Capsules of National League teams, listed in order of finish last year:

EAST

New York Mets

2006: 97-65, first place.

Manager: Willie Randolph (third season).

He’s Here: LF Moises Alou, LHP Scott Schoeneweis, INF Damion Easley, OF David Newhan, RHP Aaron Sele, RHP Ambiorix Burgos, RHP Chan Ho Park, RHP Jon Adkins, OF Ben Johnson, LHP Jason Vargas, RHP Jorge Sosa.

He’s Outta Here: LF Cliff Floyd, RHP Steve Trachsel, RHP Chad Bradford, LHP Darren Oliver, RHP Roberto Hernandez, INF Chris Woodward, OF Michael Tucker, RHP Brian Bannister, RHP Heath Bell, LHP Royce Ring, RHP Victor Zambrano, OF Ricky Ledee.

Projected Lineup: SS Jose Reyes (.300, 19 HRs, 81 RBIs, 122 runs, major league-best 64 SBs and 17 3Bs), C Paul Lo Duca (.318, 5, 49), CF Carlos Beltran (.275, 41, 116, 127 runs, 95 BBs, 18 SBs), 1B Carlos Delgado (.265, 38, 114), 3B David Wright (.311, 26, 116, 40 2Bs, 20 SBs), LF Moises Alou (.301, 22, 74 in 98 games with Giants), RF Shawn Green (.277, 15, 66 with Diamondbacks and Mets), 2B Jose Valentin (.271, 18, 62 in 384 at-bats).

Rotation: LH Tom Glavine (15-7, 3.82 ERA, 198 IP), RH Orlando Hernandez (11-11, 4.66 in 29 starts for Diamondbacks and Mets), RH John Maine (6-5, 3.60 in 16 games, including 15 starts), LH Oliver Perez (3-13, 6.55 in 22 starts for Pirates and Mets), RH Mike Pelfrey (2-1, 5.48 in 4 starts).

Key Relievers: LH Billy Wagner (3-2, 2.24, 40â45 saves, 94 Ks in 72 1-3 IP), RH Aaron Heilman (4-5, 3.62, team-high 74 appearances), LH Pedro Feliciano (7-2, 2.09), LH Scott Schoeneweis (4-2, 4.88, 4 saves with Toronto and Cincinnati), RH Joe Smith (0-3, 2.48, 9 saves in 27 games at Class-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton), RH Ambiorix Burgos (4-5, 5.52, 18 saves for Royals), RH Aaron Sele (8-6, 4.53 for Dodgers).

Hot Spot: The suspect rotation. With ace Pedro Martinez sidelined until at least midseason following shoulder surgery, this group is a big concern. None of the starters pitched 200 innings last year. Glavine and Hernandez return, but both are 41 – and they’re the top two starters on the team. El Duque can still get hitters out, but he has a hard time staying healthy. The Mets are counting on a pair of youngsters, Maine and Perez, to build on their surprising success last October. Pelfrey, the ninth overall pick in the 2005 draft out of Wichita State, has only one year of pro ball under his belt. Still, he pitched well in spring training and won a wide-open competition for the final starting spot. The team would prefer not to put too much pressure on Pelfrey, but his development could end up being pretty important.

Stat Sheet: Green’s power numbers fell off the past couple of years, and he struggled at the plate in spring training. Last season, he had his fewest homers since 1996 and his fewest RBIs since ’97. After being acquired in an Aug. 22 trade with Arizona, the two-time All-Star batted only .257 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 34 games for New York – though he did prove to be a tough out in the playoffs, hitting .313 with three doubles, four RBIs and four walks in nine games. The 34-year-old Green has a pricey contract, but if he can’t produce consistently anymore he could lose considerable playing time to defensive whiz Endy Chavez or relinquish his starting job completely to athletic prospect Lastings Milledge, who impressed the club in spring training with newfound maturity.

Bottom Line: The talented Mets ran away from the rest of the National League last season and won their first division title since 1988. Despite an injury-depleted pitching staff, they reached Game 7 of the NLCS before a painful loss to St. Louis at home. Now, New York starts the long road back – and anything short of a trip to the World Series would be a disappointment. Even if the rotation falters, the Mets figure their versatile offense can help make up for it. The 40-year-old Alou appears to be an excellent fit for this lineup, as long as he stays healthy. Wright could move up to the No. 2 hole at times. The strong bullpen took a hit when Bradford signed with Baltimore, but it should be relatively deep again. The unit figures to receive a midseason boost when Guillermo Mota returns from a 50-game steroids suspension, and possibly if Duaner Sanchez and Juan Padilla ever get healthy. Plus, Martinez might be back for the stretch run, which could help the whole staff. Delgado (wrist, elbow), Lo Duca (thumb) and Heilman (elbow) also are coming off surgery. Randolph has a new three-year contract. Age is an issue for this team, and the division looks tougher than last year. But with Beltran, Wright and Reyes all primed, the Mets will be difficult to beat.

Philadelphia Phillies

2006: 85-77, second place.

Manager: Charlie Manuel (third season).

He’s Here: RHP Freddy Garcia, RHP Adam Eaton, RHP Antonio Alfonseca, C Rod Barajas, 3B Wes Helms, INF-OF Greg Dobbs, OF Jayson Werth, OF Karim Garcia.

He’s Outta Here: C Mike Lieberthal, LHP Randy Wolf, OF David Dellucci, OF Jeff Conine, INF Jose Hernandez, RHP Gavin Floyd, LHP Aaron Fultz.

Projected Lineup: SS Jimmy Rollins (.277, 25 HRs, 83 RBIs, 127 runs, 36 SBs), RF Shane Victorino (.287, 6, 46), 2B Chase Utley (.309, 32, 102), 1B Ryan Howard (.313, 58, 149, 108 BB), LF Pat Burrell (.258, 29, 95), 3B Wes Helms (.329, 10, 47 with Florida), CF Aaron Rowand (.262, 12, 47), C Rod Barajas (.256, 11, 51 with Texas).

Rotation: RH Brett Myers (12-7, 3.91 ERA, 189 Ks), LH Cole Hamels (9-8, 4.08, 145 Ks, 132 1-3 innings), RH Freddy Garcia (17-9, 4.53 with White Sox), RH Adam Eaton (7-4, 5.12 with Texas), LH Jamie Moyer (11-14, 4.30 with Seattle and Phillies).

Key Relievers: RH Tom Gordon (3-4, 3.34 ERA, 34â39 saves), RH Antonio Alfonseca (0-1, 6.00, 3 games with Texas), RH Ryan Madson (11-9, 5.69, 2 saves), RH Geoff Geary (7-1, 2.96), LH Matt Smith (0-1, 0.87 with Yankees and Phillies), RH Jon Lieber (9-11, 4.93).

Hot Spot: The bullpen. Gordon is 39 and was plagued by shoulder problems late last season. Alfonseca hasn’t pitched a full season since 2004. Madson has been inconsistent since an outstanding rookie season in ’04. No experienced left-handers.

Stat Sheet: Will Burrell finally live up to his big contract and adequately protect Howard in the lineup so teams can’t pitch around or intentionally walk the NL MVP as often as they did down the stretch last season? Burrell had decent numbers – 29 HRs and 95 RBIs in 462 ABs, but he batted just .222 with runners in scoring position and struck out 131 times.

Bottom Line: The Phillies finally might have the starting pitching needed to end a 14-year playoff drought, but their bullpen is a concern because they need Gordon to stay healthy and someone has to step up and be a consistent setup man. An offense that led the league in runs has one of the most formidable 3-4 tandems in the majors with Utley and Howard. Rollins sets the table. If the rotation lives up to its billing, the offense continues to produce and the bullpen doesn’t break down, the Phillies should contend for the NL East title.

Atlanta Braves

2006: 79-83, third place.

Manager: Bobby Cox (18th season of current tenure, 22nd with Braves overall).

He’s Here: LHP Mike Gonzalez, RHP Rafael Soriano, LHP Mike Hampton (returns after missing 2006 with injury), 1B-OF Craig Wilson, INF Chris Woodward, RHP Tanyon Sturtze.

He’s Outta Here: 1B Adam LaRoche, 2B Marcus Giles, LHP Horacio Ramirez, RHP Danys Baez, RHP John Thomson, RHP Chris Reitsma, RHP Ken Ray, 1B Daryle Ward.

Projected Lineup: 2B Kelly Johnson (.241, 9 HRs, 40 RBIs, 46 runs in 2005; missed most of 2006 with elbow injury), SS Edgar Renteria (.293, 14, 70, 17 SBs, 100 runs), 3B Chipper Jones (.324, 26, 86), CF Andruw Jones (.262, 41, 129, 107 runs, 127 strikeouts), C Brian McCann (.333, 24, 93), RF Jeff Francoeur (.260, 29, 103, 23 walks, 132 strikeouts), 1B Scott Thorman (.234, 5, 14, 128 at-bats) AND Craig Wilson (.251, 17, 49 with Pittsburgh and Yankees), LF Matt Diaz (.327, 7, 32) AND Ryan Langerhans (.241, 7, 28).

Rotation: RH John Smoltz (16-9, 3.29 ERA, 211 strikeouts, 232 innings), RH Tim Hudson (13-12, career-worst 4.86 ERA, 218 1-3 innings, 235 hits allowed), LH Chuck James (11-4, 3.78), LHP Mark Redman (11-10, 5.71 with Kansas City), RH Lance Cormier (4-5, 4.89) or RH Kyle Davies (3-7, 8.38) or LH Mike Hampton (5-3, 3.50 in 2005; recovering from Tommy John surgery and spring training oblique strain).

Key Relievers: RH Bob Wickman (1-6, 2.67 ERA, 33â37 saves with Cleveland and Atlanta), LH Mike Gonzalez (3-4, 2.17, 24â24 saves with Pittsburgh), RH Rafael Soriano (1-2, 2.25, 2 saves with Seattle), RH Oscar Villarreal (9-1, 3.61), LH Macay McBride (4-1, 3.65, 1 save).

Hot Spot: The Braves traded young slugger Adam LaRoche to Pittsburgh for Gonzalez, leaving Thorman, a big-swinging rookie, as the starting first baseman. General manager John Schuerholz and Cox said the job belongs to Thorman, but with about two weeks left in spring training Cox left open the possibility that the left-handed hitting Thorman could share time with Wilson, perhaps in a platoon. Cox broke in LaRoche in a platoon, so a similar arrangement would not be a surprise. Thorman, 25, has a Ryan Klesko-like frame, and the rookie attacks pitches with a similarly ferocious vigor. Thorman hit 15 homers and had only 48 strikeouts while hitting .298 in 81 games at Triple-A Richmond in 2006 before hitting .234 in his first 128 major league at-bats.

Stat Sheet: The Braves led the NL with 29 blown saves last season as their streak of division championships ended at 14, but most of the blown saves came before Wickman was acquired from Cleveland on July 20. Wickman was good on 18 of 19 save chances with Atlanta and then Schuerholz added Gonzalez and Soriano to the bullpen. Suddenly the team’s glaring weakness is expected to be a team strength. Wickman, however, is 38.

Bottom Line: For the first time since 1991, the Braves enter the season after failing to make the playoffs the previous year. A streak of 14 straight division titles finally ended as the Mets finished 18 games ahead of Atlanta. Schuerholz responded quickly to a spring injury to Hampton by acquiring Redman, and strong springs by Cormier and Davies added to the confidence that the rotation will be strong. A concern is the right side of the infield. Johnson, who missed most of last season with an elbow problem that led to Tommy John surgery, is adjusting to a move from left field to second base as well as an expected new role as the leadoff hitter. Johnson takes over for Giles, who was not re-signed. Johnson has looked comfortable in the field so far, but a drop-off on defense also is expected at first base. The Braves hope to have a healthy Hampton, who was projected as the No. 3 starter, by June. The team also needs a return to form from Hudson.

Florida Marlins

2006: 78-84, fourth place.

Manager: Fredi Gonzalez (first season).

He’s Here: RHP Jorge Julio, INF Aaron Boone, RHP Matt Lindstrom, RHP Henry Owens, RHP Kevin Gregg.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Joe Girardi, RHP Joe Borowski, 1B Wes Helms, RHP Brian Moehler, LHP Jason Vargas, RHP Yusmeiro Petit.

Projected Lineup: SS Hanley Ramirez (.292, 17 HRs, 119 R, 59 SB), 2B Dan Uggla (.282, 27 HRs, 90 RBIs), 3B Miguel Cabrera (.339, 26 HRs, 114 RBIs, 50 doubles), 1B Mike Jacobs (.262, 20, 77), LF Josh Willingham (.277, 26 HRs, 74 RBIs), C Miguel Olivo (.263, 16, 58), RF Joe Borchard (.230, 10, 28 with Seattle and Florida), CF Alejandro De Aza (.278 in 69 games at Double-A).

Rotation: LH Dontrelle Willis (12-12, 3.87 ERA), RH Anibal Sanchez (10-3, 2.83), LH Scott Olsen (12-10, 4.04), RH Ricky Nolasco (11-11, 4.82), RH Sergio Mitre (1-5, 5.71).

Key Relievers: RH Jorge Julio (2-4, 4.23, 16â20 saves with Mets and Arizona), LH Taylor Tankersley (2-1, 2.85 ERA), RH Matt Lindstrom (3.76 ERA, 11 saves at Double-A Binghamton), RH Henry Owens (1.58 ERA, 20 saves at Binghamton), RH Kevin Gregg (3-4, 4.14 for Angels), LH Renyel Pinto (3.03 ERA), RH Randy Messenger (2-7, 5.67 ERA).

Hot Spot: Center field and the bullpen. The Marlins did little in the offseason to upgrade their least productive areas last year. De Aza is an unknown. Julio, just acquired for Petit in a trade with Arizona, takes over for Borowski and at least gives Florida an experienced closer for its young ‘pen. Tankersley has been slowed by shoulder tendinitis. Lindstrom and Owens are hard-throwing prospects from the Mets.

Stat Sheet: How many of the 22 rookies Florida played last year will fare better in their second season? Best bets for improvement are Hermida and Olsen. RH Josh Johnson (expected to miss at least the first two months with a sore elbow) and Uggla struggled the second half of last season, and both will be hard-pressed to match their rookie performances.

Bottom Line: The big change for the Marlins is Gonzalez replacing Girardi, who was fired two days after the season and subsequently chosen NL Manager of the Year. Girardi was popular with his players but clashed with the front office and owner Jeffrey Loria. Gonzalez inherits a team that was baseball’s youngest and showed enormous promise. Florida had three of the top four finishers in NL Rookie of the Year voting, including winner Ramirez, and four rookies in the rotation. But the Marlins will likely have NL’s lowest payroll again, despite big raises for Willis and Cabrera. If the sophomore jinx hits, Florida is in serious trouble.

Washington Nationals

2006: 71-91, fifth place.

Manager: Manny Acta (first season).

He’s Here: 1B Dmitri Young, INF Ronnie Belliard, INF Josh Wilson, C Jesus Flores, OF Chris Snelling, OF Kory Casto, LHP Matt Chico, RHP Jerome Williams, LHP Ray King, RHP Jesus Colome, RHP Levale Speigner.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Frank Robinson, LF Alfonso Soriano, 2B Jose Vidro, RF Jose Guillen, CF Marlon Byrd, RHP Ramon Ortiz, RHP Tony Armas Jr., RHP Ryan Drese, RHP Brian Lawrence, RHP Felix Rodriguez, LHP Joey Eischen, RHP Travis Hughes, RHP Zach Day.

Projected Lineup: 2B Felipe Lopez (.274, 11 HRs, 52 RBIs, 98 runs, 44 SBs, .358 OBP, 126 Ks for Reds and Nationals), SS Cristian Guzman (.219, 4, 31 in 2005; missed 2006 with shoulder injury), 3B Ryan Zimmerman (.287, 20, 110, 47 2Bs), RF Austin Kearns (.264, 24, 86 for Reds and Nationals), 1B Dmitri Young (.250, 7, 23 for Tigers), LF Ryan Church (.276, 10, 35), C Brian Schneider (.256, 4, 55), CF Nook Logan (.300, 1, 8 in 90 ABs).

Rotation: RH John Patterson (1-2, 4.43 ERA, eight starts), RH Shawn Hill (1-3, 4.66, six starts), LH Matt Chico (9-2, 2.45 at Double-A), RH Jason Bergmann (0-2, 6.68), RH Jerome Williams (0-2, 7.30 for Cubs).

Key Relievers: RH Chad Cordero (7-4, 3.19, 29â33 saves), RH Jon Rauch (4-5, 3.35, 85 appearances), RH Ryan Wagner (3-3, 4.70), LH Ray King (1-4, 4.43, 67 appearances for Rockies), LH Micah Bowie (0-1, 1.37).

Hot Spot: As GM Jim Bowden would say, “Pitching, pitching, pitching.” The rotation was the focus of spring training and might be throughout the season. Consider: The five pitchers opening the season as starters combined for two wins in the majors last season. The unquestioned leader is Patterson, who’s coming off arm surgery.

Stat Sheet: Zimmerman led the majors in hits with runners in scoring position (64) as a rookie, but how will he fare in his sophomore year? He won’t have Soriano (119 runs) to drive in, and he won’t have 1B Nick Johnson (.290, 23 HRs, 46 2Bs) to protect him in the order while Johnson recovers from a broken leg that’s expected to sideline him for at least two months.

Bottom Line: A fourth consecutive last-place finish in the NL East for the former Montreal Expos would surprise no one, although Acta refuses to concede anything. This is a team trying to rebuild from the bottom up, with president Stan Kasten hoping eventually to recreate the worst-to-first success he had with the Atlanta Braves – the plan is to have an improved product when the new stadium opens in 2008. So there will be patchwork pitching in ’07 and a lineup missing Soriano, who signed a $136 million deal with the Cubs. Lopez moves from SS to 2B. Guzman returns after missing all of ’06 because of shoulder surgery. The lone bright spot? The bullpen, anchored by Cordero (76 saves the last two seasons) – although main setup man Luis Ayala starts on the DL after missing ’06 because of elbow surgery.

CENTRAL

St. Louis Cardinals

2006: 83-78, first place, World Series champions.

Manager: Tony La Russa (12th season).

He’s Here: RHP Kip Wells, 2B Adam Kennedy, RHP Russ Springer, RHP Ryan Franklin, C-OF Eli Marrero.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Jeff Suppan, RHP Jeff Weaver, RHP Jason Marquis, 2B Ronnie Belliard.

Projected Lineup: SS David Eckstein (.292, 2 HR, 23 RBIs in 123 games), LF Chris Duncan (.293, 22 HR, 43 RBIs in 90 games), 1B Albert Pujols (.331, 49 HR, 137 RBIs), 3B Scott Rolen (.296, 22 HR, 95 RBIs), CF Jim Edmonds (.257, 19 HR, 70 RBIs in 110 games), RF Juan Encarnacion (.278, 19 HR, 79 RBIs; will start season on DL), C Yadier Molina (.216, 6 HR, 49 RBIs), 2B Adam Kennedy (.273, 4 HR, 55 RBIs, 16 SB with Angels).

Rotation: RH Chris Carpenter (15-8, 3.09, 184 Ks), RH Kip Wells (2-5, 6.50 with Pittsburgh and Texas), RH Anthony Reyes (5-8, 5.06), RH Adam Wainwright (2-1, 3.12, 3 saves), RH Braden Looper (9-3, 3.56).

Key Relievers: RH Jason Isringhausen (4-8, 3.55, 33â43 saves), RH Brad Thompson (1-2, 3.34), LH Tyler Johnson (2-4, 4.95), RH Russ Springer (1-1, 3.47), LH Randy Flores (1-1, 5.62), RH Ryan Franklin (6-7, 4.54 with Philadelphia and Cincinnati).

Hot Spot: Pitching staff. Isringhausen (hip surgery) blew a career-high 10 saves before shutting down in September. He’s been on track for opening day all along, freeing Wainwright to move to a rotation that returns only Carpenter from opening day last year. It’s too late for Wainwright to reprise his fill-in closer status, so that spot would be a patch-up if Isringhausen has a setback. The rotation already appears patchwork with converted relievers Wainwright and Looper both slotted for spots. LH Mark Mulder is expected back in July from shoulder surgery.

Stat Sheet: A healthy Edmonds could mean a big difference for the offense. He was limited to 110 games last year, mainly by post-concussion syndrome, and is coming off surgery on his right shoulder and left foot. His totals last year – .257, 19 homers, 70 RBIs – were his lowest since joining the Cardinals in 2000. He could start the year on the DL, but is expected to be at full strength by mid-April. Scott Spiezio will likely start the opener in right field for Encarnacion. Spiezio batted .272 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs in 119 games last season. He started at five positions, though right field wasn’t one of them.

Bottom Line: The Cardinals’ robust offense must come through to compensate for the rotation’s shortcomings. Wainwright is a potential standout but the opening-day rotation totaled only 33 victories last year – 15 from Carpenter. St. Louis came within a whisker of a historic collapse but picked it up when Edmonds and Eckstein returned from injuries near the end of the season. With better health and the midseason return of Mulder to stabilize the rotation, the Cardinals should have enough to make the postseason despite the lack of significant offseason upgrades. The only newcomer to the everyday lineup is 2B Adam Kennedy.

Houston Astros

2006: 82-80, second place.

Manager: Phil Garner (fourth season).

He’s Here: OF Carlos Lee, RHP Jason Jennings, RHP Woody Williams, INF Mark Loretta, RHP Brian Moehler, RHP Rick White.

He’s Outta Here: LHP Andy Pettitte, CF Willy Taveras, RF-3B Aubrey Huff, RHP Russ Springer, RHP Taylor Buchholz, RHP Jason Hirsh, RHP Ezequiel Astacio.

He Might Be Outta Here: RHP Roger Clemens.

Projected Lineup: 2B Craig Biggio (.246, 21, 62, 79 runs), CF Chris Burke (.276, 9 HRs, 40 RBIs, 58 runs, 11 SBs, .347 OBP), 1B Lance Berkman (.315, 45, 136, 95 runs, .420 OBP), LF Carlos Lee (.300, 37, 116, 102 runs, 19 SBs, .355 OBP with Milwaukee and Texas), 3B Morgan Ensberg (.235, 23, 58, 67 runs, .396 OBP), RF Jason Lane (.201, 15, 45, 44 runs) or Luke Scott (.336, 10, 37), SS Adam Everett (.239, 6, 59, 52 runs), C Brad Ausmus (.230, 2, 39, 37 runs).

Rotation: RH Roy Oswalt (15-8, 2.98 ERA, 166 Ks), RH Jason Jennings (9-13, 3.78, 142 Ks), RH Woody Williams (12-5, 3.65, 72 Ks), LH Wandy Rodriguez (9-10, 5.64, 98 Ks), RH Fernando Nieve (3-3, 4.20) or RH Matt Albers (0-2, 6.00) or RH Chris Sampson (2-1, 2.12).

Key Relievers: RH Brad Lidge (1-5, 5.28, 32â38 saves), RH Chad Qualls (7-3, 3.76), RH Dan Wheeler (3-5, 2.52, 9â12 saves), LH Trever Miller (2-3, 3.02).

Hot Spot: The pitching staff. After losing Pettitte to the Yankees in the offseason and with Clemens still undecided whether he’ll pitch for the Astros – or anyone else – this year, Houston’s previously strong rotation could be shaky. Even with the additions of Jennings and Williams, the bottom of the rotation could be suspect. Garner knows he’s got an ace in Oswalt and hopes to get more consistency from Rodriguez.

Stat Sheet: Biggio is 70 hits from becoming the 27th player to reach 3,000. The 41-year-old shouldn’t have a problem reaching the milestone in 2007 after finishing with 135 hits last year. The 20-year veteran has had 130-plus hits in all but three of his major league seasons.

Bottom Line: The Astros followed up their first World Series appearance by missing the playoffs in 2006, then they lost Pettitte and possibly Clemens. The addition of Lee, who signed a $100 million, six-year contract, should add some punch to Houston’s perennially anemic offense. The 30-year-old Lee, who hit 37 homers with 116 RBIs last season, should complement All-Star 1B Berkman, who had 45 homers and 136 RBIs. Another intriguing newcomer is Loretta, who has played mostly 2B but will likely play several infield positions as Biggio closes in on 3,000 hits. Lidge, the closer, must rebound from a disappointing season. Even with all the upheaval, the Astros certainly could contend in this division.

Cincinnati Reds

2006: 80-82, third place.

Manager: Jerry Narron (second season).

He’s Here: SS Alex Gonzalez, RHP Dustin Hermanson, RHP Kirk Saarloos, LHP Mike Stanton, C Chad Moeller, 1B Jeff Conine, OF Josh Hamilton, LHP Bobby Livingston.

He’s Outta Here: INF Rich Aurilia, C Jason LaRue, SS Royce Clayton, LHP Brandon Claussen, LHP Kent Mercker, OF Todd Hollandsworth, LHP Scott Schoenweis, RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Paul Wilson.

Projected Lineup: CF Ryan Freel (.271, 8 HR, 27 RBIs, 37 SBs, .363 OBP), 2B Brandon Phillips (.276, 17, 75), RF Ken Griffey Jr. (.252, 27, 72), LF Adam Dunn (.234, 40, 92), 3B Edwin Encarnacion (.276, 15, 72), 1B Scott Hatteberg (.289, 13, 51) or Jeff Conine (.268, 10, 66 with Baltimore and Philadelphia), C David Ross (.255, 21, 52) or Javier Valentin (.269, 8, 27), SS Alex Gonzalez (.255, 9, 50 with Boston).

Rotation: RH Aaron Harang (16-11, 3.76, NL-high 6 complete games, NL-high 216 strikeouts), RH Bronson Arroyo (14-11, 3.29, NL-leading 240 2-3 innings), LH Eric Milton (8-8, 5.19), RH Kyle Lohse (3-5, 4.57), RH Kirk Saarloos (7-7, 4.75, 2 saves in 16 starts and 19 relief appearances for Oakland) or RH Matt Belisle (2-0, 3.60).

Key Relievers: RH Dustin Hermanson (limited to six appearances with White Sox because of a bad back), LHP Mike Stanton (3-5, 4.47 ERA, 56 games with Washington, 4-2, 3.09 in 26 games with San Francisco), RHP David Weathers (4-4, 3.54, 12 saves), RHP Gary Majewski (1-2, 8.40; set to begin season in minors after being slowed this spring by weak shoulder), LHP Bill Bray (2-1, 4.23).

Hot Spot: The back of the rotation. Harang and Arroyo were among the most effective 1-2 starters in the NL last season, but no one else stood out. Milton was hurt and inconsistent, Lohse showed some flashes of promise after arriving in a midseason trade. How long the Reds stay in contention could come down to how well they fill out the rotation.

Stat Sheet: Harang tied for the NL lead with 16 wins and led the league in strikeouts (215) and complete games (6) last year. The last Reds pitcher to lead the league in wins and strikeouts in the same season was Ewell Blackwell in 1947.

Bottom Line: The Reds should be competitive in the NL Central, where a .500 record was enough to keep a team in contention last season. They need Milton to finally have a good season in his final year under contract. Ken Griffey Jr. broke his throwing hand in December and missed most of spring training, a bad omen for the oft-injured outfielder who moves to right field this season. OF Josh Hamilton has looked good in spring training, giving the Reds another option if Griffey is hurt. The Reds haven’t had a winning season since 2000, their longest drought since 1945-55.

Milwaukee Brewers

2006: 75-87, fourth place.

Manager: Ned Yost (fifth season).

He’s Here: RHP Jeff Suppan, C Johnny Estrada, INF Craig Counsell, RHP Claudio Vargas, RHP Greg Aquino, RHP Elmer Dessens.

He’s Outta Here: 3B David Bell, LHP Doug Davis, RHP Tomo Ohka, LHP Dana Eveland.

Projected Lineup: 2B Rickie Weeks (.279, 8 HRs, 34 RBIs, 19 SB in 95 games), SS J.J. Hardy (.242, 5, 14 in 35 games), 1B Prince Fielder (.271, 28, 81), CF Bill Hall (.270, 35, 85, 101 runs, 162 strikeouts), C Johnny Estrada (.302, 11, 71 with Arizona), RF Corey Hart (.283, 9, 33 in 87 games), LF Geoff Jenkins (.271, 17, 70) or Kevin Mench (.230, 1, 18 in 40 games after trade from Texas), 3B Craig Counsell (.255, 4, 30 with Arizona) or Tony Graffanino (.280, 2, 27 in 60 games after trade from Kansas City).

Rotation: RH Ben Sheets (6-7, 3.82 ERA, 116 Ks in 106 IP over 17 starts), LH Chris Capuano (11-12, 4.03, team-high 174 Ks), RH Jeff Suppan (12-7, 4.12 with St. Louis), RH Dave Bush (12-11, 4.42), RH Claudio Vargas (12-10, 4.83 with Arizona).

Key Relievers: RH Francisco Cordero (3-1, 1.69, 16â18 saves after trade from Texas; overall 10-5, 3.70, 22/33), RH Derrick Turnbow (4-9, 6.87, 24/32), RH Matt Wise (5-6, 3.86), RH Jose Capellan (4-2, 4.40), LH Brian Shouse (1-3, 3.97), RH Elmer Dessens (5-7, 4.50 ERA in 43 games with Kansas City and 0-1, 4.70 ERA in 19 games with Dodgers). Hot Spot: Third base. Graffanino and Counsell will have to platoon the position because Corey Koskie is nowhere close to returning from post-concussion symptoms after he suffered whiplash in July. The Brewers have prospect Ryan Braun waiting, but after a hot start early in the spring, his elbow became sore and he was sent back to minor league camp.

Stat Sheet: Sheets made only 17 starts because of shoulder problems stemming from a torn back muscle the year prior. He says he’s feeling better and has already had one sharp start in the spring when he typically struggles. Fielder leads a group of infielders who missed more than 250 games last year. He was the only one who didn’t have a significant injury, but Weeks and Hardy will return to bolster the top half of the lineup.

Bottom Line: The Brewers were expected to be a feel-good small market team in ’06 and contend for the NL wild card. Injuries derailed those plans for at least a year. GM Doug Melvin said his team’s success will center on Sheets and Hardy. The addition of Suppan with a franchise-record $42 million, four-year deal highlights a team whose payroll continues to rise in pursuit of the postseason. Also, if Turnbow can overcome the woes that saw him lose his closer role to Cordero, the Brewers might have one of the strongest bullpens in the NL a year after finishing last in ERA in 2006.

Pittsburgh Pirates

2006: 67-95, fifth place

Manager: Jim Tracy (second season).

He’s Here: 1B Adam LaRoche, RHP Tony Armas, RHP Danny Kolb, INF Jose Hernandez, OF Luis Matos.

Here’s Outta Here: LHP Mike Gonzalez, OF Jeromy Burnitz, 3B Joe Randa, RHP Victor Santos. Projected Lineup: CF Chris Duffy (.255, 2 HRs, 18 RBIs, 26 stolen bases), SS Jack Wilson (.273, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs, career-high 18 errors), 2B Freddy Sanchez (.344, 6 HRs, 85 RBIs, won NL batting title despite starting season as utility player), 1B Adam LaRoche (.285, 32 HRs, 90 RBIs with Braves, all but eight homers with bases empty), LF Jason Bay (.286, 35 HRs, 109 RBIs, hit as low as fifth only one time last season), RF Xavier Nady (.280, 17 HRs, 63 RBIs, had only 3 HRs in 203 ABs with Pirates), 3B Jose Bautista (.235, 16 HRs, 51 RBIs while hitting from first through eighth in lineup), C Ronny Paulino (.310, 6 HRs, 55 RBIs, batting average was highest for NL rookie C since Mike Piazza’s .318 in 1993).

Rotation: LH Zach Duke (10-15, NL-high 255 hits allowed, ERA jumped from 1.81 as rookie to 4.47), RH Ian Snell (14-11, 4.74 ERA, 169 Ks in 186 innings, had one previous career victory before last season), LH Paul Maholm (8-10, 4.76 ERA in 30 starts), LH Tom Gorzelanny (2-5, 3.79 ERA in 11 starts), RH Tony Armas (9-12, 5.03 ERA in 30 starts for Washington).

Key Relievers: RH Salomon Torres (3-6, 3.28 ERA, 12 saves in 12 attempts, is new Pirates closer at age 35 despite having only 17 career saves), RH Matt Capps (9-1, 3.79 ERA in 85 games as rookie, only 12 walks in 80 2-3 innings), RH Shawn Chacon (7-6, 6.36 ERA with Yankees and Pirates), LH Damaso Marte (1-7, 3.70 ERA, pitched only 58 1-3 innings in 75 G), LH John Grabow (4-2, 4.13 ERA in 72 games, has appeared in an average of 68 games his first three seasons), RH Dan Kolb (2-2, 4.84 ERA, 1 save with Brewers, has only 12 saves in last two seasons after having 60 in previous two).

Hot Spot: Third base. Only one season after Freddy Sanchez was a surprise NL batting champion, he has moved to 2B. That means former Rule 5 draft pick Bautista will start at 3B, backed up by former 2B Jose Castillo (.253, 14 HRs, 65 RBIs, hit .091 in final 16 games). Bautista has power, but it’s questionable whether he can hit for average as an everyday player. Also, the Pirates are taking a chance that Sanchez, a natural SS, won’t be disrupted offensively while again playing out of position; he missed most of spring training with a right knee injury that occurred March 6 while playing 2B.

Stat Sheet: The Pirates are counting on LaRoche to be their everyday cleanup hitter and the left-handed power bat they’ve lacked since trading Brian Giles in the Bay deal in 2003. LaRoche was accustomed to hitting lower in the lineup in Atlanta – he hit .310 in the seventh spot but only .236 in the No. 5 hole, and he had only 10 at-bats at cleanup. And he won’t get to face Pirates pitching any longer; he had three homers in five ABs against Snell last season.

Bottom Line: The Pirates have had 14 consecutive losing seasons, two short of the major league record set by the Phillies from 1933-48, and were 67-95 each of the last two seasons. One of Tracy’s priorities is to eliminate the mindset of losing that has dogged the franchise since Barry Bonds departed in 1992. The rotation is one of the majors’ youngest and most promising; Duke was excellent as a rookie in 2005 (8-2, 1.81 ERA) and the hard-throwing Snell rarely looked overmatched in his first season in the rotation. LaRoche rounds out a solid everyday lineup. But they traded reliever Mike Gonzalez (24 saves in 24 opportunities) to get LaRoche, and that leaves the 35-year-old Torres as the closer – with Capps, a rookie last season, in waiting if he falters. This may be one season where the Pirates’ biggest challenge is mental, not physical; their lineup may be their best in years, their pitching staff is promising, but the Pirates always seem to find a way to lose – last year, 60 of their first 90 games. If they can reverse that and get off to the good start they’ve rarely had in the last 15 years, there may be some light at the end of this tunnel. If not, then they’ll be the same old Pirates.

Chicago Cubs

2006: 66-96, sixth place.

Manager: Lou Piniella (first season).

He’s Here: OF Alfonso Soriano, 2B Mark DeRosa, LHP Ted Lilly, RHP Jason Marquis, LHP Neal Cotts, OF-1B Cliff Floyd, 1B Daryle Ward, INF Tomas Perez.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Dusty Baker, CF Juan Pierre, 1B John Mabry.

Projected Lineup: CF Alfonso Soriano (.277, career-high 46 HRs, 95 RBIs, 41 steals for Washington), LF Matt Murton (.297, 13 HRs, 62 RBIs), 1B Derrek Lee (.286, 8 HRs, 30 RBIs in 50 games), 3B Aramis Ramirez (.291, career-high 38 HRs, career-high 119 RBIs), RF Jacque Jones (.285, 27 HRs, 81 RBIs), C Michael Barrett (.307, 16 HRs, 53 RBIs), 2B Mark DeRosa (.296, 13 HRs, 74 RBIs), SS Cesar Izturis (.245, 1 HR, 18 RBIs in 54 games with Dodgers and Cubs).

Rotation: RH Carlos Zambrano (16-7, 3.41 ERA, career-high 210 Ks), LH Ted Lilly (15-13, 4.31 ERA for Toronto), RH Jason Marquis (14-16, 6.02 ERA for St. Louis), LH Rich Hill (6-7, 4.17 ERA), RH Wade Miller (0-2, 4.57 ERA).

Key Relievers: RH Ryan Dempster (1-9, 4.80 ERA, 24 saves in 33 opportunities), RH Bob Howry (4-5, 3.17 ERA), LH Scott Eyre (1-3, 3.38 ERA), RH Kerry Wood (1-2, 4.12 ERA in four starts; will begin season on DL), LH Neal Cotts (1-2, 5.17 ERA for White Sox), RH Angel Guzman (0-6, 7.39 ERA), LH Will Ohman (1-1, 4.13 ERA).

Hot Spot: Outfield defense. Soriano is switching from left to center. Murton and Jones weren’t exactly in the running for Gold Gloves last season, and Floyd was limited by an injured Achilles tendon last season with the Mets.

Stat Sheet: The 2005 NL batting champion, Lee was batting .318 with three home runs and 10 RBIs early in the season before he broke two bones in a collision with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Rafael Furcal.

Bottom Line: The days of counting on oft-injured former aces Wood and Mark Prior are over. Wood will begin the season on the DL, while Prior will be at Triple-A. Wood, now in the bullpen, was slowed this spring by a strained right triceps after being limited last season by a torn right rotator cuff. Prior, who competed for a starting spot, was mostly ineffective this spring after having last season cut short by a strained right shoulder. The Cubs went on a shopping spree in the offseason, committing approximately $300 million to improve the roster. Now, we’ll find out if it’s money well spent. Soriano – the prized free agent – certainly adds pop to the lineup, but can he play center? If nothing else, he provides depth in the order. The Cubs were never the same after Lee broke his right wrist early last season. With a healthy Lee, a re-signed Ramirez and Soriano, the Cubs should have no problem scoring runs. And with a revamped roster and Piniella now on the bench, the Cubs are thinking playoffs.

WEST

San Diego Padres

2006: 88-74, first place.

Manager: Bud Black (first season).

He’s Here: RHP Greg Maddux, 2B Marcus Giles, 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, OF Jose Cruz Jr., LHP Royce Ring, RHP Heath Bell.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Bruce Bochy, C Mike Piazza, 2B Josh Barfield, LF Dave Roberts, 1B Ryan Klesko, RHP Woody Williams, RHP Chan Ho Park, OF Ben Johnson, RHP Jon Adkins, INF Mark Bellhorn.

Projected Lineup: 2B Marcus Giles (.262, 11 HRs, 60 RBIs, 10 SBs, .341 OBP with Atlanta), RF Brian Giles (.263, 14, 83, 104 BBs, 87 runs), 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.304, 24, 82, 113 Ks), C Josh Bard (.333, 9, 40), CF Mike Cameron (.268, 22, 83, 25 SB), SS Khalil Greene (.245, 15, 55), 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (.214, 3, 11 with Cleveland), LF Terrmel Sledge (.229, 2, 7).

Rotation: RH Jake Peavy, (11-14, 4.09 ERA, 215 Ks), RH Chris Young (11-5, 3.46, 164 Ks), RH Clay Hensley (11-12, 3.71), RH Greg Maddux (15-14, 4.20 with Cubs and Dodgers), LH David Wells (3-5, 4.42 ERA with Boston and San Diego).

Key Relievers: RH Trevor Hoffman (0-2, 2.14, 46â51 saves), RH Scott Linebrink (7-4, 3.57 ERA, 2 saves) RH Cla Meredith (5-1, 1.07 ERA), RH Doug Brocail (2-2, 4.76 ERA), RH Heath Bell (0-0, 5.11 with New York Mets), RH Mike Thompson (4-5, 4.99), RH Kevin Cameron (6-4, 2.98, 9 saves with Triple-A Rochester).

Hot Spot: The offense. The Padres undermined their pitching staff by hitting just .225 and stranding 35 runners in losing to the eventual World Series champion Cardinals in the divisional round. Quickly priced out of the free-agent market, the thrifty Padres weren’t able to add a big bat. They did send 2B Josh Barfield to Cleveland for Kouzmanoff, whose claim to fame is becoming the first player to hit a grand slam on the first pitch he saw as a big leaguer. Signing Marcus Giles was a nice addition, if he’s healthy and doesn’t struggle like he did last year.

Stat Sheet: Maddux and Wells have compiled some pretty staggering numbers in their long careers. Maddux, who turns 41 on April 14, has won 333 games, four NL Cy Young awards, one World Series ring and a record-tying 16 Gold Glove awards. He’s also won at least 15 games 18 times. Wells, 43, has 230 victories and earned World Series rings with Toronto in 1992 and the New York Yankees in 1998, when they swept the Padres. He also threw a perfect game for New York that season.

Bottom Line: The Padres will try to win their third straight NL West title, which would be a franchise first. Their two straight division crowns weren’t all that impressive, accomplished with just 82 wins in 2005 and 88 last season, when they tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers but claimed the title based on head-to-head play. After losing to eventual World Series champion St. Louis in the playoffs, the Padres had a shakeup that started in the manager’s office. The Padres made it clear they wouldn’t offer Bochy an extension beyond 2007, so he took a three-year deal from division rival San Francisco rather than being a lame duck. He was replaced by Black, the former big league pitcher who lives just north of San Diego and commuted to his previous job as pitching coach of the Los Angeles Angels.

Los Angeles Dodgers

2006: 88-74, second place, wild card.

Manager: Grady Little (second season).

He’s Here: RHP Jason Schmidt, LHP Randy Wolf, C Mike Lieberthal, OF Luis Gonzalez, OF Juan Pierre, RHP Rudy Seanez, OF Brady Clark.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Eric Gagne, RHP Greg Maddux, RHP Aaron Sele, C Toby Hall, INF Julio Lugo, INF Bill Mueller, OF J.D. Drew, OF Kenny Lofton, OF Jayson Werth, RHP Elmer Dessens.

Projected Lineup: SS Rafael Furcal (.300, 15 HRs, 63 RBIs, 113 runs, 37 SBs, .369 OBP), CF Juan Pierre (.292, 3, 40, 58 SBs .330 OBP with Cubs), 1B Nomar Garciaparra (.303, 20, 93), 2B Jeff Kent (.292, 14, 68), LF Luis Gonzalez (.271, 15, 73, 52 2Bs with Arizona), C Russell Martin (.282, 10, 65), 3B Wilson Betemit (.263, 18, 53 with Atlanta, Dodgers), RF Andre Ethier (.308, 11, 55).

Rotation: RH Derek Lowe (16-8, 3.63 ERA), LH Randy Wolf (4-0, 5.56 ERA in 12 games with Philadelphia), RH Jason Schmidt (11-9, 3.59 ERA, 180 Ks with San Francisco), RH Brad Penny (16-9, 4.33 ERA, 148 Ks), RH Brett Tomko 8-7, 4.73 ERA in 15 starts and 29 relief appearances).

Key Relievers: RH Takashi Saito (6-2, 2.08, 24â26 saves), RH Jonathan Broxton (4-1, 2.68, 3â7 saves), LH Joe Beimel (2-1, 2.96 ERA, 2â2 saves), RH Chad Billingsley (7-4, 3.80 in 16 starts and two relief appearances), RH Rudy Seanez (3-3, 4.92 with Boston and San Diego), LH Mark Hendrickson (4-8, 3.81 ERA in 13 starts for Tampa Bay and 2-7, 4.68 ERA in six starts and 12 relief appearances for Dodgers).

Hot Spot: Right field. The 24-year-old Ethier had a terrific rookie season last year until September, when he had only seven hits in 53 at-bats to drop his batting average from .335 to .308 and lost his starting position to Marlon Anderson. Ethier moves from left field to right following the departure of Drew, who signed a five-year, $70 million deal with Boston. Free-agent acquisition Gonzalez will play left, and the Dodgers hope he can pick up his production from the past three years. Gonzalez averaged 115 RBIs per season from 1999-2003, but fell off to 48 in an injury-shortened 2004 campaign, and totaled just 152 the past two years.

Stat Sheet: The Dodgers hit only 153 homers last season – the second fewest in the NL. But they scored 820 runs to rank fourth in the league, and with Furcal and Pierre at the top of the lineup, a lack of punch probably won’t be an issue. If the two can repeat their 400 hits, 200 runs scored and 95 stolen bases of last year, the middle of the lineup figures have a lot of RBI opportunities, power or no power.

Bottom Line: With one of baseball’s better rotations, a solid bullpen and a set lineup, the Dodgers look like the team to beat in the NL West if they can stay healthy. That’s not a sure thing, since Kent and Gonzalez are both 39 and while Garciaparra is six years younger, he’s had health issues the past three years. Saito was a major surprise as a 36-year-old rookie, becoming one of the NL’s most reliable closers in the absence of Gagne, who pitched in only two games and left to join the Texas Rangers. With the offseason addition of Schmidt, Wolf, Gonzalez, Pierre and backup catcher Mike Lieberthal – all positive influences in the clubhouse – team chemistry appears better than it’s been in years. Saito, Ethier and Martin enjoyed successful rookie seasons, and although he won’t begin the season in the starting lineup, 22-year-old James Loney – who split last season between the majors and minors, hitting .380 in 366 ABs at Triple-A Las Vegas – could be ready to make a significant contribution this year.

San Francisco Giants

2006: 76-85, third place.

Manager: Bruce Bochy (first season).

He’s Here: LHP Barry Zito, C Bengie Molina, OF Dave Roberts, INF Rich Aurilia, 1B Ryan Klesko, RHP Russ Ortiz.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Felipe Alou, RHP Jason Schmidt, OF Moises Alou, OF Steve Finley, C Mike Matheny, 1B Shea Hillenbrand, LHP Mike Stanton, RHP Jamey Wright, RHP Tim Worrell.

Projected Lineup: CF Dave Roberts (.293, 2, 44, 49 SBs, 13 triples), SS Omar Vizquel (.295, 4, 58, 24 SBs, 10 triples, 4 errors, 11th Gold Glove), LF Barry Bonds (.270, 26, 77, 115 BBs, .454 OBP, .545 slugging), 2B Ray Durham (.293, 26, 93, .538 slugging), 3B Pedro Feliz (.244, 22, 98, 33 BBs in 603 ABs), 1B Rich Aurilia (.300, 23, 70, .518 slugging), C Bengie Molina (.284, 19, 57), RF Randy Winn (.262, 11, 56, 34 doubles).

Rotation: LH Barry Zito (16-10, 3.83, 151 Ks, 27 HRs), RH Matt Cain (13-12, 4.15, 179 Ks, 3.26 ERA after All-Star break), RH Matt Morris (10-15, 4.98), LH Noah Lowry (7-10, 4.74), RH Russ Ortiz (0-8, 8.14). Key Relievers: RH Armando Benitez (4-2, 3.52, 17/25), RH Brian Wilson (2-3, 5.40, 1), LH Steve Kline (4-3, 3.66, 1), RH Kevin Correia (2-0, 3.49).

Hot Spot: Closer. Benitez struggled through two injury-plagued seasons his first two years in San Francisco, drawing the ire of fans last year when he blew eight saves. The Giants tried to trade him in the offseason but his balky knees and $7.6 million salary made that difficult. While Bochy has made a big point of saying everyone has a “clean slate,” Giants fans – and Benitez’s teammates – don’t figure to show much patience if he blows too many saves early in the season. Once blessed with an overpowering fastball, Benitez has become much more hittable in recent years as his strikeout ratio has dropped in half from 14.8 per nine innings in 1999 to 7.3 last season. Wilson figures to be the heir apparent if Benitez is traded or can’t do the job.

Stat Sheet: While many view Bonds getting the 22 home runs he needs to pass Hank Aaron’s career record of 755 as an inevitability, it’s worth noting that Carlton Fisk (18) and Carl Yastrzemski (16) are the only players ever to hit more than a dozen homers in a season when they were 42 or older on opening day.

Bottom Line: Owner Peter Magowan said at the end of last season that if Bonds came back he’d no longer be the “centerpiece” of the Giants. The team tried to achieve that by signing Zito to the richest contract ever for a pitcher, $126 million for seven years, and keeping Bonds’ trainers out of the clubhouse. But the reality is Bonds will be the focal point as long as he remains in San Francisco. His chase of Aaron’s record and the criminal investigation that has been haunting him the past year figure to be big stories all year. Bonds arrived in camp in better health and a better mood, and has looked more nimble and more powerful than he did a year ago. The problem for the Giants is they don’t have a lot of help for him in the lineup. Durham, coming off a career-best 26 homers, will serve as Bonds’ protection and Roberts adds a base-stealing threat at the top of the lineup. But Bonds can’t carry a team like he used to, and the rest of the Giants aren’t as good as his supporting cast during his record-breaking years earlier this decade. The huge contract for Zito puzzled some observers because his effectiveness has dropped off since winning the Cy Young in 2002. Cain showed the stuff of an ace at times last year, but needs more consistency. Last year’s top draft pick, RHP Tim Lincecum, will start the season in the minors but could be up soon. Bochy won the past two division titles in San Diego, but will have a hard time pulling off a three-peat with the aging Giants.

Arizona Diamondbacks

2006: 76-86, tied for fourth place.

Manager: Bob Melvin (third season).

He’s Here: LHP Randy Johnson, LHP Doug Davis.

He’s Outta Here: OF Luis Gonzalez, C Johnny Estrada, SS Craig Counsell, INF Damion Easley, RHP Miguel Batista, RHP Claudio Vargas, RHP Greg Aquino, RHP Luis Vizcaino, RHP Jorge Julio.

Projected Lineup: CF Chris Young (.243, 10 RBIs in 30 games), SS Stephen Drew (.316, 5 HRs, .357 OBP), RF Carlos Quentin (.253, 9 HRs, 32 RBIs in 61 games), 1B Conor Jackson (.291, 15, 79, .368 OBP), 3B Chad Tracy (.281, 20, 80), LF Eric Byrnes (.267, 26, 79, 25 steals), 2B Orlando Hudson (.287, 15, 67, 34 doubles, 9 triples), C Chris Snyder (.277, 6, 32).

Rotation: RH Brandon Webb (16-8, 3.10 ERA, career-high 235 IP and 178 Ks), LH Doug Davis (11-11, 4.91 with Milwaukee), RH Livan Hernandez (13-13, 4.83 with Washington and Arizona), LH Randy Johnson (17-11, 5.00 with New York Yankees), RH Edgar Gonzalez (3-4, 4.22).

Key Relievers: RH Jose Valverde (2-3, 5.84, 18â22 saves), RH Tony Pena (3-4, 5.58), RH Brandon Medders (5-3, 3.64), LH Dana Eveland (0-3, 8.13 with Milwaukee), RH Yusmeiro Petit (1-1, 9.57).

Hot Spot: The bullpen. Valverde enters the year as the closer, just as he did a year ago. Valverde spent six weeks at Triple-A Tucson after a series of midseason meltdowns eroded his confidence. The club traded for Julio, but he wasn’t the long-term answer. If Valverde struggles, the Diamondbacks may turn to Pena, a 25-year-old Dominican who began last year at Double-A Tennessee but made a strong impression after being promoted to the majors in midseason.

Stat Sheet: Webb came into last season with a lifetime losing record (31-37 in three seasons). But he went 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA and won his first Cy Young Award – and the fifth in the club’s nine-year history. Webb, who has pitched more than 200 innings each of the last three seasons, enters this year as a bonafide No. 1 starter. Webb’s sinker can be virtually unhittable at times, and he got 4.06 groundball outs for every out through the air, which led the majors.

Bottom Line: Although they reacquired the 43-year-old Johnson from the Yankees, the Diamondbacks have committed to going with younger, cheaper players. Young, Quentin and Drew are among a group of prized farm-system products who will be expected to produce right away. Leadership could become an issue on a team whose senior regular is Byrnes, beginning his sixth year in the majors. Webb, Davis and Hernandez ate up a combined 654 1-3 innings last year, and they’ll need to do the same to protect a vulnerable bullpen. If the hitters can learn quickly, Arizona might end its three-year streak of losing seasons, the longest in the franchise’s nine years.

Colorado Rockies

2006: 76-86, tied for fourth place.

Manager: Clint Hurdle (sixth season).

He’s Here: OF Willy Taveras, RHP Rodrigo Lopez, RHP Brian Lawrence, RHP LaTroy Hawkins, INF-OF John Mabry, RHP Danny Graves, RHP Taylor Buchholz, RHP Jason Hirsh.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Jason Jennings, 2B Luis Gonzalez, LHP Ray King, RHP Chin-hui Tsao, RHP Jose Mesa.

Projected Lineup: CF Willy Tavarez (.278, 1 HR, 30 RBIs, 33 SBs for Houston), 2B Kaz Matsui (.345, 2 HR, 19 RBIs in September call-up following trade from Mets), 3B Garrett Atkins (.329, 29, 120), 1B Todd Helton (.302, 15, 81), LF Matt Holliday (.326, 34, 114, 45 doubles), RF Brad Hawpe (.293, 22, 84), SS Troy Tulowitzki (.240, 1, 6 in September call-up), C Chris Iannetta (.260, 2, 10 in September call-up).

Rotation: RHP Aaron Cook (9-15, 4.23 ERA, 92 Ks), LHP Jeff Francis (13-11, 4.16, 117 Ks), RHP Rodrigo Lopez (9-19, 5.90, 136 Ks for Baltimore), RHP Jason Hirsh (3-4, 6.04, 29 Ks for Astros, 13-2, 2.10, 118 at Triple-A Round Rock), RHP Josh Fogg (11-9, 5.49, 93 Ks).

Key Relievers: LH Brian Fuentes (3-4, 3.44, 30â36 saves), RH LaTroy Hawkins (3-2, 4.48 with Orioles), LH Jeremy Affeldt (8-8, 6.20 with Royals and Rockies), RH Danny Graves (2-1, 5.79 with Indians), LH Tom Martin (2-0, 5.07), RH Brian Lawrence (missed 2006 following right shoulder surgery), RH Manny Corpas (1-2, 3.62).

Hot Spot: The pitching staff. With Jennings gone, there’s no established No. 1 starter, although Cook earned the opening-day start just two years after nearly dying on the mound because of blood clots. Francis was in the running, too, but was edged out by Cook. Lopez will try to make up for his miserable 2006 season with the Orioles. Hirsh, who came over from the Astros in the Jennings deal, gets his shot as the fourth starter, and Fogg beat out Byung-Hyun Kim for the fifth spot.

Stat Sheet: Helton weighed in at close to 230 pounds this spring after struggling to stay above 200 last year when an intestinal infection landed him in the hospital and sapped his strength and stamina all season. He’s hoping the increased bulk will augment his power numbers, which took a big dip during injury-plagued seasons the last two years. A move back to the cleanup spot ahead of Holliday, an All-Star, also might help.

Bottom Line: The Rockies haven’t had a winning season since 2000 but insist they can win the NL West despite trading Jennings, the franchise leader in wins and shutouts, to Houston. The Rockies have a bevy of young prospects who are starting to make their way to the major leagues, including Tulowitzki and Iannetta, and several who are close (Ian Stewart, Joe Koshansky). They dangled Helton, the face of the franchise, in front of the Boston Red Sox, who were unwilling to part with a promising prospect, so the Rockies called off trade talks in January. Helton is glad to stay in Denver and said an offseason training regimen has helped him rebuild his strength. He never really recovered from his illness last season, hitting a career-low .302 a year after playing with a bad back and strained calf.