National League West
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Manager: Bob Melvin (signed through 2006 with options for 2007 and 2008).
Odds: 65-1 to win the World Series; 25-1 to win the NLCS; 13-2 to win the NL West. Over/under: 73 1/2 wins.
Major addition: 3B Troy Glaus provides legit right-handed power behind Luis Gonzalez, but throwing remains a concern.
Major loss: LHP Randy Johnson had to go to free up his $16 million salary for a better balanced roster.
Quickly: RHP Greg Aquino, who saved 16 games after taking over the job in second half last year, was slowed by strained muscle in his right elbow. . . . RHP Brandon Lyon retired first 16 batters he faced and was given a clean bill of health. . . . OF Luis Gonzalez and 3B Troy Glaus gave hope that they have recovered from surgeries.
Under the microscope: Glaus wasn't offered a deal to return to Anaheim because Angels weren't convinced his surgically repaired right elbow would allow him to play third. Arizona had better hope that's wrong. They don't have the designated hitter to hide him.
Projected payroll: $70 million.
Lineup
2B Craig Counsell
SS Royce Clayton
LF Luis Gonzalez
3B Troy Glaus
RF Shawn Green
CF Jose Cruz Jr.
1B Chad Tracy
C Koyie Hill
Rotation: RHP Javier Vazquez, RHP Russ Ortiz, RHP Brandon Webb, LHP Shawn Estes, RHP Brad Halsey.
Closer: RHP Greg Aquino.
COLORADO ROCKIES
Manager: Clint Hurdle (signed through 2006).
Odds are: 400-1 to win the World Series; 250-1 to win the NLCS; 35-1 to win the NL West. Over/under: 67 1/2 wins.
Major addition: OF Dustan Mohr provides protection in right field for rookie Brad Hawpe and center field for Preston Wilson, coming off two operations on left knee.
Major loss: 3B Vinny Castilla led the NL in RBI and is a fan favorite, but Rockies are in youth movement and wouldn't give him two-year deal.
Quickly: Closer situation never played out in bullpen. Chin-hui Tsao was given the role, but he immediately complained of shoulder tightness. . . . Wilson was eased into regular playing duty but seemed recovered from two operations on his left knee. . . . 3B Garrett Atkins eased concerns about erratic defense and impressed with his offensive approach.
Under the microscope: OF Matt Holliday was a pleasant surprise last year. This year there are expectations. He's being looked at to hit fifth, behind Wilson, and the Rockies would like to think that when Wilson has to rest his left knee, Holliday can move into the cleanup role behind Todd Helton.
Projected payroll: $65 million.
Lineup
2B Aaron Miles
SS Clint Barmes
1B Todd Helton
CF Preston Wilson
LF Matt Holliday
RF Brad Hawpe
3B Garrett Atkins
C J.D. Closser
Rotation: LHP Joe Kennedy, RHP Jason Jennings, RHP Jamey Wright, LHP Jeff Francis, RHP Shawn Chacon.
Closer: RHP Chin-hui Tsao.
Disabled list: Aaron Cook.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Manager: Jim Tracy (signed through 2006).
Odds are: 40-1 to win the World Series; 15-1 to win the NLCS; 5-2 to win the NL West. Over/under: 83 1/2 wins.
Major addition: OF J.D. Drew represents a $55 million, five-year gamble that he can find a way to stay healthy.
Major loss: 3B Adrian Beltre, who turns 26 in late April, is a middle-of-the-lineup, Gold-Glove candidate the Dodgers shunned.
Quickly: Catching situation became such a mess that LHP Kaz Ishii was traded to Mets for backup receiver Jason Phillips, who became No. 1 with Dodgers. . . . RHP Brad Penny still hasn't recovered from arm problems that plagued him after coming over from Florida last July. . . . LF Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch on March 2 and still hadn't recovered by end of spring.
Under the microscope: Drew has played 145 games in a season only once in his career, but Dodgers have invested five years and $55 million in him with the idea he can be middle-of-the-lineup threat. Is he the next Darren Dreifort?
Projected payroll: $94 million.
Lineup
SS Cesar Izturis
1B Hee Seop Choi
RF J.D. Drew
2B Jeff Kent
CF Milton Bradley
3B Jose Valentin
LF Ricky Ledee
C Jason Phillips
Rotation: RHP Derek Lowe, LHP Odalis Perez, RHP Jeff Weaver, RHP Scott Erickson, LHP Wilson Alvarez.
Closer: RHP Eric Gagne.
Disabled list: Jayson Werth, Brad Penny, Darren Dreifort.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Manager: Bruce Bochy (signed through 2005).
Odds are: 28-1 to win the World Series; 12-1 to win the NLCS; 2-1 to win the NL West. Over/under: 86 1/2 wins.
Major addition: RHP Woody Williams was signed to provide veteran replacement for LHP David Wells, who opted to move to Boston.
Major loss: LHP Wells was in the Padres' plans, feeling that with him and Williams they would have had the veteran punch to help young staff develop.
Quickly: CF Dave Roberts, who has a history of leg ailments but is being counted on to hit leadoff, was slowed early in camp by a strained groin. . . . OF Xavier Nady, a third baseman at California, played well enough in the infield that he could share the job with Sean Burroughs. . . . RHP Jake Peavy, ace of rotation, battled a groin strain.
Under the microscope: 1B Ryan Klesko complained so much about the dimensions of Petco Park, it affected his offensive run production. He has to get his focus back on doing his job or else the Padres have to figure out a way to unload the $20.5 million he's owed.
Projected payroll: $65 million.
Lineup
CF Dave Roberts
2B Mark Loretta
RF Brian Giles
1B Phil Nevin
LF Ryan Klesko
SS Khalil Greene
C Ramon Hernandez
3B Sean Burroughs
Rotation: RHP Woody Williams, RHP Adam Eaton, RHP Jake Peavy, RHP Brian Lawrence, LHP Darrell May.
Closer: Trevor Hoffman.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Manager: Felipe Alou (signed through 2005).
Odds are: 17-1 to win the World Series; 6-1 to win the NLCS; 7-5 to win the NL West. Over/under: 88 1/2 wins.
Major addition: RF Moises Alou was vital for his middle of the lineup bat, and with Barry Bonds missing, Alou's value skyrocketed.
Major loss: RHP Dustin Hermanson provided a versatile, veteran arm for a pitching staff, doing everything from close to start.
Quickly: After a second off-season knee surgery and growing questions about his steroid usage, OF Barry Bonds announced he probably won't be ready until mid-season if at all. . . . Pedro Feliz, who was supposed to be a backup, is now hitting cleanup. . . . 2B Ray Durham, slowed past two years by leg injuries, strained his groin with 10 days left in camp.
Under the microscope: Feliz has been part of the Giants' future for a long time, and with Bonds out, he's going to finally get a full-time chance to prove himself. He's never had 100 games at any position and is a third baseman by trade, but he has power in his bat.
Projected payroll: $81 million.
Lineup
2B Ray Durham
SS Omar Vizquel
1B J.T. Snow
LF Pedro Feliz
RF Moises Alou
3B Edgardo Alfonzo
CF Marquis Grissom
C Mike Matheny
Rotation: RHP Jason Schmidt, LHP Kirk Rueter, RHP Brett Tomko, LHP Noah Lowry, RHP Jerome Williams.
Closer: RHP Armando Benitez.
Disabled list: Barry Bonds.
National League East
ATLANTA BRAVES
Manager: Bobby Cox (signed through 2005).
Odds are: 15-1 to win the World Series; 6-1 to win the NLCS; 6-5 to win the NL East. Over/under: 89 1/2 wins.
Major addition: RH closer Dan Kolb's arrival from Milwaukee allowed John Smoltz to rejoin rotation that also added RHP Tim Hudson.
Major loss: OF J.D. Drew was a payroll casualty. The Braves are gambling Raul Mondesi can fill right field void.
Quickly: After two years as the closer, Smoltz reaffirmed his role in rotation, although elbow remains a long-term concern. . . . Early spring nagging injuries cleared up for LHPs Mike Hampton (knee) and Horacio Ramirez (shoulder) . . . OF Brian Jordan, counted on in left field, had an emergency appendectomy.
Under the microscope: Kolb has been acquired to take over for nearly perfect Smoltz. While Kolb did have 39 saves last year, it was in Milwaukee where pressure was minimal, not Atlanta, where 13 consecutive division titles create expectations of success.
Projected payroll: $80 million.
Lineup
SS Rafael Furcal
2B Marcus Giles
3B Chipper Jones
CF Andruw Jones
RF Raul Mondesi
C Johnny Estrada
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Brian Jordan
Rotation: RHP John Smoltz, RHP Tim Hudson, LHP Mike Hampton, RHP John Thomson, LHP Horacio Ramirez.
Closer: RHP Dan Kolb
FLORIDA MARLINS
Manager: Jack McKeon (signed through 2005).
Odds are: 16-1 to win the World Series; 13-2 to win the NLCS: 13-5 to win the NL East. Over/under: 86 wins.
Major addition: 1B Carlos Delgado gives Marlins first left-handed power threat since Cliff Floyd, who hit 31 home runs in 2001.
Major loss: RHP Carl Pavano won 18 and worked 222 innings, only consistent in rotation of potential.
Quickly: CF Juan Pierre, known for his durability, went into final week of spring having not played since March 7 because of a strained calf muscle. . . . OFs Jeff Conine and Juan Encarnacion both underwent off-season shoulder surgeries, and both showed up ready to prove they were healthy, creating right field battle that Encarnacion initially won.
Under the microscope: RHP Beckett was a No. 1 draft choice and the hero of the Marlins' 2003 postseason, but he has made seven career trips to the disabled list, never won more than nine games or made as many as 32 starts in a season and is 26-26 for his career.
Projected payroll: $65 million.
Lineup
CF Juan Pierre
2B Luis Castillo
LF Miguel Cabrera
1B Carlos Delgado
3B Mike Lowell
C Paul Lo Duca
RF Juan Encarnacion
SS Alex Gonzalez
Rotation: RHP Josh Beckett, LHP Al Leiter, RHP A.J. Burnett, LHP Dontrelle Willis, RHP Ismael Valdez.
Closer: Guillermo Mota.
NEW YORK METS
Manager: Willie Randolph (signed through 2007).
Odds are: 15-1 to win the World Series; 5-1 to win the NLCS; 2-1 to win the NL East. Over/under: 85 1/2 wins.
Major addition: RHP Pedro Martinez gives rotation a needed competitor and was key to CF Carlos Beltran signing, too.
Major loss: Manager Art Howe was never given a chance by meddling owner's son Jeff Wilpon and his advisers, Al Leiter and John Franco.
Quickly: OF Mike Cameron returned from offseason surgery on his left wrist sooner than expected. More importantly, though, he finally accepted the fact Carlos Beltran is the center fielder, and he's going to be in right field. . . . RHP Steve Trachsel underwent back surgery, promoting trade of backup C Jason Phillips to Dodgers for LHP Kaz Ishii.
Under the microscope: Martinez has a reputation for a big-game pitcher, and the Mets are expecting him to add to his resume, although his durability has become a question. He's also coming off a career-high 3.90 ERA last season with Boston.
Projected payroll: $105 million.
Lineup
SS Jose Reyes
2B Kaz Matsui
CF Carlos Beltran
C Mike Piazza
LF Cliff Floyd
3B David Wright
RF Mike Cameron
1B Doug Mientkiewicz
Rotation: RHP Pedro Martinez, LHP Tom Glavine, RHP Kris Benson, RHP Victor Zambrano, LHP Kaz Ishii.
Closer: RHP Braden Looper.
Disabled list: RHP Steve Trachsel.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Manager: Charlie Manuel (signed through 2007).
Odds are: 30-1 to win the World Series; 13-1 to win the NLCS; 5-1 to win the NL East. Over/under: 83 wins.
Major addition: RHP Jon Lieber is a physical risk, but Phillies needed a No. 1 starter for underachieving rotation.
Major loss: LHP Eric Milton was a home run victim in Citizens Bank Park, but he did lead team with 14 victories last season.
Quickly: 3B David Bell missed three weeks with back problems, keeping Phillies from trading Placido Polanco. . . . CF Marlon Byrd played his way back into plans, which became significant when Kenny Lofton battled hamstring problems all spring. . . . LF Pat Burrell, guaranteed $43.5 million over four years, showed he was healthy after offseason wrist surgery.
Under the microscope: C Mike Lieberthal became a target for boo-birds last year when he struggled with runners in scoring position, hitting .142 and if he doesn't show marked improvement this season, it could get uncomfortable with the folks in Philadelphia.
Projected payroll: $96 million.
Lineup
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Marlin Byrd
RF Bobby Abreu
LF Pat Burrell
1B Jim Thome
C Mike Lieberthal
2B Chase Utley
3B David Bell
Rotation: RHP Jon Lieber, LHP Randy Wolf, RHP Gavin Floyd, RHP Brett Myers, RHP Corey Lidle.
Closer: LHP Billy Wagner.
Disabled list: Vicente Padilla, Kenny Lofton.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Manager: Frank Robinson (signed through 2005).
Odds are: 275-1 to win the World Series; 150-1 to win the NLCS; 48-1 to win the NL East. Over/under: 69 1/2 wins.
Major addition: RF Jose Guillen is a specialty of GM Jim Bowden, raw talent with power potential, but no discipline on the field or off the field.
Major loss: OF Juan Rivera, who went to Angels for Guillen, but could have cost close to $3 million less than Guillen and has a long-term upside.
Quickly: Rotation came out mostly healthy, which was concern with Tomo Ohka (fractured forearm) and Zach Day (broken finger) both coming off injuries. Tony Armas (2003 shoulder surgery) showed arm strength until suffering pulled groin muscle that landed him on DL. . . . OF Jose Guillen acted like he's determined to shake off his horrid reputation. . . . CF Endy Chavez remained a concern at leadoff but there's no alternative.
Under the microscope: 1B Nick Johnson has yet to stay healthy enough to show the potential scouts have raved about. With OF Terrmel Sledge trying to force his way into the lineup, Johnson will have to produce quickly or find himself pushed aside.
Projected payroll: $47 million.
Lineup
CF Endy Chavez
SS Cristian Guzman
2B Jose Vidro
RF Jose Guillen
LF Brad Wilkerson
3B Vinny Castilla
1B Nick Johnson
C Brian Schneider
Rotation: RHP Livan Hernandez, RHP Tony Armas Jr., RHP Esteban Loaiza, RHP Tomo Ohka, RHP Zach Day.
Closer: RHP Chad Cordero.
Disabled list: Tony Armas Jr.
National League Central
CHICAGO CUBS
Manager: Dusty Baker (signed through 2006).
Odds are: 9-1 to win the World Series; 4-1 to win the NLCS; 6-5 to win the NL Central. Over/under: 89 wins.
Major addition: OF Jeromy Burnitz became a necessity after the decision to deal the distraction of Sammy Sosa.
Major loss: OF Moises Alou left as a free agent, which was compounded by the trade of Sosa, which stripped lineup of proven power.
Quickly: RHP Kerry Wood (shoulder) and Mark Prior (elbow) were sidelined, but Cubs downplayed the problems. . . . Hoped-for closer Joe Borowski suffered a broken wrist, leaving LaTroy Hawnks to work the ninth. . . . SS Nomar Garciaparra revived his bat, easing offensive concerns.
Under the microscope: Wood is being paid like the ace of a rotation, but he's never won more than 14 games in a seven-year career, during which 97 others have had 15-win seasons. Face it, he's won only 67 games in an injury-marred big-league career.
Projected payroll: $100 million.
Lineup
CF Corey Patterson
2B Todd Walker
SS Nomar Garciaparra
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Derrek Lee
RF Jeromy Burnitz
LF Todd Hollandsworth
C Michael Barrett
Rotation: RHP Carlos Zambrano, RHP Greg Maddux, RHP Mark Prior, RHP Kerry Wood, RHP Ryan Dempster.
Closer: RHP LaTroy Hawkins.
Disabled list: Joe Borowski.
CINCINNATI REDS
Manager: Dave Miley (signed through 2006 with option for 2007).
Odds are: 75-1 to win the World Series; 30-1 to win the NLCS; 10-1 to win the NL Central. Over/under: 78 wins.
Major addition: LHP Eric Milton, who has shown he can survive home run-friendly ballparks, signed as a free agent to stabilize rotation.
Major loss: SS Barry Larkin wasn't offered a contract to return and decided to retire, leaving the Reds without their captain and clubhouse leader.
Quickly: LHP Brandon Claussen and RHP Andy Harang won a six-pitcher battle for final two spots in the rotation. . . . SS Rich Aurilia made good on invite to spring, his experience earning him a starting job over prospect Felipe Lopez. . . . Austin Kearns withstood the challenge of talented but inconsistent Wily Mo Pena for the right field job.
Under the microscope: OF Ken Griffey Jr. had three screws inserted in his right hamstring, the Reds looking for a way to hold the brittle Griffey together. He's played only 462 games in five years with the Reds, just 206 games the last three seasons.
Projected payroll: $60 million.
Lineup
2B D'Angelo Jimenez
SS Rich Aurilia
1B Sean Casey
CF Ken Griffey Jr.
RF Austin Kearns
LF Adam Dunn
3B Joe Randa
C Jason LaRue
Rotation: RHP Paul Wilson, LHP Eric Milton, RHP Ramon Ortiz, LHP Brandon Claussen, RHP Aaron Harang.
Closer: RHP Danny Graves.
HOUSTON ASTROS
Manager: Phil Garner (signed through 2006).
Odds are: 20-1 to win the World Series; 13-1 to win the NLCS; 11-2 to win the NL Central. Over/under: 84 wins.
Major addition: RHP Roger Clemens is returning, but after going 18-4 last year there was concern he might retire this time.
Major loss: CF Carlos Beltran rejected Astros' offer to re-sign, opting for the Mets, which puts the pressure on long-touted Jason Lane to finally produce.
Quickly: OF Luke Scott hit his way into the big leagues, bypassing Class AAA. . . . Willy Taveras, who came from Cleveland along with Scott for about-to-be-released LHP Jeriome Robertson didn't win a job but made it known he's ready for the jump when the need arises. . . . RHP Brandon Duckworth beat out Ezequiel Astacio for fifth starter job.
Under the microscope: Craig Biggio, 38, doesn't really have a position. He doesn't have plate patience to hit at the top of the lineup. He, however, is the heart and soul of this franchise and is returning to second base this season at the expense of prospect Chris Burke.
Projected payroll: $79 million.
Lineup
2B Craig Biggio
SS Adam Everett
1B Jeff Bagwell
LF Mike Lamb
CF Jason Lane
RF Luke Scott
3B Morgan Ensberg
C Brad Ausmus
Rotation: RHP Roy Oswalt, RHP Roger Clemens, LHP Andy Pettitte, RHP Brandon Backe, RHP Brandon Duckworth.
Closer: RHP Brad Lidge.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Manager: Ned Yost (signed through 2006 with option for 2007).
Odds are: 250-1 to win the World Series; 150-1 to win the NLCS; 35-1 to win the NL Central. Over/under: 70 wins.
Major addition: LF Carlos Lee provides Brewers much-needed right-handed run producer to drop between lefties Lyle Overbay and Geoff Jenkins in lineup.
Major loss: Closer Dan Kolb was dealt to Atlanta in a cost-cutting move, which is bad enough, but setup man Luis Vizcaino also is gone.
Quickly: Russell Branyan and Wes Helms played well enough that Brewers will platoon at third. . . . Rookie SS J.J. Hardy, limited to 26 games at Class AAA last year because of injuries, played his way to the big leagues. . . . RHP Jose Capellan, part of the deal from Atlanta for Dan Kolb, couldn't keep his big-league job.
Under the microscope: 2B Junior Spivey missed the second half of last season with a dislocated left shoulder that required surgery and was slow getting going during spring training. Top prospect Rickie Weeks is close to being ready, and he plays second base.
Projected payroll: $42 million.
Lineup
CF Brady Clark
2B Junior Spivey
1B Lyle Overbay
LF Carlos Lee
RF Geoff Jenkins
3B Russell Branyan
C Damian Miller
SS J.J. Hardy
Rotation: RHP Ben Sheets, LHP Doug Davis, RHP Victor Santos, LHP Chris Capuano, RHP Gary Glover.
Closer: RHP Mike Adams.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Manager: Lloyd McClendon (signed through 2005 with option for 2006).
Odds are: 220-1 to win the World Series; 90-1 to win the NLCS; 35-1 to win the NL Central. Over/under: 73 1/2 wins.
Major addition: OF Matt Lawton came from Cleveland for unwanted Arthur Rhodes and provides a leadoff hitter.
Major loss: C Jason Kendall was traded to Oakland to get rid of salary, but he is a three-time All-Star with a .387 on-base percentage.
Quickly: RHP Kip Wells bounced back from elbow problems that limited him to a third of an inning final seven weeks last year. . . . LHP Dave Williams emerged from field of four to earn fifth starter's job. . . . Despite search for an alternative in center field, Pirates decided to stick with Tike Redman for now.
Under the microscope: Lawton didn't work out in Cleveland, and now he's coming to Pittsburgh, where the Pirates are desperate for some offensive help in their outfield and also counting on Lawton for a veteran presence that they lost in dealing Jason Kendall.
Projected payroll: $36 million.
Lineup
RF Matt Lawton
SS Jack Wilson
LF Jason Bay
1B Craig Wilson
3B Ty Wigginton
CF Tike Redman
2B Jose Castillo
C Benito Santiago
Rotation: LHP Oliver Perez, RHP Kip Wells, LHP Mark Redman, RHP Josh Fogg, LHP Dave Williams.
Closer: RHP Jose Mesa.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Manager: Tony La Russa (signed through 2007).
Odds are: 11-1 to win the World Series; 9-2 to win the NLCS; 1-1 to win the NL Central. Over/under: 92 1/2 wins.
Major addition: LHP Mark Mulder was acquired from Oakland to be the No. 1 starter that Cards felt was void in World Series loss to Boston.
Major loss: SS Edgar Renteria was a productive shortstop offensively, but more important, he provided big-time defense and was a major force in the clubhouse.
Quickly: LHP Rick Ankiel gave in to control woes and decided to try and make it as an outfielder. . . . RHP Matt Morris showed he had bounced back from off-season shoulder surgery. . . . Broadcaster Wayne Hagin created a national furor with statements he later retracted about Todd Helton and supplements.
Under the microscope: Mulder was brought in from Oakland to give the Cardinals a No. 1-type starter, which they felt was a critical hole when Boston swept the Cards in last October's World Series. Mulder, however, won only four second-half games in 2004.
Projected payroll: $87 million.
Lineup
SS David Eckstein
RF Larry Walker
1B Albert Pujols
3B Scott Rolen
CF Jim Edmonds
LF Reggie Sanders
2B Mark Grudzielanek
C Yadier Molina
Rotation: RHP Chris Carpenter, RHP Jason Marquis, LHP Mark Mulder, RHP Jeff Suppan, RHP Matt Morris.
Closer: RHP Jason Isringhausen.