A capsule look at the National League, with teams listed in order of finish last year:

NL East

Atlanta Braves
2002: 101-59, 1st place.
Manager: Bobby Cox (17th season).
He’s Here: RHP Russ Ortiz, RHP Paul Byrd, LHP Mike Hampton, RHP Roberto Hernandez, LHP Ray King, LHP Mike Venafro, 1B Robert Fick.
He’s Outta Here: LHP Tom Glavine, RHP Kevin Millwood, LHP Mike Remlinger, LHP Chris Hammond, LHP Damian Moss, RHP Tim Spoooneybarger, RHP Kerry Ligtenberg, 1B Wes Helms, 2B Keith Lockhart, RHP Albie Lopez.
Projected Lineup: SS Rafael Furcal (.275, 8 HRs, 47 RBIs, 27 SBs, 114 Ks), 2B Marcus Giles (.230, 8, 23), RF Gary Sheffield (.307, 25, 84, 23 SBs), LF Chipper Jones (.327, 26, 100), CF Andruw Jones (.264, 35, 94, 135 Ks), 1B Robert Fick (.270, 17, 63), 3B Vinny Castilla (.323, 12, 61) or Mark DeRosa (.297, 5, 23), C Javy Lopez (.233, 11, 52).
Rotation: RH Greg Maddux (16-6, 2.62 ERA), RH Russ Ortiz (14-10, 3.61), LH Mike Hampton (7-15, 6.15, 228 hits in 178 2-3 IP), RH Paul Byrd (17-11, 3.90, 36 HRs), RH Jason Marquis (8-9, 5.04, 19 HRs).
Key Relievers: RH John Smoltz (3-2, 3.25, 55/59 saves), LH Ray King (3-2, 3.05), RH Roberto Hernandez (1-3, 4.33, 26/33 saves), RH Darren Holmes (2-2, 1.81, 1/2 saves).
Hot Spot: 1-Starting pitching. 1A-Relief pitching. Glavine (18-11), Millwood (18-8) and Moss (12-6) are gone, replaced by Ortiz, Hampton and Byrd. Hampton has struggled in spring training after two dismal seasons in Colorado, and Byrd has hardly pitched at all because of elbow and groin injuries. The bullpen — statistically the best in baseball a year ago — also had undergone a major overhaul. King and Hernandez are being counted on to fill the setup roles that Mike Remlinger (7-3, 1.99) and Chris Hammond (7-2, 0.95) performed so ably last season.
Stat Sheet: The Braves brought in Sheffield to bolster the offense, but they still ranked ninth in the NL in batting average (.260) and 10th in runs (708). Atlanta had only 76 stolen bases, evidence of a one-dimensional offense that doesn’t generate many runs when its sluggers aren’t knocking the ball out of the park. Furcal strikes out too much for a leadoff hitter, and he got thrown out too much on the basepaths. The Braves also were one of the weakest teams in baseball at the corners, getting little power from Castilla or the first base platoon of Julio Franco and Matt Franco. Fick should be an improvement at 1B, though he’s hardly the prototype for the position. The pitching better hold up.
Bottom Line: After 11 straight division titles, the Braves seem to be nearing the end of their remarkable dynasty. The team is preparing to cut payroll, start going with younger players and likely be sold by struggling corporate owner AOL-Time Warner. The loss of Glavine in free agency and the trade of Millwood (swapped for minor-league catcher Johnny Estrada in the most lopsided deal of the offseason) were stunning blows to this proud organization. Maddux, Sheffield, Lopez and Castilla are entering the final year of their contracts; none are expected to return in 2004. The team will still have one of baseball’s highest payrolls this season, and a bunch of guys looking to bolster their credentials in free agency. The Braves may be able to muster one more title run against improved division rivals Philadelphia and the New York Mets.

Montreal Expos
2002: 83-79, 2nd place.
Manager: Frank Robinson (second season).
He’s Here: RHP Orlando Hernandez, 1B Jeff Liefer, RHP Rocky Biddle, OF Damon Buford.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Matt Herges, OF Troy O’Leary, 1B Andres Galarraga, RHP Masato Yoshii, INF-OF Wilton Guerrero.
Projected Lineup: CF Endy Chavez (.296, 1, 9), 2B Jose Vidro (.315, 19, 96), RF Vladimir Guerrero (.336, 39, 111, 40 SBs), 3B Fernando Tatis (.228, 15, 55), LF Brad Wilkerson (.266, 20, 59), 1B Jeff Liefer (.230, 7, 26), SS Orlando Cabrera (.263, 7, 56), C Michael Barrett (.263, 12, 49).
Rotation: RH Javier Vazquez (10-13, 3.91), RH Tony Armas Jr. (12-12, 4.44), RH Tomo Ohka (13-8, 3.18), RH Orlando Hernandez (8-5, 3.64), RH Zach Day (4-1, 3.62).
Key Relievers: LH Scott Stewart (4-2, 3.09, 17/19 saves), LH Joey Eischen (6-1, 1.34), RH Tim Drew (1-0, 2.81).
Hot Spot: Tatis and Robinson were at odds last year and the Expos were unable to unload their third baseman in the offseason. Playing in a contract year could be the motivation he needs to regain the form that made him one of the top young players in the game four years ago.
Stat Sheet: The Expos play 103 games away from home, including 22 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as major league baseball tries to increase the club’s revenue. The first game in Montreal doesn’t come until April 22, and the team plays 22 consecutive games away from Olympic Stadium from late May to mid-June.
Bottom Line: Despite being forced to trade 20-game winner Colon in a salary dump, the Expos still have a solid rotation if Vazquez can step it up. Ohka was reliable last season and Hernandez could return to the form that made him a key part of the Yankees’ championship teams. The lineup is anchored by Guerrero and Vidro but needs more depth. Cabrera, a Gold Glove winner in 2001, needs to be much more consistent after making 29 errors last season. The team’s future once again could be a distraction. Baseball hopes to have a buyer and a city for the team to play in next year by the All-Star break, which could provide a boost for the franchise.

Philadelphia Phillies
2002: 80-81, 3rd place.
Manager: Larry Bowa (third season).
He’s Here: 1B Jim Thome, 3B David Bell, RHP Kevin Millwood, INF Tyler Houston.
He’s Outta Here: 1B Travis Lee, 2B Marlon Anderson, CF Doug Glanville, C Johnny Estrada, RHP Robert Person, RHP Mike Timlin.
Projected Lineup: SS Jimmy Rollins (.245, 11, 60, 31 SBs), 2B Placido Polanco (.288, 9, 49), 1B Jim Thome (.304, 52, 118), LF Pat Burrell (.282, 37, 116), RF Bobby Abreu (.308, 20, 85, 50 2Bs, 31 SBs), 3B David Bell (.261, 20, 73), C Mike Lieberthal (.279, 15, 52), CF Marlon Byrd (.297, 15, 63 at Triple-A Scranton).
Rotation: RH Kevin Millwood (18-8, 3.24), LH Randy Wolf (11-9, 3.20), RH Vicente Padilla (14-11, 3.28), RH Brett Myers (4-5, 4.25), RH Brandon Duckworth (8-9, 5.41).
Key Relievers: RH Jose Mesa (4-6, 2.97, 45/54 saves), RH Terry Adams (7-9, 4.35), LH Dan Plesac (2-1, 4.70.
Hot Spot: Starting pitching. Padilla struggled in the second half after making the All-Star team in his first year as a starter, and hasn’t pitched well this spring. Duckworth struggled in first full year as a starter, and has been set back by a forearm tendinitis. Myers enters his first full season as a starter after showing signs that he can live up to his status as a former first-round pick.
Stat Sheet: The Phillies won 80 games last season after taking the Braves to the final week in the NL East race in 2001. They finished second in the NL with 531 extra-base hits, including a league-leading 325 doubles and 165 homers. The team’s 165 homers were its highest since hitting 169 in 1987. After losing 17 of their first 22 road games, the Phillies went 35-19 away from home.
Bottom Line: The Phillies have had just two winning seasons in the last 16 years. GM Ed Wade improved the offense by adding Thome and Bell, and bolstered the pitching staff by acquiring Millwood, the team’s first legitimate ace since Curt Schilling was traded.

Florida Marlins
2002: 79-83, 4th place.
Manager: Jeff Torborg (second season).
He’s Here: C Ivan Rodriguez, OF Juan Pierre, OF Todd Hollandsworth, LHP Mark Redman, RHP Tim Spooneybarger.
He’s Outta Here: OF Preston Wilson, C Charles Johnson, OF Kevin Millar, OF Eric Owens, RHP Julian Tavarez, OF Tim Raines.
Projected Lineup: 2B Luis Castillo (.305, 2, 39, 48 SBs, 35-game hitting streak), CF Juan Pierre (.287, 1, 35, 47 SBs), C Ivan Rodriguez (.314, 19, 60), 1B Derrek Lee (.270, 27, 86, 164 Ks), 3B Mike Lowell (.276, 24, 92), RF Juan Encarnacion (.271, 24, 85), LF Todd Hollandsworth (.284, 16, 67), SS Alex Gonzalez (.225, 2, 18 in 42 Gs).
Rotation: RH A.J. Burnett (12-9, 3.30, 203 Ks), RH Brad Penny (8-7, 4.66), RH Josh Beckett (6-7, 4.10, 113 Ks in 107 2-3 innings), LH Mark Redman (8-15, 4.21), RH Carl Pavano (6-10, 5.16).
Key Relievers: RH Braden Looper (2-5, 3.14, 13/16 saves), RH Vladimir Nunez (6-5, 3.41, 20/28 saves), RH Tim Spooneybarger (1-0, 2.63), LH Michael Tejera (8-8, 4.45), LH Armando Almanza (3-2, 4.34).
Hot Spot: The frugal Marlins made an extravagant gamble by signing Rodriguez to a one-year, $10 million deal. Though only 31, he has caught 1,426 games and been hampered by injuries the past three seasons.
Stat Sheet: Hard-throwing youngsters Burnett, Penny and Beckett all spent time on the disabled list last season. Three stints for Beckett, all because of blisters on the middle finger of his pitching hand, limited him to 21 starts in his rookie season. Burnett is already slowed by tightness in his arm.
Bottom Line: Owner Jeffrey Loria, who bought the Marlins a year ago, has yet to convince South Florida he’s serious about winning. Attendance has declined 66 percent since the Marlins’ lone winning season in 1997, when they were World Series champions, and in the past five years, they’re 105 games under .500. The team has young talent but hasn’t shown it’s ready to compete.

New York Mets
2002: 75-86, 5th place.
Manager: Art Howe (first season).
He’s Here: LHP Tom Glavine, OF Cliff Floyd, LHP Mike Stanton, RHP David Cone, SS Rey Sanchez, LHP Graeme Lloyd, OF Tsuyoshi Shinjo, INF Russ Johnson.
He’s Outta Here: Manager Bobby Valentine, 3B Edgardo Alfonzo, SS Rey Ordonez, LHP Mark Guthrie, RHP John Thomson, RHP Jeff D’Amico, RHP Steve Reed, INF John Valentin.
Projected Lineup: CF Roger Cedeno (.260, 7, 41, 25 SBs), 2B Roberto Alomar (.266, 11, 53), LF Cliff Floyd (.288, 28, 79 with Florida, Montreal and Boston), C Mike Piazza (.280, 33, 98), 1B Mo Vaughn (.259, 26, 72), RF Jeromy Burnitz (.215, 19, 54), 3B Ty Wigginton (.302, 6, 18), SS Rey Sanchez (.286, 1, 38 with Boston).
Rotation: LH Tom Glavine (18-11, 2.96), LH Al Leiter (13-13, 3.48), RH Steve Trachsel (11-11, 3.37), RH Pedro Astacio (12-11, 4.79), RH David Cone (9-7, 4.31 in 2001) or LH Mike Bacsik (3-2, 4.37) or RH Jason Middlebrook (1-3, 5.09 with Padres; 1-0, 3.94 in three starts for Mets).
Key Relievers: RH Armando Benitez (1-0, 2.27, 33/37 saves), LH Mike Stanton (7-1, 3.00, six with Yankees), RH David Weathers (6-3, 2.91).
Hot Spot: Cedeno was awful last year — in left field, at the plate and on the bases. The Mets hoped to get the sparkplug they had in 1999, but Cedeno struggled in all facets of the game after signing an $18 million, four-year deal. The Mets are counting on him to play center field and set the table for the big bats in the middle of the lineup.
Stat Sheet: After leading the Mets to the 2000 World Series, Piazza’s batting average has fallen 44 points the past two seasons as the wear and tear of catching slows him down. The Mets need a productive year out of Piazza.
Bottom Line: Valentine lost his job following two disappointing seasons and GM Steve Phillips could be next if this year’s changes don’t pay off. Howe should bring a steady influence to the clubhouse and most of the offseason acquisitions were “character players.” But their performance on the field will mean more than in the clubhouse. Glavine struggled in the second half with the Braves last year and needs to be the ace for the Mets to contend. Outside of Floyd, the outfield has question marks, and the Mets didn’t really replace Alfonzo at third base. Depth is another problem, especially on an older team that could have injuries.

NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals
2002: 97-65, 1st place, lost NLCS.
Manager: Tony La Russa (eighth season).
He’s Here: RHP Brett Tomko, RHP Cal Eldred, RHP Dustin Hermanson, RHP Joey Hamilton, RHP Al Levine, LHP Lance Painter, C Joe Girardi.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Andy Benes, RHP Dave Veres, RHP Rick White, RHP Jamey Wright.
Projected Lineup: 2B Fernando Vina (.270, 1, 54, 17 SBs), SS Edgar Renteria (.305, 11, 83, 22 SBs), CF Jim Edmonds (.311, 28, 83), LF Albert Pujols (.314, 34, 127, 40 doubles), 3B Scott Rolen (.266, 31, 110), 1B Tino Martinez (.262, 21, 75), RF Eli Marrero (.262, 18, 66, 14 SBs), C Mike Matheny (.244, 3, 35).
Rotation: RH Matt Morris (17-9, 3.42, 171 Ks), RH Woody Williams (9-4, 2.53 in 17 starts), RH Brett Tomko (10-10, 4.49), RHP Cal Eldred (injured, did not play), RHP Garrett Stephenson (2-5, 5.40) or RHP Jason Simontacchi (11-5, 4.02).
Key Relievers: RH Jason Isringhausen (3-2, 2.48, 32/38 saves), LH Steve Kline (2-1, 3.39, 6).
Hot Spot: Starting pitching. Spring training began with four candidates for the final two rotation spots, and Eldred, Stephenson, Simontacchi and Dustin Hermanson all impressed. All but Simontacchi are coming off injuries and Eldred missed all last season recovering from elbow surgery.
Stat Sheet: The Cardinals have made the playoffs three straight seasons for the first time since 1942-44. Pujols, 23, is the first player in major league history to begin his career with consecutive 30 homer, 100 RBI, 100 run seasons.
Bottom Line: The Cardinals have an $80 million payroll that has produced perhaps the best starting eight in the NL, featuring four Gold Glove winners and four players with 100-RBI seasons in their pasts. This could be their year to make the World Series for the first time since 1987.

Houston Astros
2002: 84-78, 2nd place.
Manager: Jimy Williams (second season).
He’s Here: 2B Jeff Kent, RHP Brian Moehler, RHP Jared Fernandez, OF Victor Hall.
He’s Outta Here: OF Daryle Ward, RHP Dave Mlicki, RHP Doug Brocail, INF Mark Loretta, RHP Nelson Cruz, RHP Tom Gordon, LHP Pedro Borbon, RHP Jim Mann, RHP T.J. Mathews, RHP Ryan Jamison, RHP Hipolito Pichardo, LHP Wilfredo Rodriguez.
Projected Lineup: SS Julio Lugo (.261, 8, 35, 9 SBs), CF Craig Biggio (.253, 15, 58, 16 SBs), 1B Jeff Bagwell (.291, 31, 98), LF Lance Berkman (.292, 42, 128, .405 OBP), 2B Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108), RF Richard Hidalgo (.235, 15, 48), 3B Geoff Blum (.283, 10, 52), C Brad Ausmus (.257, 6, 50).
Rotation: RH Roy Oswalt (19-9, 3.01, 208 Ks), RH Wade Miller (15-4, 3.28, 144 Ks), RH Shane Reynolds (3-6, 4.86), RH Brian Moehler (3-6, 4.86), LH Jerimoe Robertson (0-2, 6.52) or RH Tim Redding (3-6, 5.40).
Key Relievers: Billy Wagner (4-2, 2.52 35/41 saves), Octavio Dotel (6-4, 1.85, 6), Ricky Stone (3-3, 3.61).
Hot Spot: Biggio, an All-Star at catcher and second base, moves to center field to make room for Kent at second. Biggio accepted the move as a challenge and got a contract extension. At age 37, how his legs hold up in the vast center field of Minute Maid Park will be key to the Astros season.
Stat Sheet: When LF Moises Alou and Vinny Castilla left after the 2001 season, much of Houston’s offense went with them. The Astros scored 98 fewer runs last year than in 2001 and their team average dropped from .271 to .262. Kent will be expected to help bring them back up to at least 2001 standards.
Bottom Line: The Astros improved themselves offensively but pitching could be a problem. After a strong duo of Oswalt and Miller at the top of the rotation, the Astros will depend on comeback seasons its next two starters, Reynolds (back surgery), and Moehler, (rotator cuff and labrum repairs to his right shoulder). The fifth starter’s role will likely be Robertson or Redding. Fernandez also could also contend if cortisone treatments in his lower back are successful. Berkman, Bagwell and Kent should provide one of the toughest middle of the lineups in the league.

Cincinnati Reds
2002: 78-84, 3rd place.
Manager: Bob Boone (third season).
He’s Here: RHP Paul Wilson, SS Felipe Lopez, OF Wily Mo Pena.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Elmer Dessens, 2B Todd Walker, RHP Joey Hamilton, RHP Brian Moehler.
Projected Lineup: SS Barry Larkin (.245, 7, 47, 13 SBs, .305 OBP), 2B Aaron Boone (.241, 26, 87, 32 SBs), CF Ken Griffey Jr. (70 games, .264, 8, 23), RF Austin Kearns (.315, 13, 56), LF Adam Dunn (.249, 26, 71), 1B Sean Casey (.261, 6, 42), 3B Brandon Larson ( 23 games, .275, 4, 13), C Jason LaRue (.249, 12, 52).
Rotation: RH Jimmy Haynes (15-10, 4.12), RH Danny Graves (6-3, 3.50, 32 saves as closer, 1-0, 1.89 in four starts), RH Ryan Dempster (5-8, 4.79 in 18 starts with Florida, 5-5, 6.19 in 15 starts with Reds), RH Paul Wilson (6-12, 4.83 with Tampa Bay).
Key Relievers: RH Scott Williamson (3-4, 2.92, 8/10 saves), RH John Riedling (2-4, 2.70), RH Scott Sullivan (6-5, 6.06, 71 games).
Hot Spot: The Reds are counting on Graves, who has saved 30 games each of the last three seasons, to hold up in his first professional try at starting. Williamson, who had reconstructive elbow surgery in 2001, becomes the closer.
Stat Sheet: The Reds were one of baseball’s worst home teams the last two seasons, going 65-97 at Cinergy Field. They need to establish a home-field advantage when they move into Great American Ball Park this season. Bottom Line: The new ballpark provides the Reds with extra money to keep the core of their everyday lineup intact, but not enough to significantly upgrade the rotation. The Reds were in first or second place for 106 consecutive days early last year, but the unreliable starters — they pitched the fewest innings in the NL for the second straight season — led to a late-season meltdown.

Pittsburgh Pirates
2002: 72-89, 4th place.
Manager: Lloyd McClendon (third season).
He’s Here: 1B Randall Simon, CF Kenny Lofton, OF Reggie Sanders, OF Matt Stairs, RHP Jeff D’Amico, RHP Julian Tavarez, RHP Matt Herges.
He’s Outta Here: INF Mike Benjamin, OF Adrian Brown, C Keith Osik, OF Armando Rios, LHP Jimmy Anderson, LHP Ron Villone.
Projected Lineup: CF Kenny Lofton (.261, 11, 52, 29 SBs), C Jason Kendall (.283, 3, 44, 15 SBs), LF Brian Giles (.298, 38, 103, 135 walks), 3B Aramis Ramirez (.234, 18, 71), 1B Randall Simon (.301, 19, 82, 13 walks, 30 Ks in 516 plate appearances), RF Reggie Sanders (.250, 23, 85, 121 Ks), SS Jack Wilson (.252, 4, 47), 2B Pokey Reese (.264, 4, 50).
Rotation: RH Kris Benson (9-6, 4.70, 5-0 in last seven starts), RH Josh Fogg (12-12, 4.35 in 33 starts, most ever by a Pirates rookie starter, 28 HRs), RH Kip Wells (12-14, 3.58, 134 Ks, 2-8 in final 13 starts), RH Jeff Suppan (9-16, 5.32, 32 HRs), RH Jeff D’Amico (6-10, 4.94, 20 HRs in 145 2/3 IP).
Key Relievers: RH Mike Williams (2-6, 3.93, club-record 46 saves in 50 chances), RH Brian Boehringer (4-4, 3.39, 1), LH Scott Sauerbeck (5-4, 2.30 ERA, 70 Ks in 62 2-3 IP), RH Matt Herges (2-5, 4.04 ERA, 80 hits in 64 2-3 innings).
Hot Spot: The whole lineup revolves around Ramirez. The Pirates badly need him to have a big season like ’01 (.300, 34 HRs, 112 RBIs) to protect productive Giles and get runs home if new leadoff hitter Lofton and Kendall get on base. If he flounders like he did in injury-marred ’02 season, Pirates may again have NL’s weakest offense.
Stat sheet: C Jason Kendall’s stats have dropped appreciably since he signed a $60 million, six-year contract that was richest in Pirates history. He had only 97 RBIs in 1,151 ABs the last two seasons and needed operations on left thumb and foot. His inability to get much going at the top of lineup, and Ramirez’s struggles in the middle, were key reasons why Pirates were NL’s least efficient offense. GM Dave Littlefield also signed Lofton to give Pirates first true leadoff hitter since Tony Womack in ’99 and allow Kendall to hit second, where he’s much more comfortable. Reggie Sanders should stabilize revolving door situation in RF, though it pushes power-hitting Matt Stairs (92 HRs last four seasons) and Craig Wilson (29 HRs in 526 ABs last two seasons) to bench.
Bottom line: The thrifty Littlefield improved the outfield by bringing in veteran winners Lofton and Sanders, picked up pitching depth in D’Amico, Herges, Suppan and Tavarez (10-12, 5.39 at Florida), and added power in Simon and Stairs, all while spending only about $7 million — or roughly what they wasted on Derek Bell a year ago. The Pirates won 10 more games in ’02 than in ’01, and another 10-game improvement would get them to .500 — a major step for a team that hasn’t had a winning season since 1992. The starting rotation is all right-handed, though that’s more of a liability on the road than at home, thanks to PNC Park’s spacious left field.

Chicago Cubs
2002: 67-95, 5th place.
Manager: Dusty Baker (first season).
He’s Here: 1B Eric Karros, INF Mark Grudzielanek, C Damian Miller, LHP Mike Remlinger, OF Troy O’Leary, LHP Shawn Estes, RHP Dave Veres, INF-OF Lenny Harris, C Paul Bako.
He’s Outta Here: C Todd Hundley, 1B Fred McGriff, RHP Jon Lieber, C Joe Girardi, RHP Jason Bere.
Projected Lineup: 2B Bobby Hill (.253, 4, 20, .327 vs. LHP in 59 games), SS Alex Gonzalez (.248, 18, 61), RF Sammy Sosa (.288, 49, 108, .594 slugging percentage), LF Moises Alou (.275, 15, 61), 1B Hee Seop Choi (.180, 2, 4 in 24 games in Chicago, .287, 26, 97 and .513 slugging percentage at Triple-A Iowa), CF Corey Patterson (.253, 14, 54, 142 Ks), 3B Mark Bellhorn (.258, 27, 56), C Damian Miller (.249, 11, 42).
Rotation: RH Kerry Wood (12-11, 3.66, 217 Ks, 213 2-3 IP), RH Mark Prior (6-6, 3.32, 147 Ks), RH Matt Clement (12-11, 3.60, 215 Ks), LH Shawn Estes (5-12, 5.09), RH Carlos Zambrano (4-8, 3.66).
Key Relievers: RHP Antonio Alfonseca (2-5, 4.00, 19/28 saves) LHP Mike Remlinger (7-3, 1.99), RHP Kyle Farnsworth (4-6, 7.33), RHP Dave Veres (5-8, 3.48).
Hot Spot: Baker. The three-time NL manager of the year led the San Francisco Giants to the World Series last season and has been above .500 each of the last six years, finishing first or second in the NL West. Now he’s trying to revive a team that hasn’t won a pennant since 1945 and has been to the playoffs just three times since then.
Stat Sheet: The Cubs won just 67 games last year, and no wonder. Chicago led the NL with 1,269 strikeouts and had the second-worst batting average (.246). Though its rotation was solid, the Cubs ranked among the NL’s worst in ERA (4.29), saves (23) and walks (606), thanks to a shaky bullpen. So it was hardly a surprise that general manager Jim Hendry did an almost complete overhaul of the team, hiring Baker, improving the bench with players like Karros, Grudzielanek and Harris, and bulking up the bullpen with Remlinger and Veres.
Bottom Line: The Cubs have had just two winning seasons in the past five years and are now on their fourth manager. Money isn’t the issue — Chicago ranks among the NL Central leaders in payroll — so much as a general malaise that’s plagued the team for the last 50 years. But Hendry is counting on Baker to change the franchise’s fortunes. With one of the NL’s best young pitching staffs, Sosa and an improved bench, the Cubs have the ingredients. But whether Baker is enough to overcome the team’s losing tradition remains to be seen.

Milwaukee Brewers
2002: 56-106, 6th place.
Manager: Ned Yost (first season).
He’s Here: 3B Wes Helms, RHP Todd Ritchie, C Eddie Perez, C Javier Valentin, SS Royce Clayton,OF Brady Clark, LHP John Foster.
He’s Outta Here: SS Jose Hernandez, 2B Ron Belliard, Manager Jerry Royster, LHP Ray King, INF Lenny Harris, OF Matt Stairs.
Projected Lineup: CF Alex Sanchez (.289, 1, 33, 37 SBs), 2B Eric Young (.280, 3, 28, 31 SBs), Richie Sexson (.279, 29, 102, 70 BBs, 136 Ks), LF Geoff Jenkins (.243, 10, 29 in 67 games), 3B Wes Helms (.243, 6, 11 in 85 games); Jeffrey Hammonds (.257, 9, 41 in 128 games), SS Royce Clayton (.251, 7, 35, .989 fielding percentage).
Rotation: RH Ben Sheets (11-16, 4.15, 170 Ks); LH Glendon Rusch (10-16, 4.70), RH Todd Ritchie (5-15, 6.06); LH Wayne Franklin (13-9, 3.12 at Triple-A; 2-1, 2.63 ERA in four games for Brewers), RH Matt Kinney (2-7, 4.64).
Key Relievers: RH Mike DeJean (1-5, 3.12, 27/30 saves), RH Curtis Leskanic (missed last year with arm trouble); RH Luis Vizcaino (5-3, 2.99, 30 BB, 79 Ks).
Hot Spot: Outfield. Jenkins is coming off yet another injury, a dislocated ankle that ended his season midsummer just as he was recovering from shoulder surgery and finding his hitting stroke. Sanchez has to prove a more instinctive player in the field and on the bases and Hammonds has one last chance to justify the largest contract the franchise has ever given a player.
Stat Sheet: Sexson hopes to improve on his numbers with Jenkins back in the lineup and newcomer Helms in the fifth spot. When Jenkins went down last year, teams pitched around Sexson, who hardly got a good pitch to hit over the last three months. Still, he managed to get 37 doubles, 29 homers and 136 RBIs. He also scored a team-best 86 runs.
Bottom Line: The Brewers finished a franchise-worst 56-106 last year and attendance in the second year at Miller Park plummeted despite the All-Star game. The team revamped the front office, dumping Royster as interim manager and hiring Yost, who had been with Bobby Cox in Atlanta for the Braves’ 11 straight division titles. The Brewers haven’t had a winning season since 1992.

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks
2002: 98-64, 1st place.
Manager: Bob Brenly (third season).
He’s Here: RHP Elmer Dessens, INF Carlos Baerga, RHP Mike Jackson.
He’s Outta Here: C Damian Miller, 1B Erubiel Durazo, INF Greg Colbrunn, INF Jay Bell, LHP Brian Anderson, RHP Rick Helling, RHP Mike Morgan, RHP Mike Fetters.
Projected Lineup: SS Tony Womack (.271, 5, 57, 29 SBs), 3B Craig Counsell (.282, 2, 51, .364 RISP), 2B Junior Spivey (.301, 16, 78, 34 2Bs, 100 Ks), LF Luis Gonzalez (.288, 28, 103), RF Danny Bautista (.325, 6, 23), CF Steve Finley (.287, 25, 89), 1B Lyle Overbay (.163 in 10 at bats with Diamondbacks; .344, 109 RBIs, 40 2Bs at Triple-A Tucson), C Chad Moeller (.286, 2, 16) or Rod Barajas (.234, 3, 23).
Rotation: LH Randy Johnson (24-5, 2.32, 334 Ks, fourth straight Cy Young Award), RH Curt Schilling (23-7, 3.23, 316 Ks), RH Elmer Dessens (7-8, 3.03), RHP John Patterson (2-0, 3.23 in 7 Gs; 10-5, 4.23 at Triple-A), Byung-Hyun Kim (8-3, 2.04, 36 saves, 92 Ks in 84 IP) or Miguel Batista (8-9, 4.29).
Key Relievers: RH Matt Mantei (2-2, 4.73), RH Byung-Hyun Kim (8-3, 2.04, 36/42 saves, 92 Ks in 84 IP) or RH Miguel Batista (8-9, 4.29), LH Mike Myers (4-3, 4.38), RH Mike Koplove (6-1, 3.36).
Hot Spot: First base. The Diamondbacks shipped Erubiel Durazo to Oakland in the trade that brought RHP Elmer Dessens from Cincinnati because they felt minor league sensation Lyle Overbay was ready for the big leagues. But Overbay struggled mightily at the plate in spring training, and that could put more pressure on the aging legs of Mark Grace.
Stat Sheet: Johnson and Schilling were a combined 47-12, and were the first teammates to each strike out more than 300. But the rest of the pitching staff was just 45-58. The acquisition of Dessens should add stability to the No. 3 spot, and Kim’s strong showing in the spring hints that his transition from closer to starter just might work. Like his fellow rookie Overbay, however, Patterson has had a tough spring.
Bottom Line: Arizona has won three of the last four NL West titles. Johnson will turn 40 in September but shows no sign of slowing down. Schilling has adopted a strict diet and exercise regimen to get in better shape. Dessens will have far less pressure than he had with the Reds as the No. 3 starter. The bullpen has been bolstered. Gonzalez is healed from shoulder surgery and has a new contract that features a big pay raise. RF Bautista and Counsell are back from shoulder and neck surgery, respectively. All of this bodes well for another run at the World Series. But the loss of Colbrunn hurts, the catchers are weak-hitting and lack much big league experience and power hitting was a problem a year ago. Mantei returns to the closer’s role he held before he underwent elbow surgery two years ago, and it’s uncertain how effective he will be.

San Francisco Giants
2002: 95-66, 2nd place (wild card), NL champions.
Manager: Felipe Alou (first season).
He’s Here: 2B Ray Durham, 3B Edgardo Alfonzo, RF Jose Cruz Jr., CF Marquis Grissom, LH Damian Moss.
He’s Outta Here: Manager Dusty Baker, 2B Jeff Kent, RH Russ Ortiz, 3B David Bell, RF Reggie Sanders, CF Kenny Lofton, 3B Bill Mueller, OF Tom Goodwin, OF Tsuyoshi Shinjo, RH Aaron Fultz.
Projected Lineup: 2B Ray Durham (.289, 15, 70, 34 2Bs, 73 BBs), RF Jose Cruz Jr. (.245, 18, 70, 26 2Bs), SS Rich Aurilia (.257, 15, 61, 35 2Bs), LF Barry Bonds (.370, 46, 110, 198 BBs, 68 IBBs, 31 2Bs, .799 SLG, .582 OBP), 3B Edgardo Alfonzo (.308, 16, 56, 26 2Bs), C Benito Santiago (.278, 16, 74, 24 2Bs), 1B J.T. Snow (.246, 6, 53, 90 K), CF Marquis Grissom (.277, 17, 60, 21 2Bs, .321 OBP).
Rotation: LH Kirk Rueter (14-8, 3.23, 76 Ks), RH Jason Schmidt (13-8, 3.45, 196), RH Livan Hernandez (12-16, 4.38, 134, 5 CGs, three shutouts), LH Damian Moss 12-6, 3.42, 111), RH Ryan Jensen (13-8, 4.51, 105) or RH Kurt Ainsworth (1-2, 2.10, 15).
Key Relievers: RH Robb Nen (6-2, 2.20, 81, 43 saves), RH Felix Rodriguez (8-6, 4.17, 58, .212 OPP BA), RH Tim Worrell (8-2, 2.25, 55, .212 OPP BA), LH Scott Eyre (0-0, 1.59).
Hot Spot: With so much upheaval during the NL champions’ offseason, nobody knows what to expect from the Giants. In particular, the reconfigured lineup must quickly prove it can protect Bonds. If San Francisco gets off to a slow start, expect the chemistry and cohesion of the new lineup to fall under scrutiny.
Stat Sheet: In addition to winning his first batting title, Bonds set major league records last season with 198 walks — 68 intentional. Alou’s goal is to cut down on opponents’ ability to pitch around Bonds — though not having Kent in the lineup anymore could hurt. Alou might shift his lineup daily, using the hottest hitter at the time in the No. 5 slot behind Bonds.
Bottom Line: Nobody knows whether this new-look team can repeat last season’s gritty run to the World Series. A seven-game loss to Anaheim was disappointing, but most of the Giants enjoyed themselves — and they would all like to get a ring for Bonds, whether they’re friendly with the moody slugger or not. With Bonds still healthy and dominant, who’s to say San Francisco can’t get there again?

Los Angeles Dodgers
2002: 92-70, 3rd place.
Manager: Jim Tracy (third season).
He’s Here: 1B Fred McGriff, C Todd Hundley, OF Daryle Ward, LHP Tom Martin, LHP Wilson Alvarez, INF Ron Coomer, INF Gookie Dawkins, INF-OF Terry Shumpert, INF-OF Larry Barnes, INF-OF Jason Romano, OF Chad Hermansen.
He’s Outta Here: C Chad Kreuter, LHP Omar Daal, LHP Jesse Orosco, LHP Jeff Williams, RHP Kevin Beirne, 1B Eric Karros, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, INF Dave Hansen, INF Tyler Houston, INF Jeff Reboulet, OF Marquis Grissom.
Projected Lineup: CF Dave Roberts (.277, 3, 34, 45 SBs), C Paul Lo Duca (.281, 10, 64, 38 2Bs, 31 Ks), RF Shawn Green (.285, 42, 114, 110 runs, 31 2Bs, 93 BBs), 1B Fred McGriff (.273, 30, 103), LF Brian Jordan (.285, 18, 80), 3B Adrian Beltre (.257, 21, 75), 2B Joe Thurston (.334, 12, 55, 106 runs, 22 SBs, 196 hits at Triple-A Las Vegas, .462 in 13 at-bats with Dodgers) or Alex Cora (.291, 5, 28), SS Cesar Izturis (.232, 1, 31).
Rotation: RH Hideo Nomo (16-6, 3.39, 193 Ks, 26 HRs), LH Odalis Perez (15-10, 3.00, 155 Ks), RH Kevin Brown (3-4, 4.81); RH Darren Dreifort (DNP, injured), LH Kazuhisa Ishii (14-10, 4.27) or RH Andy Ashby (9-13, 3.91).
Key Relievers: RH Eric Gagne (4-1, 1.97, 52/56 saves), RH Paul Quantrill (5-4, 2.70), RH Giovanni Carrara (6-3, 3.28), RH Paul Shuey (5-2, 4.40).
Hot Spot: Starting pitching. Brown was limited to 10 starts last season and 19 in 2001 by injuries and Dreifort hasn’t pitched since June 2001 for the same reason. Both have been healthy and effective this spring, but getting through a full season could be a different matter.
Stat Sheet: The Dodgers won 92 games last season despite ranking next-to-last in the NL with a .320 on-base percentage. GM Dan Evans moved to improve the team in that area by trading Karros and Grudzielanek, who both hit .271 and seldom walked. Replacing them will be McGriff, who drew 63 walks last year — more than Karros and Grudzielanek combined — and Thurston, who tore up the Pacific Coast League.
Bottom Line: The Dodgers haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 1996 and haven’t won a postseason game since the 1988 World Series despite one of baseball’s highest payrolls in recent years. They have won 86, 86 and 92 games in the last three years, so they seem to be heading in the right direction.

Colorado Rockies
2002: 73-89, 4th place.
Manager: Clint Hurdle (second season).
He’s Here: C Charles Johnson, CF Preston Wilson, 2B Pablo Ozuna, SS Jose Hernandez, 3B Chris Stynes, 2B Ronnie Belliard, RHP Steve Reed, RHP Nelson Cruz, LHP Vic Darensbourg, LHP Darren Oliver, R