base: .324 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Scott Sullivan (7-1, 3.31 ERA, 79 games) and RHP Scott Williamson (returns from reconstructive elbow surgery).

He's Here: OF Juan Encarnacion, LHP Gabe White, RHP Joey Hamilton, RHP Jimmy Haynes.

He's Outta Here: RHP Pete Harnisch, INF Pokey Reese, OF Dmitri Young, OF Ruben Rivera.

Projected Lineup: 2B Todd Walker (.296, 17, 75, 93 runs, .355 OBP), SS Barry Larkin (.256, 2, 17, .373 OBP in 45 games), CF Ken Griffey Jr. (.286, 22, 65, .365 OBP in 111 games), LF Adam Dunn (.262, 19, 43, 54 runs, .371 OBP in 66 games), 1B Sean Casey (.310, 13Rs, 89, .369 OBP), 3B Aaron Boone (.294, 14, 62, .351 OBP), RF Juan Encarnacion (.242, 12, 52, .292 OBP), C Jason LaRue (.236, 12, 43, .303 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Elmer Dessens (10-14, 4.48, 32 HR), RHP Joey Hamilton (1-2, 6.23), RHP Chris Reitsma (7-15, 5.29), RHP Jose Acevedo (5-7, 5.44), RHP Jimmy Haynes (8-17, 4.85).

Closer: RHP Danny Graves (6-5, 4.15, 32/39 saves).

Hot Spot: The rotation is so weak that Boone seriously considered moving Graves into a starting role during spring training. Reds starters pitched the fewest innings in the majors last season, and this cast of retreads and inexperienced youngsters could be in constant flux during the season.

Stat Sheet: Reds set a franchise record for home losses last season by going 27-54 at reconfigured Cinergy Field. Things could get ugly again in stadium's final season if Larkin (torn groin, hernia) and Griffey (torn hamstring) get hurt again.

Bottom Line: Owner Carl Lindner gave Griffey and Larkin big contracts, then refused to expand the payroll to accommodate them. The Reds already have shed part of their nucleus (Young, Reese) to stay within budget, and can't afford pitching. The Reds will play their final season in the Big Red Machine's old stomping grounds with a team that will get a lot of homers from Griffey and Dunn, few steals from anywhere in the lineup (projected starting eight had a total of 31 last season) and some very long games with all of the pitching changes.

Pittsburgh Pirates

2001: 62-100, 6th place, NL Central.

Manager: Lloyd McClendon (2nd season).

Reaching Base: .313 on-base percentage (leadoff hitters had NL-low .300 OBP).

Setting Up: LHP Scott Sauerbeck (2-2, 5.60, 70 games) and RHP Mike Fetters (3-2, 5.51, 54 games).

He's Here: 2B Pokey Reese, RHP Kip Wells, RHP Josh Fogg, RHP Sean Lowe, RHP Pat Rapp, LHP Ron Villone, RHP Salomon Torres.

He's Outta Here: 2B Warren Morris, OF Gary Matthews Jr., RHP Omar Olivares, RHP Todd Ritchie, RHP Jose Silva.

Projected Lineup: CF Adrian Brown (.194 in eight games, missed most of season with shoulder injury), 2B Pokey Reese (.224, 9, 40, 25 SB, .284 OBP), LF Brian Giles (.309, 37, 95, .404 OBP), 3B Aramis Ramirez (.300, 34, 112, .350 OBP), RF Armando Rios (.259, 14, 49, .332 OBP), C Jason Kendall (career-low .266, 10, 63, .335 OBP), 1B Kevin Young (.232, 14, 65, .310 OBP), SS Jack Wilson (.223, 3, 25, .255 OBP).

Rotation: LHP Jimmy Anderson (9-17, 5.10), LHP Ron Villone (6-10, 5.89), RHP Kip Wells (10-11, 4.79), LHP Dave Williams (3-7, 3.71), RHP Pat Rapp (5-12, 4.76) or RHP Sean Lowe (9-4, 3.61). Note: RHP Kris Benson, the No. 1 starter who missed 2001 season for reconstructive elbow surgery, expected back in late May or early June.

Closer: RHP Mike Williams (3-7, 3.71, 22/24 saves).

Hot Spots: Right field. Rios is trying to rebound from reconstructive knee surgery and hold off Craig Wilson, who tied major league record with seven pinch-hit homers as rookie, and Derek Bell, who had worst season of any major league position player (.173, 5, 13, 38 Ks in 156 at-bats) after signing $9 million, two-year contract.

Stat Sheet: Pirates hit 100-loss mark for first time since 1985 and lead majors with 193 losses since 2000. Would set a club record with a 10th consecutive losing season this year.

Bottom Line: McClendon is in only his second season, but already is on the hot seat as new GM Dave Littlefield seems to have little patience in dealing with a decade's worth of losing seasons and failed prospects from Cam Bonifay regime. If Pirates get off to poor start, Littlefield may want his own manager. Pitching staff looks better with three White Sox plug-ins (Wells, Lowe, Fogg), but up-the-middle offense is a big question mark, along with RF and 1B production. And even if Pirates improve 10 games in the standings, they'll still lose 90 for the fourth time in five seasons.

Arizona Diamondbacks

2001: 92-70, 1st place, World Series champions.

Manager: Bob Brenly (2nd season).

Reaching Base: .341 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Miguel Batista (11-8, 3.36) and LHP Mike Myers (2-3, 3.60).

He's Here: RHP Rick Helling, LHP Mike Myers, OF Jose Guillen.

He's Outta Here: OF Reggie Sanders, RHP Albie Lopez, OF Midre Cummings, RHP Bobby Witt, LHP Troy Brohawn.

Projected Lineup: SS Tony Womack (.276, 3, 30, 28 SB, .307 OBP), RF Danny Bautista (.302, 5, 26, .346 OBP), LF Luis Gonzalez (.325, 57, 142, .429 OBP), 1B Mark Grace (.298, 15, 78, .386 OBP), CF Steve Finley (.275, 14, 73, .337 OBP), 3B Jay Bell (.248, 13, 46, .349 OBP), 2B Craig Counsell (.275, 4, 38, .359 OBP), C Damian Miller (.271, 13, 47, .337 OBP).

Rotation: LHP Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49, 372 Ks, Cy Young), RHP Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98, 293 Ks), RHP Todd Stottlemyre (injured last season -- 9-6, 4.91 in 2000), RHP Rick Helling (12-11, 5.17), LHP Brian Anderson (4-9, 5.20).

Closer: RHP Byung-Hyun Kim (5-6, 2.94, 19/23 saves).

Hot Spot: Third base, where Matt Williams is out at least until July with a dislocated ankle. Bell and Danny Klassen are the leading candidates to fill in. In right field, Bautista is being counted on for a big offensive season as he replaces Sanders, who had 33 HR and 90 RBIs but struck out 126 times. In the rotation, Stottlemyre is a major question mark. If he can't pitch, Batista becomes a starter, which significantly weakens the bullpen. Kim shows no ill effects from his World Series nightmare, and is the closer at least until Matt Mantei returns, perhaps in May.

Stat Sheet: Gonzalez has played in every game each of the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks led the majors in defense. Arizona was 81-2 when leading after eight innings.

Bottom Line: Johnson and Schilling had the best seasons by two pitching teammates in baseball history and show no signs they're going to ease up. If Arizona gets better support for its two aces and age doesn't finally begin to erode the skills of some of their top players, the Diamondbacks could emerge again in the tough NL West.

San Francisco Giants

2001: 90-72, 2nd place, NL West.

Manager: Dusty Baker (10th season).

Reaching Base: .342 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Jay Witasick (3-0, 4.69 ERA, 32 games) and RHP Felix Rodriguez (9-1, 1.68, 80 games).

He's Here: 3B David Bell, OF Reggie Sanders, OF Tsuyoshi Shinjo, RHP Jay Witasick, RHP Manny Aybar.

He's Outta Here: 1B Andres Galarraga, LHP Shawn Estes, OF John Vander Wal, OF Eric Davis, RHP Mark Gardner, RHP Wayne Gomes, OF Dante Powell, RHP Brian Boehringer.

Projected Lineup: CF Tsuyoski Shinjo (.268, 10, 56, .320 OBP), SS Rich Auilia (.324, 37, 97, 114 runs, .369 OBP), LF Barry Bonds (.328, 73, 137, 129 runs, 177, walks, .515 OBP, .863 slugging), 2B Jeff Kent (.298, 22, 106, .369 OBP), RF Reggie Sanders (.263, 33, 90, .337 OBP), C Benito Santiago (.262, 6, 45, .295 OBP), 1B J.T. Snow (.346, 8, 34, .371 OBP), 3B David Bell (.260, 15, 64, .303 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Livan Hernandez (13-15, 5.24), RHP Russ Ortiz (17-9, 3.29), LHP Kirk Reuter (14-12, 4.42), RHP Jason Schmidt (13-7, 4.07), RHP Ryan Jensen (1-2, 4.25).

Closer: RHP Robb Nen (4-5, 3.01, 45/52 saves).

Hot Spot: All eyes will be on Bonds, who signed a five-year contract worth $90 million in the offseason, keeping him in San Francisco for the rest of his career.

Stat Sheet: Lesser known than the home runs, but still significant: Bonds had an .863 slugging percentage and 177 walks, breaking records set by Babe Ruth.

Bottom Line: Bell, Sanders and Shinjo were the big names in a busy offseason for the aging Giants, who are under pressure to perform. With the additions, GM Brian Sabean showed he's not about to sit pat while waiting for future talent to develop. The Giants still face an uphill battle in the West, where they must figure out a productive starting rotation to overcome the Diamondbacks.

Los Angeles Dodgers

2001: 86-76, 3rd place, NL West.

Manager: Jim Tracy (2nd season).

Reaching Base: .323 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Paul Quantrill (11-2, 3.04 ERA, 80 games).

He's Here: OF Brian Jordan, SS Cesar Izturis, OF Dave Roberts, OF Dante Bichette, RHP Hideo Nomo, RHP Paul Quantrill, LHP Kazuhisa Ishii, LHP Omar Daal, LHP Odalis Perez.

He's Outta Here: OF Gary Sheffield, OF Bruce Aven, INF Tim Bogar, INF Chris Donnels, RHP Chan Ho Park, RHP Terry Adams, RHP Luke Prokopec, RHP James Baldwin, RHP Jeff Shaw.

Projected Lineup: CF Dave Roberts (12 games with Cleveland) or Tom Goodwin (.231, 4, 22, 22 SB, .286 OBP) or McKay Christensen (.327, 1, 7, .400 OBP in 28 games), 2B Mark Grudzielanek (.271, 13, 55, .317 OBP), RF Shawn Green (.297, 49, 125, 121 runs, 20 SB, .372 OBP), LF Brian Jordan (.295, 25, 97, .334 OBP), 1B Eric Karros (.235, 15, 63, .303 OBP), C Paul Lo Duca (.320, 25, 90, .374 OBP), 3B Adrian Beltre (.265, 13, 60, .310), SS Cesar Izturis (.269, 2, 9, .279 OBA in 46 games).

Rotation: RHP Kevin Brown (10-4, 2.65), RHP Andy Ashby (2-0, 3.86 in 2 starts), LHP Kazuhisa Ishii (12-6, 3.39 in Japan), RHP Hideo Nomo 13-10, 4.50, 220 Ks), LHP Odalis Perez (7-8, 4.91) or LHP Omar Daal (13-7, 4.46) or RHP Eric Gagne (6-7, 4.75.

Closer: By Committee. RHP Matt Herges (9-8, 3.44, 1 save), RHP Giovanni Carrara (6-1, 3.16) and Quantrill (2 saves).

Hot Spot: Barring a trade, the Dodgers don't have an established closer, center fielder or leadoff hitter. Roberts, Christensen and Goodwin are all competing for the center field/leadoff job, with Marquis Grissom also in the mix. If Grissom is the man, he'd hit lower in the lineup with Grudzielanek, Lo Duca or possibly Izturis batting leadoff. The Dodgers opted not to bring back closer Jeff Shaw (43 saves in 52 chances last year), and efforts to make a deal for an established closer have failed so far.

Stat Sheet: Quantrill has 18 saves in his career, Herges has two and Carrara none. The three were all effective in setup roles last year, but none have had the opportunity to close on a regular basis. And the .316 on-base percentage at the leadoff position last season was dreadful.

Bottom Line: The Dodgers could contend in the competitive NL West if everything works out, but that's asking a lot. Brown and Ashby both underwent offseason surgery on their pitching elbows, and the 28-year-old Ishii, who signed a four-year, $12.3 million contract Feb. 8 after an outstanding career in Japan, has never pitched in the majors. The rotation could be a very good one if everyone's healthy and Ishii works out. It's clear the trade that sent Sheffield to the Braves for Jordan and Perez has had a positive effect in the clubhouse. The team desperately needs Karros to rebound from the most unproductive season of his career.

San Diego Padres

2001: 79-83, 4th place, NL West.

Manager: Bruce Bochy (8th season).

Reaching Base: .336 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Jeremy Fikac (2-0, 1.37 ERA, 23 games) and LHP Jose Nunez (4-1, 3.31, 56 games).

He's Here: RHP Brett Tomko, SS Ramon Vazquez, C Tom Lampkin, RHP Steve Reed, OF Ron Gant, LHP Alan Embree, SS Deivi Cruz.

He's Outta Here: OF Tony Gwynn, OF Rickey Henderson, C Ben Davis, SS Alex Arias, RHP Wascar Serrano.

Projected Lineup: 2B D'Angelo Jimenez (.276, 3, 33, .355 OBP), CF Mark Kotsay (.291, 10, 58, .366 OBP), RF Ryan Klesko (.286, 30, 113, 105 runs, 23 SB, .384 OBP), 1B Phil Nevin (.306, 41, 126, 147 Ks, .388 OBP), LF Ray Lankford (.252, 19, 58, .358 OBP), C Wiki Gonzalez (.275, 8, 27, .335 OBP), 3B Sean Burroughs (.322, 9, 55, .386 OBP at Class AAA), SS Ramon Vazquez (.229, 0, 4, .222 OBP).

Rotation: RHP Kevin Jarvis (12-11, 4.79), RHP Bobby Jones (8-19, 5.12), RHP Brett Tomko (3-1, 5.19), RHP Brian Tollberg (10-4, 4.30, 71), RHP Brian Lawrence (5-5, 3.45).

Closer: RHP Trevor Hoffman (3-4, 3.43, 43/46 saves).

Hot Spot: Padres are so impressed with rookie Burroughs that they've moved two All-Stars to let him play 3B. Phil Nevin shifts to 1B and Ryan Klesko to RF.

Stat Sheet: Nevin is the only player in baseball to improve his average, home runs and RBIs every season since 1998. His 41 HR and 126 RBIs last year ranked second on the team's single-season lists.

Bottom Line: The Padres think they can poke their head above .500 for the first time since they reached the 1998 World Series with Gwynn. Still, it'll be tough with a $38 million payroll in a division full of big spenders. The Padres still have two years to play in Qualcomm Stadium before moving into their new downtown ballpark, which the Padres say will provide them with the payroll needed to really compete.

Colorado Rockies

2001: 73-89, 5th place, NL West.

Manager: Buddy Bell (3rd season).

Reaching Base: .354 on-base percentage.

Setting Up: RHP Rick White (4-5, 3.88 ERA, 55 games) and RHP Todd Jones (5-5, 4.24 ERA, 69 games).

He's Here: 3B Todd Zeile, C Tony Eusebio, OF Benny Agbayani, RHP Pete Harnisch, LHP Dennys Reyes, RHP Rick White, RHP Todd Jones, RHP Jose Paniagua, C Carlos Hernandez, LHP Kent Mercker, RHP Denny Stark.

He's Outta Here: 3B Jeff Cirillo, OF Alex Ochoa, LHP Mike Myers, LHP Brian Bohanon, LHP Gabe White, RHP Jay Powell, RHP Dan Miceli, RHP Kane Davis, C Adam Melhuse, C Sal Fasano.

Projected Lineup: CF Juan Pierre (.327, 2, 55, 46 SB, 108 runs, .378 OBP), SS Juan Uribe (.300, 8, 53, .325 OBP), RF Larry Walker (.350, 38, 123, 107 runs, .449 OBP), 1B Todd Helton (.336, 49, 146, 54 doubles, 132 runs, 402 total bases, .432 OBP), 3B Todd Zeile (.266, 10, 62, .359 OBP), LF Todd Hollandsworth (.368, 6, 19, .408 OBP), 2B Jose Ortiz (.255, 13, 35, .314 OBP), C Ben Petrick (.238, 11, 39, .327 OBP).

Rotation: LHP Mike Hampton (14-13, 5.41 ERA), LHP Denny Neagle (9-8, 5.38), RHP Shawn Chacon (6-10, 5.06), RHP John Thomson (4-5, 4.04), RHP Jason Jennings (4-1, 4.58).

Closer: RHP Jose Jimenez (6-1, 4.09, 17/22 saves).

Hot Spot: Zeile will be expected to provide right-handed power in the lineup as well as decent defense at third base, all while coming off elbow surgery at age 36. He had only 10 homers and 62 RBIs last season, and he committed a total of 74 errors in the last three seasons he played third (1997-99). If Zeile falters, utility infielder Greg Norton is a possibility.

Stat Sheet: After sweeping a series in Cincinnati last season, the Rockies were 36-32 and only 5½ games out of first. They then went into their traditional midseason rockslide, going 10-35 over the next two months.

Bottom Line: GM Dan O'Dowd slashed the club's payroll from $65 million to $50 million, dumping such talented players as Cirillo and Myers while adding depth and apparently improving the clubhouse chemistry. The Rockies are gambling on youngsters at second base, shortstop and center field. They're solid at most other positions, but catching will be a concern if Petrick doesn't develop. Despite the high-priced additions of Hampton and Neagle last year, Colorado had the worst ERA in the NL (5.29), and even the most pitching depth they've ever had likely won't improve that situation. Rockies pitchers had a 4.42 ERA on the road last year compared with 6.12 at Coors Field.

 

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