NATIONAL LEAGUE

By JASON REID

April 1, 2001 12 AM PT

EAST

ATLANTA BRAVES

WHO’S NEW: 1B Rico Brogna, IF Kurt Abbott, OF Dave Martinez.

WHO’S GONE: P Andy Ashby and Terry Mulholland, 1B Andres Galarraga and Wally Joyner, SS Walt Weiss, OF Bobby Bonilla and Reggie Sanders.

STRENGTHS: Everything. Quilvio Veras and John Smoltz return after surgery, and that should bolster an already formidable bunch. The rotation is still one of the majors’ best with Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine in top form, and Andruw Jones is one of the game’s brightest young stars.

WEAKNESSES: The bench lacks experience, and veteran catcher Eddie Perez might be sidelined for the season after having rotator-cuff surgery. Catcher Javy Lopez also will sit out the first week while recovering from a broken left ring finger.

OUTLOOK: The Braves might not start fast because Smoltz has been handled cautiously (he’ll be sidelined for at least the first two weeks) and Kevin Millwood struggled in the spring, but they will hold off the New York Mets (again) to win their 10th consecutive division championship.

AT DODGER STADIUM: May 11-13.

PROJECTED LINEUP

SS Rafael Furcal

2B Quilvio Veras

CF Andruw Jones

3B Chipper Jones

LF B.J. Surhoff

RF Brian Jordan

C Javy Lopez

1B Rico Brogna

STARTING PITCHERS

Greg Maddux

Tom Glavine

Kevin Millwood

John Burkett

Odalis Perez

BULLPEN

John Rocker

Kerry Ligtenberg

Mike Remlinger

Jason Marquis

C. Seelbach or M. Valdes

NEW YORK METS

WHO’S NEW: P Kevin Appier, Steve Trachsel, Tom Martin and Donne Wall, OF Tsuyoshi Shinjo.

WHO’S GONE: P Mike Hampton, Bobby J. Jones and Pat Mahomes, IF Kurt Abbott, SS Mike Bordick, OF Derek Bell and Bubba Trammell.

STRENGTHS: Catcher Mike Piazza and second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo are outstanding. The bullpen and infield defense should be great.

WEAKNESSES: The outfielders--Timo Perez, Jay Payton, Benny Agbayani, Darryl Hamilton and Tsuyoshi Shinjo--do not have much power. Despite the additions of Kevin Appier and Steve Trachsel and the re-signing of Rick Reed, the rotation is not as good without Hampton.

OUTLOOK: The Mets are still one of the majors’ best teams despite the loss of Hampton. Whether they repeat as league champions might depend on the ability of third baseman Robin Ventura--coming off a shoulder injury--and first baseman Todd Zeile to return to form offensively. Expect General Manager Steve Phillips to spend the summer trolling for a No. 1 starter and a power-hitting outfielder.

AT DODGER STADIUM: Aug. 17-19.

PROJECTED LINEUP

RF Timo Perez

2B Edgardo Alfonzo

C Mike Piazza

3B Robin Ventura

1B Todd Zeile

LF Benny Agbayani

CF Jay Payton

SS Rey Ordonez

STARTING PITCHERS

Al Leiter

Kevin Appier

Rick Reed

Glendon Rusch

Steve Trachsel

BULLPEN

Armando Benitez

John Franco

Turk Wendell

Dennis Cook

Donne Wall

Rick White

FLORIDA MARLINS

WHO’S NEW: P Matt Clement, OF Eric Owens, C Charles Johnson, OF Jeff Abbott.

WHO’S GONE: OF Mark Kotsay and Henry Rodriguez, C Sandy Martinez, P Manny Aybar.

STRENGTHS: Young players who work hard, have been through a lot together and get along. The athletic Marlins led the majors in stolen bases. Preston Wilson blossomed into a great run producer last season. The rotation is young, but Ryan Dempster, A.J. Burnett and Brad Penny have tremendous upside, and the Marlins are high on recently acquired Matt Clement.

WEAKNESSES: Their overall inexperience. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez was awful last season, and Manager John Boles won’t have much patience with him this season if he starts slowly. Trading Mark Kotsay weakened the outfield defense. Expect growing pains when everyone in the projected opening-day lineup is under 30.

OUTLOOK: The Marlins made progress rebuilding last season, and the return of catcher Charles Johnson should help the improvement continue.

AT DODGER STADIUM: May 7-10.

PROJECTED LINEUP

2B Luis Castillo

RF Eric Owens

LF Cliff Floyd

CF Preston Wilson

3B Mike Lowell

C Charles Johnson

1B Derrek Lee

SS Alex Gonzalez

STARTING PITCHERS

Ryan Dempster

Chuck Smith

Brad Penny

Matt Clement

A.J. Burnett or J. Sanchez

BULLPEN

Antonio Alfonseca

Ricky Bones

Dan Miceli

Braden Looper

Vic Darensbourg

Armando Almanza

MONTREAL EXPOS

WHO’S NEW: 3B Fernando Tatis, P Chris Peters and Britt Reames, OF Tim Raines.

WHO’S GONE: P Miguel Batista, Dustin Hermanson, Steve Kline and Jeremy Powell, OF Wilton Guerrero.

STRENGTHS: The middle of the batting order should produce runs consistently, especially with the addition of third baseman Fernando Tatis and the emergence of second baseman Jose Vidro as a hitter. Vladimir Guerrero is one of the best players in baseball. The bullpen could be formidable if Ugueth Urbina can bounce back from surgery and left-hander Graeme Lloyd has a strong return after sitting out a season because of injury.

WEAKNESSES: Besides center fielder Peter Bergeron, there is little team speed. Depth is also lacking. The rotation is suspect, and is further thinned by Carl Pavano and Hideki Irabu starting the season on the disabled list. Michael Barrett moves back to catcher after playing much of the season at third base last season.

OUTLOOK: Management has given Manager Felipe Alou more talent to handle, but he still does not have enough.

AT DODGER STADIUM: Aug. 14-16.

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Peter Bergeron

2B Jose Vidro

3B Fernando Tatis

RF Vladimir Guerrero

1B Lee Stevens

LF Milton Bradley

SS Orlando Cabrera

C Michael Barrett

STARTING PITCHERS

Javier Vazquez

Tony Armas Jr.

Hideki Irabu

Britt Reames

Mike Thurman

BULLPEN

Ugueth Urbina

Mike Johnson

Chris Peters

Guillermo Mota

Scott Strickland

Graeme Lloyd

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

WHO’S NEW: Manager Larry Bowa, P Ricky Bottalico, Rheal Cormier and Jose Mesa, OF Brian L. Hunter.

WHO’S GONE: Manager Terry Francona, P Scott Aldred. IF Alex Arias, 1B Rico Brogna, C Tom Prince.

STRENGTHS: The batting order appears to be solid. Bobby Abreu, Doug Glanville and Scott Rolen make things happen. Left fielder Pat Burrell is an emerging power hitter. Starter Bruce Chen showed promise after the Phillies got him in a trade with the Braves.

WEAKNESSES: The bullpen had the majors’ worst ERA at 5.66 and might not be much better despite being revamped with Ricky Bottalico, Jose Mesa and Rheal Cormier. The rotation lacks a front-line starter. Omar Daal can’t be much worse than last season, when he was 4-19. First baseman Travis Lee has shown no signs of regaining his batting stroke from his rookie season.

OUTLOOK: New Manager Larry Bowa has some impressive young players. He probably needs more to contend or even finish .500.

AT DODGER STADIUM: April 27-29.

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Doug Glanville

SS Jimmy Rollins

RF Bobby Abreu

3B Scott Rolen

LF Pat Burrell

C Mike Lieberthal

1B Travis Lee

2B Marlon Anderson

STARTING PITCHERS

Omar Daal

Robert Person

Bruce Chen

Randy Wolf

Amaury Telemaco

BULLPEN

Jose Mesa

Ricky Bottalico

Rheal Cormier

Vicente Padilla

Eddie Oropesa

Wayne Gomes

CENTRAL

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

WHO’S NEW: P Dustin Hermanson and Steve Kline, OF Bobby Bonilla, IF John Mabry.

WHO’S GONE: 1B Will Clark, 3B Fernando Tatis, OF Eric Davis, Shawon Dunston and Thomas Howard, P Pat Hentgen and Britt Reames.

STRENGTHS: Power. Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds, J.D. Drew, Ray Lankford, Edgar Renteria and Craig Paquette each hit at least 15 home runs. With the addition of Dustin Hermanson and the return of Matt Morris, the rotation should be strong even if Rick Ankiel does not revert to form. Steve Kline is the solid left-handed reliever they have lacked for a while.

WEAKNESSES: The bullpen is not one of the league’s best. Closer Dave Veres is only adequate and the right-handed setup situation is unsettled. Paquette and Placido Polanco will try to replace third baseman Fernando Tatis, who was traded for Hermanson.

OUTLOOK: The Cardinals had 95 victories with McGwire playing only half a season because of a knee injury. He appeared to be fine in the spring after surgery, and that is good news for the talented Cardinals.

AT DODGER STADIUM: Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

PROJECTED LINEUP

2B Fernando Vina

SS Edgar Renteria

CF Jim Edmonds

1B Mark McGwire

RF J.D. Drew

LF Ray Lankford

C Mike Matheny

3B Craig Paquette

STARTING PITCHERS

Darryl Kile

Andy Benes

Matt Morris

Dustin Hermanson

Rick Ankiel

BULLPEN

Dave Veres

Mike Timlin

Steve Kline

Mike James

Garrett Stephenson

CINCINNATI REDS

WHO’S NEW: Manager Bob Boone, C Kelly Stinnett, IF Donnie Sadler, OF Wilton Guerrero, P Seth Etherton and Chris Reitsma.

WHO’S GONE: P Ron Villone and Steve Parris, C Eddie Taubensee, IF Chris Stynes, OF Brian L. Hunter.

STRENGTHS: Ken Griffey Jr. still had 40 homers and 118 runs batted in despite a difficult transition. He should be more comfortable and the Reds’ offense will benefit, though he may miss the opener because of a pulled hamstring. The bullpen could be the league’s best, or at least the deepest, especially with Scott Williamson back from the rotation and Mark Wohlers back to form, and the club is strong defensively.

WEAKNESSES: The lineup has been injury-prone and the rotation could be weak. Third baseman Aaron Boone is coming back from a knee injury. The bench lacks experience and power.

OUTLOOK: The Reds could win the division if everything goes right. But how often does that happen?

AT DODGER STADIUM: July 31-Aug. 2.

PROJECTED LINEUP

SS Barry Larkin

RF A. Ochoa/M. Tucker

CF Ken Griffey Jr.

1B Sean Casey

LF Dmitri Young

3B Aaron Boone

C Jason LaRue

2B Pokey Reese

STARTING PITCHERS

Pete Harnisch

Osvaldo Fernandez

Elmer Dessens

Rob Bell

Chris Reitsma

BULLPEN

Danny Graves

Scott Williamson

Mark Wohlers

John Riedling

Scott Sullivan

Dennys Reyes

HOUSTON ASTROS

WHO’S NEW: C Brad Ausmus, P Kent Bottenfield, Doug Brocail and Mike Jackson, IF Jose Vizcaino.

WHO’S GONE: P Chris Holt and Marc Valdes, IF Tim Bogar and Tripp Cromer, 3B Ken Caminiti, OF Roger Cedeno.

STRENGTHS: First baseman Jeff Bagwell and second baseman Craig Biggio are still productive, though Biggio is coming off a poor season (for him) and a knee injury. Richard Hidalgo, Lance Berkman and Daryle Ward are impressive young players, and Moises Alou is still an excellent run producer. The overhauled bullpen could be good if closer Billy Wagner returns to form. Reacquiring catcher Brad Ausmus (in a trade with Detroit) settles the staff and solidifies the defense.

WEAKNESSES: The rotation. The Astros need Scott Elarton and Shane Reynolds, probably sidelined until mid-April after knee surgery, to pitch well, Jose Lima to rebound from 16 losses and everyone to avoid injuries. Hitter-friendly Enron Field does not help.

OUTLOOK: The Astros could finish second in a relatively weak division. But if Lima pitches poorly again, or someone else struggles, they might have another disappointing season.

AT DODGER STADIUM: May 25-27.

PROJECTED LINEUP

2B Craig Biggio

SS Julio Lugo

1B Jeff Bagwell

RF Lance Berkman

LF Moises Alou

CF Richard Hidalgo

3B Chris Truby

C Brad Ausmus

STARTING PITCHERS

Shane Reynolds

Scott Elarton

Jose Lima

Octavio Dotel

Kent Bottenfield

BULLPEN

Billy Wagner

Wade Miller

Mike Jackson

Doug Brocail

Jay Powell

Nelson Cruz

CHICAGO CUBS

WHO’S NEW: P Jason Bere, Jeff Fassero, Tom Gordon, Manny Aybar and Julian Tavarez, C Todd Hundley, 3B Bill Mueller, IF/OF Matt Stairs, 2B Miguel Cairo.

WHO’S GONE: P Rick Aguilera, 3B Shane Andrews, 1B Mark Grace, 3B Willie Greene, IF Jeff Huson.

STRENGTHS: The lineup, rotation and bullpen seemingly have been improved through trades and signings. Bill Mueller may finally provide long-sought stability at third base. Eric Young reemerged as one of the league’s better leadoff batters and Sammy Sosa is determined after getting a contract extension. Todd Hundley will provide power at catcher and hopefully some protection for Sosa in the lineup.

WEAKNESSES: Injury-prone Rondell White is the key offensively. The former Montreal Expo hit .328 in 19 games for the Cubs before suffering a dislocated shoulder, and he has a bigger role this season.

OUTLOOK: The Cubs hope to be around .500, then make a playoff run in 2002. The parts are in place to accomplish their immediate goal. Expect to see top prospect Corey Patterson in center field this summer.

AT DODGER STADIUM: Aug. 3-5.

PROJECTED LINEUP

2B Eric Young

3B Bill Mueller

RF Sammy Sosa

C Todd Hundley

LF Rondell White

1B R. Coomer/M. Stairs

SS Ricky Gutierrez

CF Damon Buford

STARTING PITCHERS

Kerry Wood

Jon Lieber

Kevin Tapani

Julian Tavarez

Jason Bere

BULLPEN

Tom Gordon

Kyle Farnsworth

Felix Heredia

Jeff Fassero

Todd Van Poppel

Manny Aybar

Courtney Duncan

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

WHO’S NEW: P Will Cunnane, OF Jeffrey Hammonds and Devon White, IF Tony Fernandez.

WHO’S GONE: IF Charlie Hayes, OF Marquis Grissom and Lyle Mouton.

STRENGTHS: Geoff Jenkins, Richie Sexson, Jeromy Burnitz and Jeffrey Hammonds--the 3-6 batters--provide runs and excitement. The bullpen was second best in baseball statistically, and No. 1 in the late innings.

WEAKNESSES: Shortstop Mark Loretta starts the season on the disabled list because of a thumb injury. The Brewers lack a true leadoff batter--veteran Tony Fernandez will start the season in the role--and the rotation--which includes U.S. Olympic hero Ben Sheets--is inexperienced. Closer Curtis Leskanic must prove he can handle the role over a full season.

OUTLOOK: The opening of Miller Park has stirred baseball interest in a state dominated by the Green Bay Packers. The Brewers have not had a winning season since 1992, but they might this season despite their deficiencies.

AT DODGER STADIUM: April 2; July 18-19.

PROJECTED LINEUP

3B Tony Fernandez

2B Ron Belliard

LF Geoff Jenkins

1B Richie Sexson

RF Jeromy Burnitz

CF Jeffrey Hammonds

SS Jose Hernandez

C Henry Blanco

STARTING PITCHERS

Jeff D’Amico

Jamey Wright

Jimmy Haynes

Paul Rigdon

Ben Sheets

BULLPEN

Curtis Leskanic

David Weathers

Juan Acevedo

Valerio De Los Santos

Ray King

Will Cunnane

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

WHO’S NEW: Manager Lloyd McClendon, OF Derek Bell, P Terry Mulholland and Omar Olivares.

WHO’S GONE: Manager Gene Lamont, P Chris Peters and Jeff Wallace, OF Alex Ramirez.

STRENGTHS: Outfielder Brian Giles and catcher Jason Kendall are consistent run producers.

WEAKNESSES: They have major rotation problems because three starters--Kris Benson (elbow), Jason Schmidt (rib-cage pull) and Francisco Cordova (recovering from elbow surgery)--will be out at least a month. Mike Williams has kept the closer’s job pretty much by default the past few seasons, but no one else has shown the stuff to take it away. Reliever Rich Loiselle also will start the season on the disabled list. Pat Meares has moved to second base, leaving rookie Jack Wilson as the starting shortstop. The Pirates are still waiting for such young players as third baseman Aramis Ramirez to step up.

OUTLOOK: The excitment of PNC Park opening should distract fans’ attention from the on-field product.

AT DODGER STADIUM: April 24-26.

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Adrian Brown

RF Derek Bell

C Jason Kendall

LF Brian Giles

3B Aramis Ramirez

1B Kevin Young

2B Pat Meares

SS Jack Wilson

STARTING PITCHERS

Todd Ritchie

Jimmy Anderson

Omar Olivares

Terry Mulholland

Bronson Arroyo

BULLPEN

Mike Williams

Jose Silva

Scott Sauerbeck

Joe Beimel

David Williams

Josias Manzanillo

Marc Wilkins

WEST

COLORADO ROCKIES

WHO’S NEW: P Mike Hampton, Denny Neagle and Ron Villone, OF Ron Gant.

WHO’S GONE: P Julian Tavarez and Masato Yoshii, OF Jeffrey Hammonds and Butch Huskey.

STRENGTHS: To upgrade the rotation, the Rockies invested $121 million in Mike Hampton and $51.5 million in Denny Neagle. The group appears to be better, but will Coors Field cooperate? Todd Helton is one of the league’s brightest young stars and Larry Walker is a former league MVP.

WEAKNESSES: The Rockies lack balance offensively because of their predominantly left-handed batting order. The bullpen has been overworked as a result of high-scoring games. The defense up the middle is questionable. Center fielder Juan Pierre and catcher Ben Petrick are inexperienced, and Todd Walker is only average at second base.

OUTLOOK: The Rockies, whose last postseason appearance was in 1995, believe they will contend because of their off-season pitching moves. Hampton, Ron Villone and Neagle are 50-21 against the division’s other teams, and the Rockies hope their success continues.

AT DODGER STADIUM: May 28-30; July 26-29; Aug. 28-30.

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Juan Pierre

2B Todd Walker

RF Larry Walker

1B Todd Helton

3B Jeff Cirillo

LF Todd Hollandsworth

SS Neifi Perez

C Ben Petrick

STARTING PITCHERS

Mike Hampton

Denny Neagle

Pedro Astacio

Brian Bohanon

Ron Villone

BULLPEN

Jose Jimenez

Gabe White

Mike Myers

Mike DeJean

Bobby Chouinard

John Wasdin

DODGERS

WHO’S NEW: Manager Jim Tracy, P Andy Ashby, and Jose Nunez, IF Tim Bogar and Jeff Reboulet, OF Marquis Grissom.

WHO’S GONE: C Todd Hundley, P Ismael Valdes, Antonio Osuna and Mike Judd, OF Devon White, C Jim Leyritz.

STRENGTHS: The rotation could be the best in the majors. Kevin Brown led the league in earned-run average, Chan Ho Park won a career-high 18 games and Darren Dreifort has potential. Andy Ashby and Eric Gagne complete the group. The bullpen was the league’s best unit statistically with a 3.76 ERA.

WEAKNESSES: The Dodgers have lineup and defensive concerns, and limited flexibility because of many roster and payroll mistakes. The club is considered weak up the middle, and the productive Todd Hundley was not replaced in the batting order.

OUTLOOK: Gary Sheffield and Brown are wild cards. The team could struggle offensively if Sheffield sulks because of booing from fans upset about his actions in spring training. The right Achilles’ tendon strain that recently slowed Brown could be a recurring problem, but young right-hander Luke Prokopec is ready to contribute. Third baseman Adrian Beltre might be sidelined until mid-May after having abdominal surgery twice since January. The Dodgers have problems, but they could win their first division championship since 1995 if the pitching meets expectations. Anything less than a title might be bad for General Manager Kevin Malone, who has amassed the highest opening-day payroll in baseball history at a little more than $110 million.

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF T. Goodwin/M. Grissom

2B Mark Grudzielanek

LF Gary Sheffield

RF Shawn Green

1B Eric Karros

C P. LoDuca/C. Kreuter

3B C. Donnels/J. Reboulet

SS Alex Cora

STARTING PITCHERS

Kevin Brown

Chan Ho Park

Darren Dreifort

Andy Ashby

Eric Gagne

BULLPEN

Jeff Shaw

Terry Adams

Mike Fetters

Matt Herges

Jose Nunez

Gregg Olson

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

WHO’S NEW: P Tim Worrell, OF Eric Davis and Shawon Dunston.

WHO’S GONE: OF Ellis Burks, P Doug Henry, 3B Bill Mueller, C Scott Servais.

STRENGTHS: The Giants had the best pitching in the majors in the second half last season. Barry Bonds, who can become a free agent after the season, and Jeff Kent are a formidable tandem, the lineup is experienced, and Manager Dusty Baker is at the top of his field.

WEAKNESSES: Run-producer Ellis Burks signed with the Cleveland Indians and was not replaced. The Giants will go with a platoon of Armando Rios and Eric Davis in his place. They lack depth because of payroll constraints. Reliever John Johnstone (back) will start the season on the disabled list.

OUTLOOK: Many players had career seasons in 2000 and the Giants lost more than they added in the off-season. Another division championship or wild-card berth would seemingly be difficult, but Baker does more with less than most.

AT DODGER STADIUM: April 6-8; July 2-5; Sept. 24-26.

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Marvin Benard

SS Rich Aurilia

LF Barry Bonds

2B Jeff Kent

1B J.T. Snow

3B Russ Davis

RF A. Rios/E. Davis

C B. Santiago/B. Estalella

STARTING PITCHERS

Livan Hernandez

Russ Ortiz

Shawn Estes

Kirk Rueter

Mark Gardner

BULLPEN

Robb Nen

Felix Rodriguez

Alan Embree

Aaron Fultz

Tim Worrell

John Johnstone

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

WHO’S NEW: Manager Bob Brenly, 1B Mark Grace, OF Reggie Sanders, P Miguel Batista, Jason Jacome and Bobby Witt, C Chad Moeller.

WHO’S GONE: Manager Buck Showalter, P Darren Holmes and Dan Plesac, OF Matt Mieske, C Kelly Stinnett, IF Hanley Frias.

STRENGTHS: Left-hander Randy Johnson. “The Big Unit” won his second consecutive Cy Young Award, and the three-time winner is one of only three pitchers to earn the prize in each league. Closer Matt Mantei seems to be over his struggles from last season.

WEAKNESSES: There is not much depth, and many key players--Matt Williams, Jay Bell, Steve Finley, Mark Grace, Johnson--are over 30. Todd Stottlemyre has an irritated nerve near his pitching shoulder and will start the season on the disabled list.

OUTLOOK: If everything breaks right and no one gets hurt, they will be very tough. But an old, injury-prone lineup could make this a difficult season for the Diamondbacks, who are on shaky ground financially.

AT DODGER STADIUM: April 3-5; June 19-20; Sept. 20-23.

PROJECTED LINEUP

SS Tony Womack

RF Reggie Sanders

CF Steve Finley

3B Matt Williams

RF Luis Gonzalez

1B Mark Grace

2B Jay Bell

C Damian Miller

STARTING PITCHERS

Randy Johnson

Curt Schilling

Brian Anderson

Armando Reynoso

Bobby Witt

BULLPEN

Matt Mantei

Byung-Hyun Kim

Greg Swindell

Russ Springer

Mike Morgan

Jason Jacome

SAN DIEGO PADRES

WHO’S NEW: P Bobby J. Jones, Kevin Jarvis and Scott Karl, OF Mark Kotsay, Bubba Trammell and Rickey Henderson, IF Alex Arias, SS Santiago Perez.

WHO’S GONE: 2B Bret Boone, OF Ruben Rivera and Eric Owens, P Matt Clement, Donne Wall, Brian Boehringer and Will Cunnane.

STRENGTHS: Pitching depth--which allowed them to trade Matt Clement for Mark Kotsay--and proven Manager Bruce Bochy. Third baseman Phil Nevin has emerged as a legitimate power hitter. Hit machine Tony Gwynn returns for a 20th season. Ryan Klesko, who blossomed last season, had a terrific spring. Kotsay is a great fielder and has a tremendous arm. He tied for the NL lead with 20 outfield assists in 1998, led the league with 19 in 1999, and had 14 last season. He’ll play left when Gwynn plays and move to right when Gwynn sits.

WEAKNESSES: They led the major leagues with 141 errors, though the addition of Kotsay will help. Beyond Nevin and Klesko there isn’t much power.

OUTLOOK: The Padres don’t have enough talent or experience to compete with the other four teams in the division, so they’ll build toward 2003 and the projected opening of a new ballpark.

AT DODGER STADIUM: April 20-22; June 22-24; Sept. 17-19.

PROJECTED LINEUP

2B Damian Jackson

LF Mark Kotsay

1B Ryan Klesko

3B Phil Nevin

RF Tony Gwynn

CF Mike Darr

C Ben Davis

SS Chris Gomez

STARTING PITCHERS

Woody Williams