National League Preview

NL East
1. New York Mets
Last year finish: 2nd NL East
Key losses: Paul LoDuca (C), Lasting Milledge (CF), Tom Glavine (SP), Guillermo Mota (RP), Deolis Guerra (SP), Phillip Humber (SP), Kevin Mulvey (SP)
Key additions: Ryan Church (RF), Brian Schneider (C), Matt Wise (RP), Angel Pagan (RF), Johan Santana (SP)
Projected rotation: Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Orlando Hernandez
Projected line-up: C-Bryan Schneider; 1b-Carlos Delgado; 2b-Luis Castillo; 3b-David Wright; ss-Jose Reyes; lf-Angel Pagan/Moises Alout; cf-Carlos Beltran; rf-Ryan Church
Synopsis: The Mets hope to rebound from last year's monumental collapse with the addition of the best pitcher in the game, Johan Santana. Santana brings the Mets the top line starter they have been in need for and should likely continue his domination in the NL. The Mets as always have a solid line-up but the only problem might be health. If Delgado and Alou ar not healthy, the Mets are losing two potent bats. The trade of Milledge (and essentially LoDuca) was curious one because the Mets did not get better players in return. The other question with the Mets is their bullpen. The return of a healthy Duaner Sanchez should help that. But in the end, the Mets should win the division again.

Key losses:2. Atlanta Braves
Last year finish: 3rd NL East
Key losses: Octavio Dotel (RP), Andruw Jones (CF), Willie Harris (LF), Chad Paronto (RP), Edgar Renteria (SS), Ron Mahay (RP), Oscar Villareal (RP)
Key additions: Tom Glavine (SP), Josh Anderson (CF), Will Ohman (RP), Mark Kotsay (CF), Jair Jurjens (SP)
Projected rotation: Tim Hudson, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Chuck James
Projected line-up: C-Brian McCann; 1b-Mark Texeria; 2b-Kelly Johnson; 3b-Chipper Jones; ss-Yunel Escobard; lf-Matt Diaz; cf-Mark Kotsay; rf-Jeff Francouer
Synopsis: Once the bad boys of the NL East, the Braves have failed to make the post-season for the past two seasons and watched as the Mets and Phillies celebrated. This year, the Braves shoud be solid, but will have some flaws. The rotation gets a little dicety after Smoltz and Hudson, but Hampton and James are shaky. Who knows what you are going to get out of Hampton. The loss of Andruw Jones will hurt more than they think. The line-up is pretty solid and has a chance to be great. Yunel Escobar is an absoulte stud and Francouer and McCann can only get better. This team has a chance to giv the Mets a run, but in the end, won't take out their rivals.

Key losses:3. Philladelphia Phillies
Last year finish: NL East Champs; Lost NLDS to Colorado
Key losses: Michael Bourn (CF), Geoff Geary (RP), Aaron Rowand (CF), Tadahito Iguchi (2b), Jon Lieber (SP), Freddy Garcia (SP), Pedro Feliz (3b), Geoff Jenkins(LF)
Key additions: Brad Lidge (RP), Chris Snelling (LF), Chad Durbin (SP), So Taguchi (RF), Shane Youman (SP)
Projected rotation: Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick, Adam Eaton
Projected line-up: C-Carlos Ruiz; 1b-Ryan Howard; 2b-Chase Utley; 3b-Pedro Feliz; ss-Jimmy Rollins; lf-Pat Burrell; cf-Shane Victirino; lf-Geoff Jenkins
Synopsis: One year after winning the division on the last day of the season, the Phillies will come down to earth in what will be a tough division. The problem with the Phillies is their pitching. Their top two starters are good and legit, but the rest is so-so. I liked what I saw out of Kendrick last season, but Moyer is getting older and Adam Eaton stinks. The offense, as usual, will be solid with Howard, Utley, Rollins. I believe they wil miss Rowand. The addition of Brad Lidge (on the DL as we speak) will either turn into a great gamble or stupid pick-up. Lidge needed to get out of Houston. But is batter friendly Citizens Bank Park the answer? Just wait until Pujols comes to town.

4. Washington Nationals
Last year finish: 4th NL East
Key losses: Ryan Church (RF), Brian Schneider (C), Jonathan Albaladejo (RP), John Patterson (SP)
Key additions: Paul LoDuca (C), Lastings Milledge (CF), Elijah Dukes (CF), Tyler Clippard (SP), Aaron Boone (3b), Willie Harris (CF), Johnny Estrada (C)
Projected rotation: Shawn Hill, Matt Chico, Jason Bergman, Tim Redding, Tyler Clippard
Projected line-up: C-Paul LoDuca, 1b-Nick Johnson/Dimitri Young, 2b-Ronnie Belliard/Felipe Lopez, ss-Christian Guzman/Felipe Lopez, 3b-Ryan Zimmerman, lf-Wily Mo Pena, cf-Lastings Milledge, rf-Austin Kearns
Synopsis: The Nationals have become a better team in the past few years, but are still not at the level to seriously compete. The pitching is suspect with no real ace on the staff and just being essentially a staff of all number four and five starters. The offense has some players like Zimmerman, but the rest is mediocre. Lastings Milledge should develop but only time will tell. Wily Mo Pena might benefit with the move to a new park, but who knows. Atleast the Marins keep them out of last place.

5. Florida Marlins
Last year finish: 5th NL East
Key losses: Dontrelle Willis (SP), Miguel Cabrera (3b), Aaron Boone (3b), Miguel Olivo (C)
Key additions: Andrew Miller (SP), Cameron Maybin (CF), Mark Hendrickson (Sp), Mike Rabelo (C), Jose Castilo (3b),
Projected rotation: Scott Olsen, Sergio Mitre, Andrew Miller, Rick VandenHurk, Ricky Nolasco
Projected line-up:C-Mike Rabelo; 1b-Mike Jacobs; 2b-Dan Uggla; SS-Hanley Ramirez; 3b-Jose Castillo; cf-Alfredo Amazaga; lf-Josh Willinham; rf-Jeremy Hermida
Synopsis: It's hard to believe that this team has won two of the last 10 World Series. There are some studs on this team like Hanley Ramirez, and Uggla is decent, but the rest of this team is medicore. Trading away Willis and Cabrera was the right thing to do and this team will benefit down the road with the addition of Miller and Maybin, who is a projected five-tool player. But for now, thim will sink in the sea (Get the Pun? I know corny.)
NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs
Last year finish: NL Central Champs; Lost ALDS to Diamondbacks
Key Losses: Jason Kendall(C); Jacque Jones (LF); Will Ohman (RP); Craig Monroe (RF); Cliff Floyd (RF); Mark Prior (SP); Angel Pagan (RF)
Key additons: Kosuke Dokudome (RF); Jon Lieber (SP)
Projected rotation: Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Rich Hill, Jason Marquis, Shawn Marshall
Projected line-up: C-Geovany Soto; 1b-Derek Lee; 2b-Mark DeRosa; ss-Ryan Theriot; 3b-Aramis Ramirez; lf-Alfonso Soriano; cf-Felix Pie; rf-Kosuke Fukodome
Synopsis: The Cubs won the NL Central in their first season under Lou Pinella and should do the same. The Cubs have a strong pitching staff and a strong line-up, that will only be bolstered by the addition of Japanese sensation Kosuke Fukodome. Felix Pie will be an intresting player to watch develop and see if he can become an everyday centerfielder. The Cubs are going to look for a little more out of Alfonso Soriano, who needs to try and cut down on his strikeouts. Derek Lee should also hit more homeruns than last year. All in all, the Cubs will be better.

2. Milwaukee Brewers
Last year finish: 2nd NL Central
Key losses: Johnny Estrada (C), Francisco Cordero (RP), Scott Linebrink (RP), Ray King (RP), Matt Wise (RP), Geoff Jenkins (LF), Claudio Vargas (SP)
Key additions: Jason Kendall (C), Randy Choate (RP), Guillermo Mota (RP), David Riske (RP), Eric Gagne (RP), Salomon Torres (RP), Mike Cameron (CF)
Projected rotation: Ben Sheets, Yovanni Gallardo, Jeff Suppan, Carlos Villanueva, Dave Bush
Projected line-up: C-Jason Kendall; 1b-Prince Fielder; 2b-Rickie Weeks; 3b-Bill Hall; SS-J.J. Hardy; LF-Ryan Braun; cf-Mike Cameron; RF-Corey Hart
Synopsis: The Brewers will figure to be key players in the NL Central for the second straight year, but their pitching might prevent them from taking over the Cubs. Sheets can never stay healthy, and Gallardo and Villanueva are youngsters who still have something to prove. Bush and Suppan are ok. If Sheets can't be the ace, this team will be in trouble. Offensively, this team will hit the crap out of the ball behind Fielder and Braun. Corey hart is emerging as a bonafide outfielder and Mike Cameron can only help. The bullpen is made up of known names, but there are no sure dominant relievers. Gagne could either be a bargain or a waste of salary. The Brewers will benefit from being in this division, but won't surpass the Cubs.

3. Cincinnati Reds
Last year finish:5th NL Central
Key losses:Josh Hamilton (CF), Eddie Guardado (RP), Josh Fogg (SP)
Key additions: Francisco Cordero (RP), Edison Volquez (SP)
Projected rotation: Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Belisle, Josh Fogg, Edison Volquez
Projected line-up: C-David Ross; 1b-Scott Hatteberg; 2b-Brandon Phillips; ss-Alex Gonzalez; 3b-Edwin Encarnacion; LF-Adam Dunn; Cf-Ryan Freel; Rf-Ken Griffey Jr.
Synopsis: The Reds could be a sleeper in this division if their pitching holds up and Griffey stays healthy, but that is a big "if". The only reason the Reds will finish third is because this division is so pathetic. Harang is a legitmate ace at the front of the rotation, but the back get sketchy. Arroyo needs to have a year like his first one in Cincy. Brandon Phillips is turning into one of the best 2b in baseball, with 30 hrs and 30 sb. Offense should not be a problem with this team. Ryan Freel needs to rebound though. I don't think the Reds are partiucarly good, but in this division, anything is possible.

4. Houston Astros
Last year finish: 4th NL Central
Key losses: Craig Biggio (2b); Brad Lidge (RP); Josh Anderson (CF); Luke Scott (RF); Troy Patton (SP); Matt Albers (SP); Adam Everett (SS); Mike Lamb (2b); Chris Burke (2b) Chad Qualls (RP); Jason Jennings (SP)
Key additions: Geoff Blum (2b); Michael Bourn (CF); Geoff Geary (RP); Oscar Villareal (RP); Doug Brocail (RP); Kaz Matsui (2b); Miguel Tejada (SS); Jose Valverde (RP); Chad Paronoto (RP); Darin Erstad (CF);
Projected rotation: Roy Oswalt, Woody Williams, Wandy Rodriguez, Brandon Backe, Chris Sampson
Projected line-up: C-J.R. Towles; 1b-Lance Berkman; 2b-Kaz Matsui; ss-Miguel Tejada; 3b-Ty wiggington; lf-Carlos Lee; cf-Michael Bourn; RF-Hunter Pence
Synopsis: This team could be the favorites in the division but they have one area where they are dreadful: pitching. Behind Oswalt, this team has no one that can be relied on ,and in baseball, it comes down to pitching. This team will hit the ball no problem and probably will be up among the top teams in terms of runs scored in the national league, but they are going to have to score a huge amount to support this pitching staff. The bullpen should be soild with Valverde anchoring the end. I'm looking forward to seeing the development of Hunter Pence. Michael Bourn will either prove to be a bust or a valuable asset at the top of the line-up.

5. St. Louis Cardinals
Last year finish: 3rd NL Central
Key Losses: Troy Percvilal (RP); David Eckstein (SS); Jim Edomonds (CF); Gary Bennett (C); Kip Wells (SP); So Taguchi (LF); Scott Rolen (3b)
Key additions: Jason LaRue (C); Cesar Izturis (SS); Jose Castillo (2b), Matt Clement (SP), Troy Glaus (3b)
Projected rotation: Adam Wainwright, Braden Looper, Joel Pineiro, Matt Clement, Anthony Reyes
Projected line-up: C-Yadier Molina; 1b-Albert Pujols; 2b-Adam Kennedy; SS-Cesar Izturis; 3b-Troy Glaus; Lf-Chris Duncan; CF-Rick Ankiel; RF-Skip Schumaker
Synopsis: Two years removed from a World Series, the Cardinals have digressed in every which way. The pitching staff, which used to be their strong suit, is a joke of all former relievers. The team traded away/lost its heart and soul in players like Edmonds and Eckstein. Besides the pitching, the line-up is awful. Molina, Kennedy, Izturis and Schumaker are not run proudcers. There is some power, but it won't be enough with the pitching staff. Even the return of the once good Mark Mulder can't save this team. Thank god there is the Pirates in this division.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates
Last year finish: 6th NL Central
Key losses: Cesar Izturis (SS), Shane Youman (SP), Salomon Torres (RP), Jose Castillo (2b)
Key additions: Josh Wilson (SS), Chris Gomez (SS),
Projected rotation: Tom Gorzelanny, Ian Snell, Paul Maholm, Matt Morris, Zach Duke
Projected line-up: C-Ronny Paulino, 1b-Adam LaRoche, 2b-Freddy Sanchez, 3b-Jose Bautista, SS-Jack Wilson, LF-Jason Bay; Cf-Nijer Morgan, Rf-Xavier Nady
Synopsis: On paper, this team could possibly challenge some teams in the division, but its the Pirates and they never do. The Rotation actually has some quality arms including Snell and Gorzellany. Matt Mroris is past his prime and really can't pitch anymore. The line-up is not bad with LaRoche, Bay, Sanchez and Nady all solid bats to have in the line-up. The bullpen has a very solid pitcher in Damaso Marte and Matt Capps. I think they may be able to beat the Cardinals out, but remember, they are hte Pirates.

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Last year finish: 4th NL West
Key losses: Randy Wolf (SP), Mark Hendricksen (SP)
Key additions: Andruw Jones (CF), Hiroku Kuroida (SP), Gary Bennet (C)
Projected rotation: Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Hiroki Kuroida, Chad Billingsley, Jason Schmidt
Projected line-up: C-Russell Martin; 1b-James Loney; 2b-Jeff Kent; ss-Rafael Furcas; lf-Andre Eithier/Juan Pierre; cf-Andruw Jones; rf-Matt Kemp
Synopsis: The Dodgers look to rebound from one of the most disappointing season is baseball last year. There is no doubt that the Dodgers have the talent to compete in this division, but can they put it all together. The Dodger will be relying on big contirubtions from their youth, including Eithier, Billingsley, Loney and Kemp. If these guys develop as projected, the Dodgers will have a nice offensive team. Andruw Jones can only help and might have a revival of the team. the pthcing should be pretty good as well as Lowe should have a better year and Schmidt can possibily be a sleeper. I think Joe Torre has been give the tools to win and should be able to do so.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks (Wildcard)
Last year finish: NL West Champs, Lost ALCS Rockies
Key Losses:Carlos Quentin (RF), Carlos Gonzalez (RF), Jose Valverde (RP)
Key additions: Dan Haren (SP), Billy Buckner (RP), Chris Burke (2b), Chad Qualls (RP)
Projected rotation: Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Micah Owings, Randy Johnson
Projected line-up: C-Chris Snyder; 1b-Conor Jackson; 2b-Orlando Hudson; 3b-Mark Reynolds; SS-Stephen Drew; LF-Eric Byrnes; CF-Chris Young; RF-Justin Upton
Synopsis: After winning the division last year, the baby backs look to play a prominent role in the National League again. the D'backs have the best 1-2 punch in the national league with Haren and Webb and possibily the best rotation. Whatever they can get out of Randy Johnson this year will be a bonus. The Diamondbacks also should benefit from having Orlando Hudson for a full year. The only question from this team will be th offense, but they proved they can still win with no runs last year. I'm looking forward to seeing the development of Chris Young and Justin Upton. This hsould be a fun team.

3. Colorado Rockies
Last year finish: NL Wildcard, Lost World Series to Boston
Key Losses: Kaz Matsui (2b), LaTroy Hawkins (RP), Jamey Carroll (2b)
Key additions: Kip Wells (SP), Luis Vizcaino (RP)
Projected rotation: Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Franlin Morales, Jason Hirsh
Projected line-up: C-Yorvit Torrealba; 1b-Todd Helton; 2b-Ian Stewart; 3b-Garrett Atkins; ss-Troy Tulowitzski; lf-Matt Holliday; cf-Willy Taveras; rf-Brad Hawpe
Synopsis: America's sentimental team last season looks to repeat from last year, but ufortunately, play in what might be the hardest division in baseball. The Rockies will be able to hit the crap out of the ball with Matt Holliday and others anchoring the line-up, but this team's achilles heel will be its pitching. Francis is good, but is not an ace and the rest of the rotation is only ok. The offense can win some games, but the pitching will not be able to get it done to make it back to the playoffs.

4. San Diego Padres
Last year finish: 3rd NL West
Key Losses: Geoff Blum (2b), Doug Brocail (RP), Milton Bradley(RF), Mike Cameron (CF)
Key additions: Randy Wolf (SP), Jim Edmonds (CF), Tadahito Iguchi (2b), Mark Prior (SP)
Projected rotation: Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Randy Wolf, Greg Maddux, Mark Prior
Projected line-up: C-Josh Bard; 1b-Adrian Gonzalez; 2b-Tadahito Iguchi; 3b-Kevin Kouzmanoff; ss-Khalil Greene; lf-Scott Hairston; cf-Jim Edmonds; rf-Brian Giles
Synopsis: The Padres are not your typical fourth place team, but this division could force them too. The problem with this team is going to be health. Wolf, Prior, Edmonds are all injury prone and if they were to go down, the Padres would have a hard time replacing them. The rotation will be anchored by Young and Peavy which should be good, but the back end is shaky. There will be offensive production, but playing at Petco field does not help in any way. Adrian Gonzalez may be able to have a MVP season. I think the Padres might be able to surprise some people but not in this divison.

5. San Francisco Giants
Last year finish: 5th NL West
Key Losses: Barry Bonds (LF), Pedro Feliz (3b)
Key additions: Aaron Rowand (CF)
Projected rotation: Barry Zito, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Noah Lowry, Kevin Correia
Projected line-up: C-Bengie Molina; 1b-Daniel Ortmier; 2b-Ray Durham; 3b-Rich Aurilia; ss-Omar Vizquel; lf-Dave Roberts; cf-Aaron Rowand; rf-Randy Winn
Synopsis: The old and hapless. This team is just dreaful. Don't get me wrong, I think they have two great pitchers in Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, I guess the Barry Zito signing didn't work out. The line-up is dreadful, as everyone is pretty much past their prime except for Molina and Rowand. This team is going to end up as one of the absolute worst in baseball.