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2008 National League East Division Preview

If only Greg Maddux was available, Atlanta would have there own version of Led Zeppelin reunion. Tom Glavine has returned to Braves to join John Smoltz and in some people’s eyes, shifting the balance of power towards Atlanta. Atlanta only comes in third in the NL East to bettors at Sportsbook.com at 3-1. With these two greybeards and 36-year old Chipper Jones, these Braves have to play with real urgency. Philadelphia is the reigning division champs, literally stealing pennant on final day. The batting order will still produce with Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard (especially at Citizens Bank Park), however an unstable starting staff, combined with unknown bullpen begs questions. What will the Mets psyche be in 2008? It’s easy to paint them as division champions and 2-1 favorite to represent the National League, but will they believe? Johan Santana helps, if he pitches like he did before last season. Washington GM Jim Bowden wanted to make a splash in opening new ballpark and made a series of moves that are viewed as combustible, meaning they could go either way. The local nine is an odd assortment, giving manager Manny Acta plenty to think about. The Florida Marlins are like the person who buys lottery tickets every day, you almost always lose, except for picking up a few winning tickets now and again.  Here's a look at each of the teams in the NL East Division, including 2007 key stats and situational records, offseason moves, projected lineups, plus keys and predictions for 2008.

ATLANTA BRAVES

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Manager: BOBBY COX
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 84-78 (0.519), +-8.7 ML Units (#17 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 81-71-10
StatFox Power Rating: : 110 (#6 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 85 (-125)/Under 85 (-105)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 44-37 (-5.7 ML Units)
Road Games: 40-41 (-3 ML Units)
vs. Division: 39-33 (-4.15 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 4-11 (-6.2 ML Units)
Day Games: 25-20 (+2.95 ML Units)
Night Games: 59-58 (-11.65 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 31-32 (-4.3 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 53-46 (-4.4 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 5 (#9 of 30), Allowed - 4.52 (#11 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +0.48 (#7 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.275 (#9 of 30), Opponent - 0.259 (#6 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 176 (#12 of 30), Opponent - 172 (#20 of 30)

Arrivals: LHP Tom Glavine, RHP Jair Jurrjens, RHP Will Ohman, IF Omar Infante, OF Mark Kotsay
Departures: OF Andruw Jones, SS Edgar Renteria, IF Chris Woodward, IF Willy Abar, RHP Jose Ascanio, RHP Joey Devine, OF Willie Harris, IF Pete Orr, RHP Oscar Villareal

Projected Starters:

 C - Brian McCann (.330/24/93)
1B - Mark Teixeira (.317/17/56)
2B - Kelly Johnson (.276/16/68)
SS - Yunel Escobar (.326/5/28)
3B - Chipper Jones (.337/29/102)
LF - Matt Diaz (.338/12/45)
CF - Mark Kotsay (.214/1/20)
RF - Jeff Francoeur (.284/19/105)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - John Smoltz (14-8, 3.11)
RHP - Tim Hudson (16-10, 3.33)
LHP - Tom Glavine (13-8, 4.45)
LHP - Chuck James (11-10, 4.24)
LHP - Mike Hampton (injured, missed season)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Rafael Soriano (3-3, 3.00, nine saves)

Strengths: The Braves have a nice mix of veterans, youngsters, as well as good depth. Teixeira and Chipper Jones give them what every team covets - power at the infield corners. ... Escobar is an up-and-coming shortstop that made Edgar Renteria expendable. ... Johnson is a good leadoff hitter and made a successful transition from the outfield to second base. ... Francoeur is an RBI machine and won his first Gold Glove last season. ... The top the rotation is strong with Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine. ... Chipper Jones led the National League with an astounding OPS of 1.029 - only Tampa Bay's Carlos Pena, Boston's David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees recorded better numbers ... McCann is one of the best offensive backstops in the league at the tender age of 24. ... Peter Moylan fared extremely well last season (1.80 ERA in 80 games) and is an exceptional setup man.

Weaknesses: There is a gaping hole in center field where perennial Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones used to play. Jones left for greener pastures, and the Braves have decided to replace him with the oft-injured Mark Kotsay. ... Kotsay is not the long term solution though as the Braves have a slew of young outfielders ready to contribute - namely top prospect Jordan Schafer. ... Jones is aging and injury-prone - he hasn't played in more than 137 games since 2003. ... Soriano is a first-time closer. ... Hampton, 35, has not pitched since 2005 due to a slew of injuries. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the last pitcher at least 35 years of age to miss two full seasons and win at least 10 games was Schoolboy Rowe, who went 11-4 in 1946 for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rotation Outlook: Smoltz is the ace of the staff and showed last season that he still has plenty left in the tank. He tossed over 200 innings for the third straight season since being re-inserted to the rotation. ... Glavine returns to the place where he began his future Hall of Fame career. He will bring stability to the No. 3 slot that James held down last season, but the memory of his stinker from the last day of the 2007 season still lingers. ... Hudson rebounded from his horrid 2006 season by winning 16 games last year. ... James was inconsistent last season and should benefit from sliding into the fourth slot. ... The fifth spot belongs to the injury-prone Hampton. ... Jurrjens, who was acquired in the Renteria trade, has impressed this spring and adds depth.

Bullpen Situation: : With Wickman gone, Soriano assumed the closer's role late last season. He thrived in that position, posting a 1-0 record with three saves and a minuscule 0.69 ERA in September. The long ball hampered Soriano though - he allowed 12 home runs in 72 innings. ... The bridge to Soriano will be missing a link until Gonzalez comes back. ... Moylan was a workhorse last season and is one of the better setup men in baseball. ... Will Ohman was acquired from the Chicago Cubs, and may serve in Gonzalez's role at the start of the season. ... Manny Acosta had a solid rookie season (2.38 ERA in 23 2/3 innings) and will be counted on more heavily. ... Tyler Yates and Anthony Lerew will work in long relief.

Projected Finish: Second in NL East

FLORIDA MARLINS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Manager: FREDI GONZALEZ
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 71-91 (0.438), +-12.4 ML Units (#20 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 90-64-8
StatFox Power Rating: : 87 (#25 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 69.5 (-115)/Under 69.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 36-45 (-12.45 ML Units)
Road Games: 35-46 (+0.02 ML Units)
vs. Division: 32-40 (-2.03 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 9-9 (+0.7 ML Units)
Day Games: 19-24 (-3.58 ML Units)
Night Games: 52-67 (-8.85 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 21-28 (-4.63 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 50-63 (-7.8 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.88 (#13 of 30), Allowed - 5.5 (#29 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.62 (#24 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.267 (#17 of 30), Opponent - 0.285 (#28 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 201 (#5 of 30), Opponent - 176 (#24 of 30)

Arrivals: LHP Andrew Miller, OF Cameron Maybin, RHP Mark Hendrickson, IF Jose Castillo, C Mike Rabelo, 3B Dallas McPherson.
Departures: LHP Dontrelle Willis, 3B Miguel Cabrera, IF Aaron Boone, C Miguel Olivo.

Projected Starters:

 C - Mike Rabelo (.256/1/18)
1B - Mike Jacobs (.265/17/54)
2B - Dan Uggla (.245/31/88)
SS - Hanley Ramirez (.332/29/81)
3B - Jorge Cantu (.207/0/4)
LF - Josh Willingham (.265/21/89)
CF - Cameron Maybin (.143/1/2)
RF - Jeremy Hermida (.296/18/63)

Projected Rotation:

LHP - Scott Olsen (10-15, 5.81)
RHP - Sergio Mitre (5-8, 4.65)
LHP - Andrew Miller (5-5, 5.63)
RHP - Mark Hendrickson (4-8, 5.21)
RHP - Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 5.48)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Kevin Gregg (0-5, 3.54, 32 saves)

Strengths: The young and seemingly forever-rebuilding Marlins can score runs in bunches. The sparkplug of the offense is Ramirez, who probably would have received greater MVP consideration if the Marlins were any good. He just missed a 30-home run, 50-double, 50-steal season. Ramirez, who is coming off shoulder surgery, had 29 home runs - the third most in history for a 50-steal man. ... Uggla has provided quite a power surge with 58 home runs and 178 RBI in his first two seasons. ... Willingham is one of the best, yet unheralded clean-up men in the game. ... Jacobs is an emerging talent with tons of potential. ... Gregg was superb last season, posting an .889 save percentage after taking over the rotating closer's role in May. ... The bullpen has several good arms that bring serious heat. Taylor Tankersley, who is the team's closer of the future, had a 1.46 ERA in 25 second-half appearances last season.

Weaknesses: The Marlins' 137 errors were the most in the majors last season. ... The rotation posted a 5.58 ERA - the worst mark in the majors last season. ... Florida has plenty of power, but it recorded an astonishing number of strikeouts.  In 2007 the Marlins struck out a major-league high and franchise-worst 1,332 times. ... Willis' departure leaves a huge hole at the top of the rotation. ... Now that Cabrera is also gone, there is a huge void at third base. Jorge Cantu, who hit 28 homers in 2005 with Tampa Bay, is likely to be platooned with Luis Castillo. ... New additions Rabelo and Maybin may not be ready, but will likely start on Opening Day. Both were acquired in the Cabrera/Willis trade. Maybin hit just .143 in 49 at-bats last season and may need more time in the minors but there aren't many other options to play center field.

Rotation Outlook: With Willis in Detroit and injuries hitting hard, the Marlins are searching for an Opening Day starter.  The fiery lefthander Olsen was a candidate, but is out with left shoulder tendinitis and likely will not be ready. Mitre was another choice, but he is now out until at least June with a right forearm strain. The No. 3 starter Hendrickson is the front-runner, though the club has not made a decision yet. ... The fourth spot will likely go to Miller, who was acquired from Detroit in the Willis/Cabrera trade. ... The Marlins' top two pitching prospects, Chris Volstad and Gabby Hernandez, are part of a slew of pitchers battling for the fifth spot. Volstad (3-0, 1.13 ERA) has had a strong spring and seems to have the inside track.

Bullpen Situation: : Gregg provided some much-needed stability at closer last season, as he converted 28 of 32 save chances after he took over in May. ... Matt Lindstrom can reach triple digits and has emerged as the top setup man. The 28-year-old righthander, who posted a 2.35 ERA after the All-Star break, would be next in line if Gregg were to falter. ... Tankersley performed well in the second half last season (1.48 ERA) and is the top lefty option. ... RHP Henry Owens, who served as the closer at one point last season, will work in middle relief. ... RHP Justin Miller was a favorite of manager Fredi Gonzalez after being claimed of waivers last season. ... LHP Renyel Pinto throws hard, but has command issues.

Projected Finish: Fourth in NL East

NEW YORK METS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Manager: WILLIE RANDOLPH
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 88-74 (0.543), +-12.3 ML Units (#19 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 76-79-7
StatFox Power Rating: : 99 (#16 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 92.5 (-115)/Under 92.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 41-40 (-23.35 ML Units)
Road Games: 47-34 (+11.1 ML Units)
vs. Division: 35-37 (-19.8 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 8-7 (+0.6 ML Units)
Day Games: 29-22 (+0.55 ML Units)
Night Games: 59-52 (-12.8 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 27-24 (-7.55 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 61-50 (-4.7 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.96 (#10 of 30), Allowed - 4.63 (#12 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +0.33 (#12 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.275 (#7 of 30), Opponent - 0.255 (#5 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 177 (#11 of 30), Opponent - 165 (#16 of 30)

Arrivals: LHP Johan Santana, RHP Matt Wise, OF Ryan Church, OF Angel Pagan, C Brian Schneider, LHP Ruddy Lugo, RHP Brian Stokes, OF Brady Clark, 1B Olmedo Saenz, RHP Tony Armas Jr., RHP Steven Register
Departures: C Paul Lo Duca, LHP Tom Glavine, OF Lastings Milledge, RHP Guillermo Mota, OF Carlos Gomez, RHP Philip Humber

Projected Starters:

 C - Brian Schneider (.235/6/54)
1B - Carlos Delgado (.258/24/87)
2B - Luis Castillo (.301/1/38)
SS - Jose Reyes (.280/12/57)
3B - David Wright (.325/30/107)
LF - Endy Chavez* (.287/1/17) 
CF - Carlos Beltran (.276/33/112)
RF - Ryan Church (.272/15/70)

Projected Rotation:

LHP - Johan Santana (15-13, 3.33)
RHP - Pedro Martinez (3-1, 2.57)
RHP - John Maine (15-10, 3.91)
LHP - Oliver Perez (15-10, 3.56)
RHP - Orlando Hernandez (9-5, 3.72)

Projected Closer:
LHP - Billy Wagner (2-2, 2.63, 34 saves)

Strengths: The addition of Santana gives the Mets one of the best rotations in the National League. Santana went 82-35 to record the best mark in baseball over the last five years. ... The offense is one of the most potent in the NL. ... Reyes is one of the best leadoff men in the game. He had 78 steals last season, which was the most in the majors since Marquis Grissom in 1992. The combination of Reyes, Beltran and Wright helped the Mets lead the majors in steals last season (200). ... Beltran is an RBI machine and a Gold Glove center fielder. ... Wright was an MVP candidate and was one of the few Mets who excelled in September last season. He hit .352 with six homers in the final month of the campaign. ... Wagner is still one of the best closers in the NL.

Weaknesses: The Mets are an aging, injury-prone team and their lack of depth is already a concern. ... The 41-year-old Alou, who missed two months of last season with a strained quadriceps, will miss Opening Day and the first few weeks of the season while he recovers from hernia surgery. ... Delgado, who was hampered by a hip injury in spring training, is coming off his worst season in 12 years. ... The rotation has a pair of aging, injury-prone pitchers in Martinez and Hernandez. ... With Humber and Kevin Mulvey gone, there isn't much other than Mike Pelfrey in the way of reinforcements if injuries hit the rotation. ... Acquiring Santana drained the Mets' farm system, so the team will be hard-pressed to make a deal prior to the trade deadline.

Rotation Outlook: A two-time Cy-Young Award winner, Santana is the stopper that the Mets desperately needed while they were blowing a 7 1/2-game lead with 17 contests to play in September.  The Mets' rotation posted an embarrassing 6.49 ERA in the season's final month. Ironically, Santana's 3.33 ERA last season was his worst in five years. ... Martinez (3-1, 2.57 ERA in five starts) look good at the end of last season, but his health is always a concern. ... After winning 15 games as the No. 2 starter, Maine will have less pressure on him this season. ... Ditto for the inconsistent Perez, who was second in the National League with an average of 8.85 strikeouts. ... Hernandez has plagued by injuries for years.

Bullpen Situation: : The bullpen, which had been overused and helped contribute to the Mets' late-season collapse, will benefit greatly from the innings Santana should eat up. ... Wagner, who posted a 6.23 ERA in August, was hampered by back spasms but is still capable of being dominant. ... The return of setup man RHP Duaner Sanchez, who missed all of 2007 while recovering from shoulder surgery, could be huge if he can regain his 2006 form. ... Pedro Feliciano is one of the best lefthanded specialists in the game. Lefthanders hit just .168 off him with one home run in 85 at-bats last season. ... RHP Aaron Heilman, who recorded a 2.27 ERA after the All-Star break last season, will continue to serve as the setup man for Wagner.

Projected Finish: First in NL East

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Manager: CHARLIE MANUEL
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 89-76 (0.539), +6.7 ML Units (#7 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 87-69-9
StatFox Power Rating: : 107 (#10 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 87 (-115)/Under 87 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 47-36 (+2.4 ML Units)
Road Games: 42-40 (+4.25 ML Units)
vs. Division: 42-30 (+8.7 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 8-7 (+0.35 ML Units)
Day Games: 27-26 (-1.95 ML Units)
Night Games: 62-50 (+8.6 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 26-28 (-2.95 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 63-48 (+9.6 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 5.51 (#2 of 30), Allowed - 5.07 (#22 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +0.44 (#9 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.274 (#10 of 30), Opponent - 0.275 (#23 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 213 (#2 of 30), Opponent - 198 (#27 of 30)

Arrivals: RHP Brad Lidge, 3B Pedro Feliz, IF Eric Bruntlett, RHP Chad Durbin, OF Geoff Jenkins, OF So Taguchi, RHP Kris Benson
Departures: RHP Antonio Alfonseca, C Rod Barajas, OF Michael Bourn, RHP Freddy Garcia, RHP Geoff Geary, 2B Tadahito Iguchi, RHP Jon Lieber, RHP Kyle Lohse, RHP Jose Mesa, 3B Abraham Nunez, OF Aaron Rowand

Projected Starters:

 C - Carlos Ruiz (.259/6/54)
1B - Ryan Howard (.268/47/136)
2B - Chase Utley (.332/22/103)
SS - Jimmy Rollins (.296/30/94)
3B - Pedro Feliz (.253/20/72)
LF - Pat Burrell (.256/30/97)
CF - Shane Victorino (.281/12/46)
RF - Geoff Jenkins (.255/21/64)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Brett Myers (5-7, 4.33, 21 saves)
LHP - Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.39)
LHP - Jamie Moyer (14-12, 5.01)
RHP - Kyle Kendrick (10-4, 3.87)
RHP - Adam Eaton (10-10, 6.29)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Tom Gordon* (3-2, 4.73, 6 saves)

Strengths: A lineup that features the past two NL MVPs (Howard, Rollins) and a third legitimate candidate (Utley) is a nightmare for opposing pitchers. The trio gives Philadelphia one of the top offensive infields in the league. ... Last season, Rollins became only the fourth player in history to have at least 20 home runs, 20 triples, 20 doubles and 20 steals. ... Citizen's Bank Park provides a huge advantage for the Phillies, who led the National League in runs (892). ... Howard showed up to camp 15 pounds lighter and should continue to post significant numbers. He has averaged 52 homers and 142 RBI in his first two seasons. ... Hamels, who has one of the best changeups in the game, is a budding star. ... The return of Myers to the rotation is a big boost and should add 13-15 wins to a rotation desperate for a complement to Hamels.

Weaknesses: The Phillies need to improve a pitching staff which had the worst ERA (4.76) of any playoff team last season. ... The bullpen is merely average. ... Injuries are a concern, as Hamels, Howard, Myers, Utley, Gordon, Eaton and Ryan Madson all spent time on the disabled list in 2007. ... Eaton struggled mightily last season and is one of the reasons the rotation is not up to par. ... Gordon is past his prime as a closer, but will assume the role while Lidge recovers from knee surgery. ... Citizen's Bank Park, which provided a big plus for the offense, is a problem for the Phillies' pitching staff.

Rotation Outlook: Hamels is the clear-cut ace, and has a terrific changeup. He won 15 games despite missing time with an elbow injury. The 24-year-old also held hitters to a .283 OBP - the third lowest among starters. ... Myers' return is long overdue.  He was the closer last season when the Phillies clearly needed him in the starting rotation, and should add at least 15 wins and over 200 innings. ... The 45-year-old Moyer continues to get the job done - he has won 10 games or more in 11 of the last 12 seasons. ... Kendrick went from Class AA to the majors and won 10 games. He will get a chance to prove it was no fluke. ... Eaton posted a 6.29 ERA last season - which was the worst among big league starters. Should Eaton continue to falter, the Phillies might look to J.D. Durbin or J.A. Happ to take his place. Chad Durbin or Travis Blackley could also claim the No. 5 spot.

Bullpen Situation: : Just like the starting rotation, the bullpen had its struggles throughout the majority of last season. Lidge, who was acquired from Houston, had a second surgery on his right knee after he injured it during spring training. ... Madson, who missed time with a shoulder injury in 2007, will now be the setup man for Gordon. ... J.C. Romero went 1-2 with a 1.24 ERA in 51 games after being signed on June 23. ... Mike Zagurski is a promising young lefthander that will provide middle relief.

Projected Finish: Third in NL East

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Manager: MANNY ACTA
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 73-89 (0.451), +15.2 ML Units (#5 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 68-78-16
StatFox Power Rating: : 92 (#22 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 71 (-130)/Under 71 (even)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 40-41 (+8.45 ML Units)
Road Games: 33-48 (+6.71 ML Units)
vs. Division: 32-40 (+7.77 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 9-9 (+7.34 ML Units)
Day Games: 24-21 (+12.92 ML Units)
Night Games: 49-68 (+2.24 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 24-24 (+11 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 49-65 (+4.16 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.15 (#30 of 30), Allowed - 4.83 (#18 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.68 (#26 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.256 (#25 of 30), Opponent - 0.269 (#18 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 123 (#28 of 30), Opponent - 187 (#26 of 30)

Arrivals: OF Eljah Dukes, C Johnny Estrada, OF Willie Harris, C Paul Lo Duca, OF Lastings Milledge, OF Rob Mackowiak, IF Aaron Boone, RHP Tyler Clippard
Departures: 3B Tony Batista, OF Ryan Church, 1B Robert Fick, OF Nook Logan, C Brian Schneider, RHP Jason Simontacchi

Projected Starters:

 C - Paul Lo Duca (.272/9/54)
1B - Dmitri Young (.320/13/74)
2B - Ronnie Belliard (.290/11/58)
SS - Cristian Guzman (.328/2/14)
3B - Ryan Zimmerman (.266/24/91)
LF - Elijah Dukes* (.190/10/21)
CF - Lastings Milledge (.272/7/29)
RF - Austin Kearns (.266/16/74)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Shawn Hill (4-5, 3.42)
RHP - John Patterson (1-5, 7.47)
RHP - Jason Bergmann (6-6, 4.45)
LHP - John Lannan (2-2, 4.15)
LHP - Matt Chico (7-9, 4.63)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Chad Cordero (3-3, 3.36, 37 saves)

Strengths: The Nationals showed a lot of grit last season, finishing 64-64 after a 9-25 start. Manager Manny Acta deserves a great deal of credit for getting the most out of his players. ... Zimmerman is one of the elite third basemen in the National League and will benefit from a more friendly ball park. ... Milledge is back at his natural position of center field and has a great deal of potential. As does Dukes, who will start in left field while Pena recovers from an abominal tear. ... Cordero is a solid closer and anchors a bullpen that ranked fourth in the NL with a 3.81 ERA last season. ... Young had an All-Star season in 2007 and will be pushed by the return of Nick Johnson from a broken leg. ... Harris is coming off a solid season and is very versatile.

Weaknesses: The rotation was ravaged by injuries last season, resulting in the second-worst ERA in the NL (5.11). ... The 43 wins by starting pitchers was the third-fewest in the majors. The Nationals set a major-league record with 588 pitching changes. Washington pitchers will no longer have the luxury of pitching in the league's friendliest pitchers' park. ... Washington struggled to score runs last season as its 4.15 runs per game were the worst in baseball. That number goes hand in hand with its horrid leadoff hitters, who were also last in baseball with a .308 OBP. ... The bullpen is strong, but Ray King is the only lefty. Hill has not completed a full season at any level in the last five years. ... Injuries have limited former ace Patterson to 15 starts over the last two seasons.

Rotation Outlook: The Nationals are still hampered by some of last season's injuries. The Nos. 1 and 2 starters (Hill and Patterson) both had ulnar nerve surgery last season and are still recovering. Hill will not be ready for Opening Day vs. Atlanta. ... Bergmann, who missed time with elbow soreness last season, will be the No. 3 starter but may get the call to start the season. Chico led the Nationals with 31 starts and showed flashes of brilliance at times. .... Lannan and journeyman Tim Redding round out the rotation. Redding had a respectable 3.64 ERA in 15 starts in 2007. Lannan, the Nationals' minor league pitcher of the year, went 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in six starts last season.

Bullpen Situation: : This is one area where Washington excels. ... Because of injuries to the rotation, the Nationals' relievers were the second busiest bunch in the league in 2007 - compiling 590 2/3 innings. Only Texas relievers were required to do more. ... Cordero led the majors with nine blown saves, but is still a quality closer. ... Jon Rauch led the team with eight wins and is a key part of the bridge from the starters to Cordero. He has an over-powering fastball and was third in baseball with 33 holds in 2007. Saul Rivera and Luis Ayala are effective middle relief options. ... King is valuable since he is the lone lefty. ... Former starter Joel Hanrahan was moved to the bullpen last season and thrived.

Projected Finish: Fifth in NL East

2008 American League East Division Preview

The World Series champion Boston Red Sox have taken the “world” title seriously, opening season in Japan. They are better than even money to win the division, and 9-4 to return to World Series, with a potent lineup and deep pitching staff. Joe Girardi was brought in to change the face of the franchise, along with younger ownership, (same Steinbrenner attitude however) and what will be a new starting rotation. Holdovers Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada will try to climb Red Sox Mountain and are 6-5 to win division. Toronto is 4-1 to breakup the gruesome twosome, as they head to septentrional home. The Blue Jays believe they have enough hitting to compete and are confident deep starting pitching gives them a chance. Can Tampa Bay really have better odds to win AL East than Baltimore? Oddsmakers must like the fact they dropped the “devil” from nickname, giving them “rays” of hope. The Rays a 20-1 and the Orioles are insidious 100-1. Here's a look at each of the teams in the AL East Division, including 2007 key stats and situational records, offseason moves, projected lineups, plus keys and predictions for 2008.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Division: AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Manager: DAVE TREMBLEY
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 69-93 (0.426), +-19.6 ML Units (#29 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 81-71-10
StatFox Power Rating: : 85 (#28 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 65.5 (-105)/Under 65.5 (-125)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 35-46 (-15.45 ML Units)
Road Games: 34-47 (-4.13 ML Units)
vs. Division: 34-38 (+4.17 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 6-12 (-10.3 ML Units)
Day Games: 15-26 (-11.2 ML Units)
Night Games: 54-67 (-8.38 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 19-27 (-10.1 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 50-66 (-9.48 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.67 (#16 of 30), Allowed - 5.36 (#28 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.69 (#27 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.272 (#12 of 30), Opponent - 0.268 (#14 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 142 (#23 of 30), Opponent - 161 (#12 of 30)

Arrivals: OFs Adam Jones and Luke Scott, 3B Mike Costanzo, RHPs Steve Trachsel, Lance Cormier, Chris Tillman, Matt Albers, Greg Aquino and Dennis Sarfate, LHP Troy Patton
Departures: LHP Erik Bedard, SS Miguel Tejada, CF Corey Patterson, RHP Scott Williamson

Projected Starters:

 C - Ramon Hernandez (.258/9/62)
1B - Kevin Millar (.254/17/63)
2B - Brian Roberts (.290/12/57)
SS - Luis Hernandez (.290/1/7)
3B - Melvin Mora (.274/14/58)
LF - Luke Scott (.255/18/64)
CF - Adam Jones (.246/2/4)
RF - Nick Markakis (.300/23/112)
DH - Aubrey Huff (.280/15/72)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Jeremy Guthrie (7-5, 3.90)
LHP - Adam Loewen (2-0, 3.56)
RHP - Daniel Cabrera (9-18, 5.55)
RHP - Steve Trachsel (7-11, 4.90)
LHP - Garrett Olson (1-3, 7.79)

Projected Closer:
LHP - George Sherrill (2-0, 2.36, 3 saves)

Strengths: New president Andy MacPhail has shown an ability to get things done, moving Tejada and Bedard for 10 total players in the offseason. The rebuilding plan was long overdue, and MacPhail is getting equivalent talent for the pieces he is letting go. ... Markakis was the shining light in an otherwise lost season for the Orioles' offense in 2007. At just 24 years old, Markakis is only getting better. The lefthanded slugger also stole 18 bases and scored 97 runs last season. ... Guthrie emerged last season and went 6-2 with a 2.47 ERA in 16 starts before tiring down the stretch. With Bedard gone, Guthrie becomes the de facto ace of the staff.

Weaknesses: An aging offense in the infield and complete lack of proven talent. Mora, Hernandez and Millar are all on the wrong side of 30, and none of them figure to be around when MacPhail's rebuilding plan is finished in a few seasons. ... Guthrie is a solid pitcher, but probably should not be anchoring a staff. Loewen has a five-inch screw in his arm and is attempting to come back from a fractured elbow, and Cabrera has yet to harness his prodigious talent. ... There is a lack of organizational depth, with 2007 top pick Matt Wieters ranking as the best prospect in the system, but still a few years away from the majors.

Rotation Outlook: Bleak. Guthrie is more of a No. 3 starter than an ace. ... Loewen has the potential to be great, but until he proves he can stay healthy, it will all just be projection with the Canadian lefthander. ... Cabrera has been one of the biggest mysteries in the majors for the past few seasons, with opposing hitters raving about his raw stuff but the results coming back ugly. The Dominican righthander led the AL in losses (18), earned runs allowed (126) and walks (108) in 2007. ... Trachsel, Olson, Albers, Cormier and Radhames Liz are all fighting for the last two spots.

Bullpen Situation: : A little better. Sherrill has never been a full-time closer in the major leagues, but boasts the peripheral statistics - a 0.99 WHIP, 11.04 strikeouts per nine innings and a 3.29 strikeout to walk ratio - that suggest he can get the job done. ... Chad Bradford and Jamie Walker, who were splitting closer duties at the end of last season, should benefit from a confirmed closer and a structured bullpen. ... Chris Ray and Danys Baez both underwent "Tommy John" surgery late last season, and neither are expected back before midseason at the earliest. ... Sarfate, who came over from Houston in the Tejada deal, is a promising young righthander.

Projected Finish: Fifth in AL East

BOSTON RED SOX

Division: AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Manager: TERRY FRANCONA
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 107-69 (0.608), +11.8 ML Units (#6 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 80-87-9
StatFox Power Rating: : 133 (#1 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 93 (-125)/Under 93 (-105)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 58-31 (+6.6 ML Units)
Road Games: 49-38 (+5.2 ML Units)
vs. Division: 42-30 (+2.3 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 16-6 (+6.95 ML Units)
Day Games: 32-15 (+11.4 ML Units)
Night Games: 75-54 (+0.4 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 28-23 (-3 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 79-46 (+14.8 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 5.35 (#4 of 30), Allowed - 4.06 (#1 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +1.29 (#1 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.279 (#6 of 30), Opponent - 0.247 (#2 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 166 (#18 of 30), Opponent - 151 (#8 of 30)

Arrivals: RHPs David Aardsma and Dan Kolb, LHP Jon Switzer, 1B Sean Casey, OF Jonathan Van Every
Departing: RHPs Eric Gagne and Brendan Donnelly, IF-OF Eric Hinske, SS Royce Clayton

Projected Starters:

 C - Jason Varitek (.255/17/68)
1B - Kevin Youkilis (.288/16/83)
2B - Dustin Pedroia (.317/8/50)
SS - Julio Lugo (.237/8/73)
3B - Mike Lowell (.324/21/120)
LF - Manny Ramirez (.296/20/88)
CF - Coco Crisp (.268/6/60)
   Jacoby Ellsbury (.353/3/18)
RF - J.D. Drew (.270/11/64)
DH - David Ortiz (.332/35/117)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27)
RHP - Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-12, 4.40)
RHP - Tim Wakefield (17-12, 4.76)
LHP - Jon Lester (4-0, 4.57)
RHP - Clay Buchholz (3-1, 1.59)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Jonathan Papelbon (1-3, 1.85, 37 saves)

Strengths: Depth, talent, experience, youth and financial resources. The Red Sox, under principal owner John Henry and general manager Theo Epstein, have built the "$100 million player development machine" that Epstein envisioned when he took over the front office after the 2002 season. Two World Series championships in the past four seasons have cemented Boston as the preeminent franchise in the major leagues. ... The lineup is littered with home run and on-base threats (Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell, Drew, Youkilis and Pedroia) and also is diverse enough to manufacture runs with speed (Ellsbury, Crisp and Lugo). ... The pitching staff remains largely intact after posting the best ERA in the AL last season and has a number of intriguing arms in the minors ready to contribute this season. ... Alex Cora, Sean Casey and Bobby Kielty form a productive bench. ... Manager Terry Francona, bench coach Brad Mills and pitching coach John Farrell are coming off a 2007 campaign that saw them push all the right buttons.

Weaknesses: Not many. Lugo and Drew struggled in the first half of 2007, but both emerged during the run to the playoffs. ... Wakefield and reliever Mike Timlin are both past 40 and struggled with injuries last season. ... Curt Schilling will be out until at least the All-Star break with a shoulder injury.

Rotation Outlook: Beckett is coming off the best season of his career, when he finished second in the Cy Young voting. He parlayed that into a dominant postseason, going 4-0 while allowing four runs in 30 innings. Beckett turns 28 years old in May and is just entering his prime. ... Matsuzaka did not quite live up to expectations in his first season but struck out 201 hitters and won 15 games, and should be even more comfortable this season. ... Lester and Buchholz are both high-upside young pitchers who have the ability to dominate. Lester won the clinching game of the World Series against Colorado and Buchholz tossed a no hitter in his second major league start last September. ... Wakefield missed the World Series with a shoulder injury, but has been problem-free this spring. ... Julian Tavarez, Kyle Snyder and prospects Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden and David Pauley are all around for spot-start duty.

Bullpen Situation: : Papelbon is well on his way to becoming the best closer in the game. The 27-year-old righthander made his second straight All-Star appearance last year while posting a 0.77 WHIP and a 12.96 strikeouts per nine innings average. ... Hideki Okajima emerged as the primary setup man in his first season in the U.S., making the All-Star team and finishing with a 2.22 ERA. ... Manny Delcarmen began to realize his enormous potential last season, and Timlin, Tavarez and Snyder remain to provide support.

Projected Finish: First in AL East

NEW YORK YANKEES

Division: AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Manager: JOE GIRARDI
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 95-71 (0.572), +-15.5 ML Units (#24 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 80-73-13
StatFox Power Rating: : 126 (#3 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 93.5 (-125)/Under 93.5 (-105)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 53-30 (-3.3 ML Units)
Road Games: 42-41 (-12.2 ML Units)
vs. Division: 39-33 (-15.75 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 10-8 (-1.95 ML Units)
Day Games: 29-27 (-14.55 ML Units)
Night Games: 66-44 (-0.95 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 20-20 (-9.25 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 75-51 (-6.25 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 5.98 (#1 of 30), Allowed - 4.8 (#16 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +1.18 (#2 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.290 (#1 of 30), Opponent - 0.268 (#15 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 201 (#4 of 30), Opponent - 150 (#7 of 30)

Arrivals: RHPs LaTroy Hawkins and Scott Strickland, LHP Billy Traber, IFs Morgan Ensberg, Cody Ransom, Chris Woodward, Bernie Castro and Nick Green, OF Jason Lane
Departures: 1Bs Andy Phillips and Doug Mientkiewicz, IFs Miguel Cairo and Chris Basak, RHPs Roger Clemens, Tyler Clippard, Luis Vizcaino, and Matt DeSalvo, and LHP Ron Villone

Projected Starters:

 C - Jorge Posada (.338/20/90)
1B - Jason Giambi (.236/14/39)
2B - Robinson Cano (.306/19/97)
SS - Derek Jeter (.322/12/73)
3B - Alex Rodriguez (.314/54/156)
LF - Johnny Damon (.270/12/63)
CF - Melky Cabrera (.273/8/73)
RF - Bobby Abreu (.283/16/101)
DH - Hideki Matsui (.285/25/103)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Chien-Ming Wang (19-7, 3.70)
LHP - Andy Pettitte (15-9, 4.05)
RHP - Phil Hughes (5-3, 4.46)
RHP - Mike Mussina (11-10, 5.15)
RHP - Ian Kennedy (1-0, 1.89)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Mariano Rivera (3-0, 3.15, 30 saves)

Strengths: Offense, offense, offense. The core is getting older, but the production has remained largely the same. The Yankees led the majors with a .290 batting average, 968 runs scored and 2,649 total bases in 2007. ... The entire lineup returns intact from that group, including Rodriguez and Posada at a combined cost of $327 million over 14 years. ... Damon and Abreu came into spring training in good shape after each finished 2007 strong. Both have the potential to be even better in 2008, provided they stay healthy. ... Damon, Jeter and Abreu form a core of on-base threats with speed at the top of the lineup in front of Rodriguez, Matsui and Posada. With Cano, Cabrera and Giambi all hitting toward the bottom of the lineup, New York has no holes for opposing pitchers to attack.

Weaknesses: The stability of Joe Torre is gone after a 12-year run as manager that included four World Series titles and 12 trips to the playoffs. In his place is Joe Girardi, a former player and coach under Torre who won the National League Manager of the Year award in his lone season with the Florida Marlins in 2006. How Girardi manages the media and massages the egos of a $200 million payroll will go a long way toward determining the Yankees' success. ... Pitching and defense are the potential weaknesses on the field, as the rotation features Wang, Pettitte and a bunch of question marks. The infield defense with Rodriguez, Jeter, Cano and Giambi will have the least amount of range of any team in the division.

Rotation Outlook: The rotation behind Wang and Pettitte is the big question mark. Hughes, Kennedy and phenom Joba Chamberlain, who is expected to move into rotation at some point this season, have a combined 91 2/3 innings of major league experience over 16 starts (13 of those by Hughes). ... The Yankees' hierarchy, led by general manager Brian Cashman, will advise Girardi to use the young arms wisely, and none should be able to pitch close to 200 innings. The lone veteran in the back end of the rotation, Mussina, is coming off his worst season as a professional, and, at 39 years old, can no longer be counted on to provide 30 starts in a season.

Bullpen Situation: : Rivera has been as close to a sure thing as there is in the major leagues for the past 11 seasons, averaging nearly 40 saves during that span. But he started to show his age in 2007, posting his highest ERA since becoming a full-time closer in 1998. New York gave him a three-year extension in the offseason, despite his 38 years. ... The problem for the past several seasons has been finding a reliable setup man to bridge the gap between the starters and Rivera. Chamberlain will probably begin 2008 in the eighth-inning role, with the erratic Kyle Farnsworth and Hawkins filling seventh-inning duty.

Projected Finish: Second in the AL East

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

Division: AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Manager: JOE MADDON
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 66-96 (0.407), +-14.6 ML Units (#21 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 83-69-10
StatFox Power Rating: : 85 (#29 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 75.5 (-115)/Under 75.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 37-44 (-5.8 ML Units)
Road Games: 29-52 (-8.75 ML Units)
vs. Division: 29-43 (-1.1 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 7-11 (-4.3 ML Units)
Day Games: 22-24 (+5.95 ML Units)
Night Games: 44-72 (-20.5 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 21-25 (+0.75 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 45-71 (-15.3 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.83 (#15 of 30), Allowed - 5.83 (#30 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -1.00 (#30 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.268 (#15 of 30), Opponent - 0.290 (#30 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 187 (#7 of 30), Opponent - 199 (#29 of 30)

Arrivals: OF Cliff Floyd, SS Jason Bartlett, RHPs Matt Garza and Troy Percival, LHP Trever Miller, IF Willy Aybar
Departures: IFs Brendan Harris and Josh Wilson, RF Delmon Young, CF Elijah Dukes, DH Greg Norton, LHP Casey Fossum, RHPs Shawn Camp, Jay Witasick and Brian Stokes

Projected Starters:

 C - Dioner Navarro (.227/9/44)
1B - Carlos Pena (.282/46/121)
2B - Akinori Iwamura (.285/7/34)
SS - Jason Bartlett (.265/5/43)
3B - Evan Longoria (.299/26/95 in minors)
LF - Carl Crawford (.315/11/80)
CF - B.J. Upton (.300/24/82)
RF - Rocco Baldelli (.204/5/12)
DH - Cliff Floyd (.284/9/45)

Projected Rotation:

LHP - Scott Kazmir (13-9, 3.48)
RHP - James Shields (12-8, 3.85)
RHP - Matt Garza (5-7, 3.69)
RHP - Edwin Jackson (5-15, 5.76)
RHP - Andy Sonnanstine (6-10, 5.85)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Troy Percival (3-0, 1.80, 0 saves)

Strengths: Talent and youth. The Rays have loads of both. Floyd is the only player projected to be in the Opening Day lineup who is north of 30, and 24-year-old Kazmir is the most experienced member of the rotation with 97 major league starts. ... Kazmir, Shields and Garza have the potential to be a terrific trio at the top of the rotation, and at the very least should prove to be difficult matchups for the likes of the Red Sox and Yankees in the American League East. ... The Rays have speed (Crawford, Upton, Iwamura and Bartlett) and power (Pena, Longoria, Upton and Floyd) in the lineup, along with Baldelli, who has the potential to be the best of the bunch if could stay healthy. ... Should anyone falter, the Rays' farm system is ranked as the best in the majors and has a number of players who could contribute this season.

Weaknesses: Inexperience. The Rays may have the most talent on the field in almost every game this season, but much of it is untested, with just Crawford, who is only 26 years old, standing out among the major pieces as having played in at least four full seasons. ... Navarro was once a top prospect and is still just 24 years old, but is just a .247 career hitter in 255 games. ... Should Longoria not be ready to go out of spring training, the third base options include underachieving youngster Joel Guzman, non-roster invitee Hinske and Aybar, who missed last season while battling substance abuse problems.

Rotation Outlook: Kazmir led the American League in strikeouts last season with 239 and posted career highs in wins (13) and innings pitched (206 2/3). His small frame always brings injury concern, but when healthy, Kazmir is a dominant pitcher. ... Shields burst onto the scene last season and was rewarded contract extension that could keep him with the team for the next seven seasons. He finished third in the AL in WHIP (1.107) and second in strikeout to walk ratio (5.11). ... Garza was the main piece coming back in the offseason trade that sent promising young outfielder Delmon Young to the Minnesota Twins. A hard-throwing righthander, Garza posted a 3.69 ERA for the Twins after being recalled on July 2 last season. ... Sonnanstine and Jackson have each shown flashes of brilliance, and former top draft picks David Price, Jake McGee, Wade Davis and Christopher Mason are all getting closer to the majors.

Bullpen Situation: : Much improved. Tampa Bay has remade the bullpen over the past two seasons, bringing in Al Reyes before last season and trading for Dan Wheeler at the 2007 trading deadline. The last piece just might be Percival, who was signed to a two-year deal to become the team's closer in the offseason after a successful comeback from retirement last season with St. Louis. ... Miller was also brought back this offseason after spending two seasons in Houston, and is expected to provide solid setup work from the left side. ... Gary Glover, Scott Dohmann and Juan Salas are solid from the right side, and Jason Hammell and J.P. Howell will bide their time in the bullpen until a spot in the rotation opens.

Projected Finish: Third in AL East

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Division: AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Manager: JOHN GIBBONS
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 83-79 (0.512), +0.3 ML Units (#11 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 67-88-7
StatFox Power Rating: : 114 (#4 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 85.5 (-115)/Under 85.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 49-32 (+9.95 ML Units)
Road Games: 34-47 (-9.66 ML Units)
vs. Division: 36-36 (+0.84 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 10-8 (+1.85 ML Units)
Day Games: 28-25 (-1.28 ML Units)
Night Games: 55-54 (+1.57 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 26-17 (+9 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 57-62 (-8.71 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.65 (#17 of 30), Allowed - 4.31 (#4 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +0.34 (#11 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.259 (#24 of 30), Opponent - 0.251 (#4 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 165 (#19 of 30), Opponent - 157 (#11 of 30)

Arrivals: 3B Scott Rolen, SS David Eckstein, 2B Marco Scutaro, C Rod Barajas
Departures: RHP Josh Towers, 3B Troy Glaus

Projected Starters:

 C - Gregg Zaun (.242/10/52)
1B - Lyle Overbay (.240/10/44)
2B - Aaron Hill (.291/17/78)
SS - David Eckstein (.309/3/31)
3B - Scott Rolen (.265/8/58)
LF - Reed Johnson (.236/2/14)
CF - Vernon Wells (.245/16/80)
RF - Alex Rios (.297/24/85)
DH - Frank Thomas (.277/26/95)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Roy Halladay (16-7, 3.71)
RHP - A.J. Burnett (10-8, 3.75)
RHP - Dustin McGowan (12-10, 4.08)
RHP - Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.13)
RHP - Jesse Litsch (7-9, 3.81)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Jeremy Accardo (4-4, 2.14 30 saves) or LHP - B.J. Ryan (0-2, 12.46 3 saves)

Strengths: The starting rotation features four power arms at the top in Halladay, Burnett, McGowan and Marcum. All four are capable of dominating in any given start and could form the best rotation in the AL East if they stay healthy. ... General manager J.P. Ricciardi made a number of moves this offseason to build depth into the roster, signing veteran utilityman Scutaro to provide infield support and bringing in Eckstein so that John McDonald could move into a backup role. Matt Stairs was re-signed as insurance at first base, corner outfield and designated hitter, and Barajas was brought in to supplement Zaun. ... The infield defense should be greatly improved with a healthy Rolen and Overbay at the corners, and there is speed at all three outfield spots. ... The pitching staff ranked second in the AL with a 4.00 ERA in 2007 thanks in large part to a solid bullpen filled with young arms such as Accardo.

Weaknesses: Age and injury concerns litter the Blue Jays' roster. Overbay, Zaun, Johnson, Rolen, Eckstein and Burnett all missed significant time last season due to injury and Halladay and Wells both battled various ailments throughout the 2007 campaign. Thomas, though surprisingly healthy the past two seasons, will turn 40 on May 27. ... The lineup has a number of nice pieces, but with the exception of Hill, Rios and Thomas, everyone is coming off seasons that were at or near career worsts. ... As nice as Marcum, Litsch and especially McGowan looked at times last season, none has spent a full season in a major league rotation. Should any of them falter or suffer an injury, once-heralded lefthander Gustavo Chacin, who made only five starts while battling arm trouble in 2007, is waiting in the wings.

Rotation Outlook: In a word, bright. Halladay is a former Cy Young Award winner who has posted at least 16 wins in four of the past six seasons and owns a career ERA of 3.63. The unquestioned ace of the staff, Halladay is one of the game's great competitors and has led the American League in complete games three times. ... Burnett has some of the best natural stuff in the game, provided he's healthy enough to use it. When he is on the mound, there is no doubt how dominant he can be, as evidenced by his 9.56 strikeouts per nine innings last season - good for fourth in the AL. ... McGowan, who is one of the most promising young starters in the game, went 8-6 with a 2.98 ERA from June 24 to September 17, limiting opponents to a .202 batting average. ... Marcum joined McGowan as a full-time starter in 2007

Bullpen Situation: : Unclear. Ryan is supposedly the closer, though he will be less than 11 months removed from "Tommy John" surgery on Opening Day, a procedure that usually comes with a recovery time of 12 to 18 months. If he is on the mound and healthy, Ryan can be a dominant closer. He saved 28 games with a 1.37 ERA in 2006. ... In Ryan's absence, Accardo stepped in and performed admirably last season, and will likely reprise his ninth-inning role should Ryan need more time. ... Righthander Casey Janssen, who contributed to the successful bullpen last season, will miss the entire season with a torn labrum. ... Scott Downs and Brian Tallet provide a pair of lefthanded setup men, and Brian Wolfe and Jason Frasor complete the mix from the right side.

Projected Finish: Fourth in AL East

2008 National League Central Division Preview

The Central Division has the most teams and like the Atlantic -10 in college basketball, is not thought highly of. This year’s Chicago Cubs enter a century of futility and are the odds on favorite to win back to back titles and second choice at 2-1 to play in World Series (gasp) at Sportsbook.com. Japanese export Kosuke Fukudome should add consistency to lineup known for binge/purge. Having Carlos Zambrano is good, having Kerry Wood as closer could make Cubs fans break out in psychosomatic rash. Milwaukee led the division most of last season before pitching staff imploded. They believed that has been solved and are wise choice at 9-4 odds should the Cubs succumb to fate. The Brewers have plenty of lumber to win this division. Cincinnati is 4-1 pick to take NL Central, placing Dusty Baker in the dugout and redoing several spots on the roster. Hard to pick a team that gives away so many runs with tremulous defense. Any starting staff that has Woody Williams and Wandy Rodriguez as number two and three starters is in trouble, no matter if the 1927 Yankees came back intact. Houston will be entertaining, just not winners. Everything that could go wrong did for the 2006 champion Cardinals, who are just ahead of perennial doormat Pittsburgh at 12-1 for division. After years of making all the right moves, St. Louis is starting anew. The Pirates cleaned house in the front office, does it matter? Here's a look at each of the teams in the NL Central Division, including 2007 key stats and situational records, offseason moves, projected lineups, plus keys and predictions for 2008.

CHICAGO CUBS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: LOU PINIELLA
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 85-80 (0.515), +-15.3 ML Units (#22 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 66-91-8
StatFox Power Rating: : 104 (#11 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 77 (-105)/Under 77 (-125)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 44-38 (-11.3 ML Units)
Road Games: 41-42 (-4 ML Units)
vs. Division: 45-34 (+0.5 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 8-4 (+2.2 ML Units)
Day Games: 43-39 (-8.25 ML Units)
Night Games: 42-41 (-7.05 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 18-25 (-14.95 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 67-55 (-0.35 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.64 (#18 of 30), Allowed - 4.26 (#3 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +0.38 (#10 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.271 (#13 of 30), Opponent - 0.246 (#1 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 151 (#21 of 30), Opponent - 165 (#15 of 30)

Arrivals: OF Kosuke Fukudome, LHP Neal Cotts, RHPs Michael Wuertz and Jon Lieber
Departures: LHP Will Ohman, IF Omar Infante, OFs Jacque Jones, Cliff Floyd and Angel Pagan, RHPs Steve Trachsel and Mark Prior

Projected Starters:

 C - Geovany Soto (.389/3/8)
1B - Derrek Lee (.317/22/82)
2B - Mark DeRosa (.293/10/72)
SS - Ryan Theriot (.226/3/45)
3B - Aramis Ramirez (.310/26/101)
LF - Alfonso Soriano (.299/33/70)
CF - Felix Pie (.215/2/20)
RF - Kosuke Fukudome (.294/13/48 with Chunichi Dragons)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Carlos Zambrano (18-13, 3.95)
LHP - Ted Lilly (15-8, 3.83)
RHP - Rich Hill (11-8, 3.92)
RHP - Jason Marquis (12-9. 4.60)
RHP - Ryan Dempster (2-7, 4.73 28 saves)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Bob Howry (6-7, 3.32, 8 saves) or RHP - Kerry Wood (1-1, 3.33)

Strengths: The Cubs spent an exorbitant amount of money prior to 2007 to acquire outfielder Alfonso Soriano, manager Lou Piniella, and pitchers Jason Marquis and Ted Lilly. With these new pieces, Chicago won the NL Central but couldn't get past the NL Division Series. However, with a chemistry-building season under their belts, the Cubs are poised to win the division again behind a very talented lineup. ... After spending most of the 2007 season threatening to leave if he didn't receive a new contract, righthander Carlos Zambrano was rewarded with a five-year, $91.5 million deal on August 17. The 26-year-old thanked the Cubs for the contract by taking a nosedive in his next three starts, allowing 17 earned runs in 16 innings. However, Zambrano bounced back, closing the season with a 4-1 record in his last five starts and, despite earning the loss, allowed just one run in six innings during his lone playoff start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. If Zambrano can carry that momentum into this season, he may get that Cy Young award he guaranteed to win last season.

Weaknesses: The Cubs are under the most pressure of any team in the majors to win a World Series title this season. The 2008 campaign marks the 100th anniversary of the Cubs' last world championship and the entire city of Chicago is getting tired of waiting. Things didn't get any easier when Dempster predicted before spring training that the Cubs would finally end their drought and win the World Series this year. ... Chicago hopes some talented prospects will help them reach their lofty goal. Felix Pie appeared to be a lock as the everyday center fielder last season but failed to show the consistency to stay at the major league level. ... Geovany Soto is in a similar situation this season after impressing in 18 games with the Cubs in 2007. ... Fukudome joins the Cubs after a stellar career in Japan but is coming off right elbow surgery in August.

Rotation Outlook: Now that Zambrano appears to be happy with a new contract, he will lead a talented rotation from the front.  While there is no doubt that Zambrano has a ton of talent, his emotions have the ability to get the best of him, as was evident when he criticized the fans for booing him after losing his fifth straight start on September 3. If Zambrano can keep his emotions in check, opposing teams will be the ones getting hot under the collar. ... Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis had very respectable seasons in 2007 in their first seasons with the Cubs. They should make continued improvement this season and solidifying their roles behind Zambrano. ... Rich Hill is poised for a breakout season after completing his first full campaign in the majors last year, while Ryan Dempster attempts to make the conversion from closer to starter. If he fails, Sean Marshall will step in and should continue to improve with two major-league seasons under his belt.

Bullpen Situation: : The starting rotation needs to step up this season to hide the flaws of the bullpen, particularly the closer's role.  While Dempster logged his third consecutive season with at least 24 saves, he posted his second straight campaign with an ERA of at least 4.73. Dempster blew just three saves last year but was coming off a season in which he had nine blown saves. Howry appears to be the next logical answer after picking up eight saves while spelling a struggling Dempster for portions of the season. However, Piniella is enamored with the idea of putting the oft-injured Wood into that role.

Projected Finish: First in NL Central

CINCINNATI REDS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: DUSTY BAKER
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 72-90 (0.444), +-16 ML Units (#25 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 85-68-9
StatFox Power Rating: : 91 (#23 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 77.5 (-115)/Under 77.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 39-42 (-10.4 ML Units)
Road Games: 33-48 (-5.6 ML Units)
vs. Division: 36-43 (-7.4 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 7-11 (-2.55 ML Units)
Day Games: 19-27 (-8.3 ML Units)
Night Games: 53-63 (-7.7 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 23-35 (-11.9 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 49-55 (-4.1 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.83 (#14 of 30), Allowed - 5.27 (#27 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.44 (#22 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.267 (#16 of 30), Opponent - 0.282 (#27 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 204 (#3 of 30), Opponent - 198 (#28 of 30)

Arrivals: RHPs Francisco Cordero, Josh Fogg, Gary Majewski, Edison Volquez, and Justin James, LHPs Bill Bray and Danny Herrera
Departures: LHPs Eddie Guardado and Eric Milton, RHP Kirk Saarloos, IF Mark Bellhorn

Projected Starters:

 C - David Ross (.203/17/39)
1B - Scott Hatteberg (.310/10/47)
2B - Brandon Phillips (.288/30/94)
SS - Alex Gonzalez (.272/16/55)
3B - Edwin Encarnacion (.289/16/76)
LF - Adam Dunn (.264/40/106)
CF - Ryan Freel (.245/3/16)
RF - Ken Griffey, Jr. (.277/30/93)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Aaron Harang (16-6, 3.73)
RHP - Bronson Arroyo (9-15, 4.23)
RHP - Matt Belisle (8-9, 5.23)
RHP - Josh Fogg (10-9, 4.94)
LHP - Jeremy Affeldt (4-3, 3.51)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Francisco Cordero (0-4, 2.98, 44 saves)

Strengths: The Reds' greatest strength this year won't throw a single pitch, field a ground ball or even swing a bat. After spending last season as a member of the media, three-time NL Manager of the Year Dusty Baker decided to return to the dugout in 2008 to take over the Reds. Baker brings a wealth of baseball experience to Cincinnati, having won the NL pennant with the San Francisco Giants in 2002. Baker may be the man to lead the Reds back to the playoffs for the first time since the 1995 season. ... Brandon Phillips, 26, had a breakout season in 2007 and and should continue to improve after blasting 30 home runs with 94 RBI and a .288 average last season. ... Phillips leads an offense that finished third in the majors with 204 home runs last year.

Weaknesses: When a team finishes with a 72-90 record and in fifth place in the division, there is plenty of room for improvement. Beyond Harang, who has proved to be an elite starting pitcher in recent seasons, the Reds' rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Arroyo, who was an All-Star in 2006, had a dismal 2007 season, losing nine of his first 11 decisions. ... Age could begin to wear on the Reds this season with several players heading into the twilight of their careers. Ken Griffey Jr. is 38 and played in 144 games last season. However, it was the most games the slugger has played since 1999 and he isn't getting any younger. Scott Hatteberg led the team in hitting last season, but is also 38 and played in just 116 games last season - his fewest since the 2001 campaign.

Rotation Outlook: Harang appears to have found his groove as the staff ace. The 29-year-old eclipsed 210 strikeouts, 230 innings and 30 starts for the second consecutive season in 2007. He posted a 3.73 ERA following a 3.76 ERA in 2006. Harang has been a juggernaut over the last four seasons, so expect nothing less in 2008. ... 31-year-old Arroyo could struggle again this season. He confused hitters during his first season in the NL in 2006, but they began to solve Arroyo in 2007. His 4.23 ERA and 232 hits surrendered in 210 2/3 innings define his struggles. ... The Reds did bolster the staff slightly by adding former Colorado Rockies starter Josh Fogg. Fogg's statistics should improve this season after he escapes the thin air and high altitude of Coors Field.

Bullpen Situation: : The Reds' biggest problem last year may become their biggest asset in 2008. After losing several games in the late innings due to a bullpen which had just 34 saves last season and posted a league-worst 5.13 ERA, Reds management added closer Francisco Cordero during the offseason. Cordero, who signed a four-year, $46 million contract to join the Reds from the Milwaukee Brewers, finished second in the NL with 44 saves and a 2.98 ERA in 2007. ... The acquisition of Cordero allows David Weathers to move into a setup role, where he should flourish after logging 33 saves last season. ... Jared Burton should emerge as the primary middle reliever after posting an impressive 2.51 ERA in 47 games during the second half of his rookie season in 2007.

Projected Finish: Fourth in NL Central

HOUSTON ASTROS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: CECIL COOPER
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 73-89 (0.451), +-19 ML Units (#28 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 79-76-7
StatFox Power Rating: : 85 (#27 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 76.5 (-115)/Under 76.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 42-39 (-3.9 ML Units)
Road Games: 31-50 (-15.05 ML Units)
vs. Division: 35-44 (-11.55 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 9-9 (+0.4 ML Units)
Day Games: 18-27 (-10 ML Units)
Night Games: 55-62 (-8.95 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 22-23 (-2.05 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 51-66 (-16.9 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.46 (#24 of 30), Allowed - 5.02 (#20 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.56 (#23 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.260 (#23 of 30), Opponent - 0.273 (#21 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 167 (#17 of 30), Opponent - 206 (#30 of 30)

Arrivals: RHPs Jose Valverde, Shawn Chacon, Doug Brocail and Oscar Villarreal, SS Miguel Tejada, 2B Kaz Matsui, OF/1B Darin Erstad, OF Michael Bourn and Reggie Abercrombie
Departures: RHPs Brad Lidge, Juan Gutierrez, Chad Qualls and Matt Albers, IF Chris Burke, OF Luke Scott, SS Adam Everett and Eric Bruntlett

Projected Starters:

 C - J.R. Towles (.375/1/12)
1B - Lance Berkman (.278/34/102)
2B - Kaz Matsui (.288/4/37)
SS - Miguel Tejada (.296/18/81)
3B - Ty Wigginton (.28/22/67)
LF - Carlos Lee (.303/32/119)
CF - Michael Bourn (.277/1/6)
RF - Hunter Pence (.322/17/69)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Roy Oswalt (14-7, 3.18)
LHP - Wandy Rodriguez (9-13, 4.58)
RHP - Brandon Backe (3-1, 3.77)
RHP - Woody Williams (8-15, 5.27)
RHP - Chris Sampson (7-8, 4.59)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Jose Valverde (1-4, 2.66, 47 saves)

Strengths: Offense will be key for the Astros, and if their lineup can stay healthy, they should score plenty of runs. ... Lance Berkman has been one of the most consistent hitters over the past five seasons and look for that trend to continue in 2008.  Berkman logged over 100 RBI for the third time in five seasons in 2007 and eclipsed the 30-home run plateau for the third time in the previous four campaigns. The 32-year-old first baseman's batting average fell below his career .300 mark in 2007 but the slugger still managed to hit .278. ... Berkman will get more support in the lineup with the acquisition of Miguel Tejada in a trade from the Baltimore Orioles. Tejada posted a .296 average last season with 18 home runs and 81 RBI in just 133 games - the first season the 31-year-old shortstop has missed a game since the 2000 campaign.

Weaknesses: The Astros need some inexperienced players to step up in a big way if they are going to compete for a playoff spot.  Michael Bourn impressed in 105 games for the Phillies last season, posting a .277 batting average with 18 stolen bases. The Astros hope he can improve upon his power numbers after hitting just one home run while collecting six RBI. ... Rookie J.R. Towles is slotted in as the starting catcher. While his statistics over 14 games last season were very strong - .375 average with one home run and 12 RBI - he'll need to find consistency for an entire season. starting pitchers in the majors over the past four seasons. The 30-year-old righthander logged over 210 innings and made at least 32 starts for the fourth straight season last year.

Rotation Outlook: Roy Oswalt has emerged as one of the best starting pitchers in the majors over the past four seasons. The 30-year-old righthander logged over 210 innings and made at least 32 starts for the fourth straight season last year. Oswalt's ERA and strikeouts dropped slightly in 2007 but he will once again spearhead the rotation in 2008. ... Beyond Oswalt, Houston has concerns in the rotation. Rodriguez is listed as the No. 2 starter but needs to improve on the road, where he was 3-10 with a 6.37 ERA compared to his 6-3 record and 2.94 ERA at home. ... The rotation will benefit from the return of Brandon Backe, who missed almost the entire 2006 and 2007 seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old Backe returned on September 4 last season and went 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA in five starts, earning a one-year, $800,000 deal to return to the Astros this season.

Bullpen Situation: : The bullpen was bolstered during the offseason with the addition of Jose Valverde. The 28-year-old righthander notched a major league-leading 47 saves last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks - a franchise record and career high. He also logged a 2.66 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings. Valverde is a major improvement over Brad Lidge, who, after picking up 74 saves between 2005 and 2006 for the Astros, signed with the Phillies in the offseason. He had blown eight saves and lost his job as the closer last season. ... The biggest problem Houston may have during the middle innings is finding enough pitchers to fill the gaps. The Astros will rely heavily on some younger talent to fill the void left by Lidge and reliever Chad Qualls, who was included in the trade for Valverde.

Projected Finish: Third in NL Central

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: NED YOST
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 83-79 (0.512), +-5.8 ML Units (#15 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 86-69-7
StatFox Power Rating: : 100 (#14 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 85 (-115)/Under 85 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 51-30 (+11.25 ML Units)
Road Games: 32-49 (-17.05 ML Units)
vs. Division: 43-36 (+2.55 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 8-7 (-0.9 ML Units)
Day Games: 24-30 (-9.05 ML Units)
Night Games: 59-49 (+3.25 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 28-23 (+2.45 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 55-56 (-8.25 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.94 (#11 of 30), Allowed - 4.79 (#15 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): +0.15 (#13 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.262 (#21 of 30), Opponent - 0.269 (#19 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 231 (#1 of 30), Opponent - 161 (#13 of 30)

Arrivals: OFs Mike Cameron and Gabe Kapler, Cs Jason Kendall and Eric Munson, RHPs Eric Gagne, Greg Aquino and Guillermo Mota
Departures: RHP Matt Wise, OFs Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench, 3B Corey Koskie, C Johnny Estrada

Projected Starters:

 C - Jason Kendall (.242/3/41)
1B - Prince Fielder (.288/50/119)
2B - Rickie Weeks (.235/16/36)
SS - J.J. Hardy (.277/26/80)
3B - Bill Hall (.254/14/63)
LF - Ryan Braun (.324/34/97)
CF - Mike Cameron (.242/21/78)
RF - Corey Hart (.295/24/81)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Ben Sheets (12-5, 3.82)
RHP - Jeff Suppan (12-12, 4.62)
RHP - Yovani Gallardo (9-5, 3.67)
RHP - Carlos Villanueva (8-5, 3.94)
RHP - Dave Bush (12-10, 5.12)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Eric Gagne (4-2, 3.81, 16 saves)

Strengths: The Brewers boasted one of the majors' best offenses last year, pounding out an NL-leading 231 home runs - 18 more than the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.  Fielder led the power surge, winning the NL home run title with 50 home runs. Braun showed his tremendous upside with 34 homers and 97 RBI in just 113 games. Milwaukee also ranked fifth in the NL, averaging 4.94 runs per game. ... Braun's statistics should be even more impressive playing a full season. Contributing to his increase in production should be the fact he'll spend less time diving for balls at the hot corner as he shifts to left field.

Weaknesses: The Brewers appeared to be in the driver's seat for a playoff spot after spending most of the season at or near the top of the NL Central. However, a lack of experience may have hurt them down with a number players participating in their first pennant race. Milwaukee's flirtation with the postseason should help this season, but six of eight starting position players are aged 28 or younger. ... The Brewers also need to step on defense after finishing in a tie for fourth-worst in the NL with 109 errors. starting rotation. However, that talent has had a hard time staying healthy as well as living up to its enormous potential.

Rotation Outlook: The Brewers have plenty of talent in the starting rotation. However, that talent has had a hard time staying healthy as well as living up to its enormous potential.  Milwaukee's pitching staff combined for a dismal 4.41 ERA last season - 15th-best in the majors. Jeff Suppan led the team with a 4.62 ERA. ... Ben Sheets has arguably some of the best stuff in the majors, but has failed to reach the 157-inning plateau in each of the last three seasons. ... If the pitching staff gets bit by the injury bug again this season, the Brewers should have plenty of arms to fill the gaps with eight pitchers fighting for spots in the starting rotation.

Bullpen Situation: : While no team will likely be afraid of the Brewers' middle relief, opposing clubs could be in trouble if they are trailing on the scoreboard entering the eighth inning.  Derrick Turnbow has blossomed into one of the elite setup men in the majors, logging 33 holds in 77 appearances with 84 strikeouts in 68 innings last season. ... This year, however, Turnbow won't be setting up for Francisco Cordero, who signed with the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason after finishing second in the NL with 44 saves in 2007. ... Milwaukee replaced Cordero with Eric Gagne, who has been a shell of his former self in recent years after missing nearly the entire 2005 and 2006 seasons with elbow and back surgeries. Gagne stormed out of the gate in 2007, logging 16 saves in 17 opportunities with a 2.19 ERA while holding opponents to just a .192 batting average with the Texas Rangers before being dealt to the Boston Red Sox on July 31. Gagne unraveled in Boston, posting a 2-2 record with a 6.75 ERA in 20 relief appearances before making five appearances in the playoffs, going 0-1 and allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Projected Finish: Second in NL Central

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: JOHN RUSSELL
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 68-94 (0.42), +-16.4 ML Units (#27 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 78-68-16
StatFox Power Rating: : 86 (#26 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 70.5 (-115)/Under 70.5 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 37-44 (-9.05 ML Units)
Road Games: 31-50 (-7.38 ML Units)
vs. Division: 36-44 (-0.55 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 5-10 (-5 ML Units)
Day Games: 23-31 (-3.38 ML Units)
Night Games: 45-63 (-13.05 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 23-25 (+0.15 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 45-69 (-16.58 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.47 (#23 of 30), Allowed - 5.22 (#26 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.75 (#28 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.263 (#20 of 30), Opponent - 0.288 (#29 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 148 (#22 of 30), Opponent - 174 (#23 of 30)

Arrivals: RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, LHP Phil Dumatrait, IF Chris Gomez and Josh Wilson
Departures: RHP Salomon Torres, IF Cesar Izturis

Projected Starters:

 C - Ronny Paulino (.263/11/55)
1B - Adam LaRoche (.272/21/88)
2B - Freddy Sanchez (.304/11/81)
SS - Jack Wilson (.296/12/56)
3B - Jose Bautista (.254/15/63)
LF - Jason Bay(.247/21/84)
CF - Nyjer Morgan (.299/1/7)
RF - Xavier Nady (.278/20/72)

Projected Rotation:

LHP - Tom Gorzelanny (14-10, 3.88)
RHP - Ian Snell (9-12, 3.76)
LHP - Paul Maholm (10-15, 5.02)
RHP - Matt Morris (10-11, 4.89)
LHP - Zach Duke (3-8, 5.53)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Matt Capps (4-7, 2.28, 18 saves)

Strengths: Pirates management, headed by new general manager Neal Harrington, is just beginning to realize the value of holding onto talented prospects as opposed to trading them for veterans with huge contracts. After suffering through its 15th consecutive losing season, Pittsburgh has nowhere to go but up. ... Several players need to bounce back from dismal 2007 seasons after attracting attention during a breakout 2006 campaign. ... Jason Bay, who had an awful 2007 season, should regain his 2005 and 2006 form, when he batted over .300 with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI. ... Freddy Sanchez battled through a shoulder injury which ultimately ended his season in late September to become the first Pirates infielder since 1982-1983 to hit over .300 in consecutive seasons. The Pirates rewarded Sanchez, 30, by signing the second baseman to a three-year contract that could be worth up to $19 million.

Weaknesses: Nearly every player on the roster underperformed last season, with Sanchez the only regular starter with a batting average of at least .300. ... The Pirates finished 19th in the majors with a .263 team batting average and had 1,135 strikeouts - 11th most in the league. Pittsburgh also finished 23rd in the majors, scoring just 724 runs, while its 148 home runs ranked 22nd. ... Ex-Pirates GM Dave Littlefield sealed his own fate last July when he dealt up-and-coming center fielder Rajai Davis and fellow minor league pitcher Stephen MacFarland to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for 33-year-old righthander Matt Morris, who is owed $9.5 million this season - about 24 percent of the team's overall payroll, which was approximately $38.5 million in 2007. With the Pirates already out of the playoffs at that point, it was a bizarre move for a team looking toward the future. Morris' declining skills and pricey contract will affect Pittsburgh again this season.

Rotation Outlook: The rotation might be the one bright spot for the Pirates if the youthful staff can live up to its potential. ... Tom Gorzelanny was the only starter to forge a winning record last season, which is an impressive feat on a team that posted a 68-94 record. However, the 25-year-old lefthander allowed 23 hits and 12 runs in 11 2/3 innings during his last two starts of 2007, and hasn't bounced back this spring. If Gorzelanny hits a slump this season, it could spell doom for the rest of the rotation. ... Ian Snell showed flashes of his true talent last season, striking out 10 on a trio of occasions, and also posted a 4-1 record in six starts during May. However, Snell struggled to find consistency and endured some equally painful starts. At only 26, Snell should continue to mature this season.

Bullpen Situation: : The bullpen certainly did its share last season to contribute to a 4.93 team ERA. Things should change slightly this season, but probably not enough to lift the Pirates to their first winning season since 1992. ... Matt Capps did a terrific job after being promoted to the closer's role in early June following the third blown save of the season for Salomon Torres, who is no longer with the team. Capps went the rest of the season with just two blown saves in 20 opportunities and hopes to duplicate that success in 2008. ... The Pirates will depend on a committee of pitchers to bridge the gap to Capps. Pittsburgh has 11 pitchers listed on its bullpen depth chart, including 33-year-old Damaso Marte, who will serve as the primary setup man for Capps. Marte posted a 2-0 record with a 2.38 ERA in 65 games last season, holding left-handed hitters to a minute .094 batting average.

Projected Finish: Sixth in NL Central

ST LOUIS CARDINALS

Division: NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: TONY LARUSSA
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 78-84 (0.481), +-5.2 ML Units (#14 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 71-77-14
StatFox Power Rating: : 93 (#20 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 75 (-115)/Under 75 (-115)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 43-38 (-1.75 ML Units)
Road Games: 35-46 (-3.45 ML Units)
vs. Division: 43-37 (+4.95 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 6-9 (-2.55 ML Units)
Day Games: 27-23 (+2.8 ML Units)
Night Games: 51-61 (-8 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 29-27 (+1.35 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 49-57 (-6.55 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.48 (#22 of 30), Allowed - 5.12 (#23 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.64 (#25 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.274 (#11 of 30), Opponent - 0.271 (#20 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 141 (#24 of 30), Opponent - 168 (#17 of 30)

Arrivals: 3B Troy Glaus and David Freese, SS Cesar Izturis, IF Luis Rodriguez, RHP Matt Clement
Departures: 3B Scott Rolen, LHP Mike Maroth, IF Scott Spiezio, OFs Jim Edmonds, Brady Clark and So Taguchi

Projected Starters:

 C - Yadier Molina (.275/6/40)
1B - Albert Pujols (.327/32/103)
2B - Adam Kennedy (.219/3/18)
SS - Cesar Izturis (.258/0/16)
3B - Troy Glaus (.262/20/62)
LF - Chris Duncan (.259/21/70)
CF - Rick Ankiel (.328/11/39)
RF - Skip Schumaker (.333/2/19)

Projected Rotation:

RHP - Adam Wainwright (14-12, 3.70)
RHP - Braden Looper (12-12, 4.94)
RHP - Joel Pineiro (6-4, 3.96)
RHP - Matt Clement (5-5, 6.61 with Boston Red Sox in 2006)
RHP - Anthony Reyes (2-14, 6.04)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Jason Isringhausen (4-0, 2.48, 32 saves)

Strengths: Adam Wainwright put together a solid 2007 season in his first campaign as a full-time starter after filling a vacancy left by closer Jason Isringhausen in 2006. Wainwright will look to take further strides early in 2008, as the Cardinals will be without ace Chris Carpenter. ... Isringhausen returned to form in 2007 after a disappointing 2006 season, which culminated with arthroscopic surgery on his left hip to correct a degenerative condition. The 35-year-old righthander blew a career-high 10 saves in 43 opportunities in 2006 and was 0-4 with a 3.55 ERA - his highest since a 3.78 mark for Oakland in 2000. However, Izzy bounced back with 32 saves in 34 opportunities in 2007. ... Rick Ankiel shocked everyone last season. After officially retiring as a pitcher before 2005, Ankiel converted to the outfield and earned an August call-up last season. The 28-year-old impressed enough to seize the starting center field position entering 2008.

Weaknesses: 2005 MVP Albert Pujols is coming off the worst season of his career and could be limited again in 2008 after it was revealed that the slugger has a torn ulnar collateral ligament, bone spurs, arthritis and swelling in his right elbow. Pujols has been told he eventually will need to have the elbow reconstructed, but the 28-year-old first baseman is electing to have the surgery next winter as opposed to missing the entire 2008 season while recovering. If Pujols can't produce, the Cardinals will be hard- pressed to generate offense. ... "Tommy John" surgery ended ace Carpenter's 2007 season after just one start and sent the rotation into a downward spiral. Wainwright is the only returning starter to finish last season with a record above .500 with at least 12 starts. The 2005 Cy Young winner is targeting July for his return.

Rotation Outlook: If Wainwright can build on last season's momentum, he could become a legitimate front-line starter in the NL. However, the rest of the rotation lacks the consistency to help the Cardinals compete for a division title - or a playoff spot for that matter. ...  Matt Clement is coming off shoulder surgery which kept him out for the entire 2007 season and is likely past his prime at age 33. The same can be said of Joel Pineiro, who has a 61-58 record with a 4.54 ERA lifetime as a starter. ... Anthony Reyes is coming off one of the worst seasons ever for a Cardinals pitcher, and Braden Looper has not shown the ability to be effective on a consistent basis, whether in the bullpen or as a member of the rotation.

Bullpen Situation: : Baring the injury-riddled 2006 season, Isringhausen has been as steady a closer over the last five years as anyone in baseball. Look for the same this season, unless his age begins to show. ... The Cardinals shouldn't have trouble getting to Isringhausen, with Russ Springer leading a middle relief corps which boasted a respectable 3.37 ERA last season. ... The 33-year-old Springer had the best season of his career in 2007, setting career-highs with 76 appearances and a 2.18 ERA while logging 66 strikeouts in 66 innings.

Projected Finish: Fifth in NL Central

2008 American League Central Division Preview

It has been awhile, but the number one wagering choice to win the American League is the Detroit Tigers at 2-1 odds. The Tigers organization was aggressive in signing 3B Miguel Cabrera and P Dontrelle Willis, to go with formidable components already in place. Cleveland took the baseball world by surprise, as C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona led a stellar pitching staff to Central Division crown. For the Indians to defend crown, players like Grady Sizemore and Travis Haffner are going to have to be more productive at the dish. The Tribe is 7-4 to repeat at Sportsbook.com.  Go to Dictionary.com and click on “underachieving” and a picture of the 2007 Chicago White Sox appears. This team did not hit or pitch in having worst season in 18 years and acquisitions added optimism, if not bullet-proof results for Pale Hose, who are 10-1 to win division. Some prognosticators believe Minnesota could fall all the way to the basement in AL Central, though it seems unlikely with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. How effective the starting rotation is for the Twins will determine there fate. Kansas City still lost 93 games last season; nonetheless optimism is higher than at any point this century heading into the season. The Royals homegrown talent along with dependable veterans has K.C. fans thinking about Colorado’s success.  Here's a look at each of the teams in the AL Central Division, including 2007 key stats and situational records, offseason moves, projected lineups, plus keys and predictions for 2008.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Division: AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Manager: OZZIE GUILLEN
LOCAL TEAM NEWS LINK
2007 Record: 72-90 (0.444), +-11.8 ML Units (#18 of 30)
2007 Totals (O-U-P): 72-82-8
StatFox Power Rating: : 81 (#30 of 30)
Sportsbook.com Season Wins Prop: Over 87.5 (-130)/Under 87.5 (even)

2007 Situational Records:

Home Games: 38-43 (-8.15 ML Units)
Road Games: 34-47 (-3.63 ML Units)
vs. Division: 39-33 (+10.8 ML Units)
Interleague Games: 4-14 (-11.18 ML Units)
Day Games: 25-36 (-8.83 ML Units)
Night Games: 47-54 (-2.95 ML Units)
vs. LH Starters: 16-28 (-12.35 ML Units)
vs. RH Starters: 56-62 (+0.57 ML Units)

Key 2007 Team Stats:

Runs: Scored - 4.28 (#28 of 30), Allowed - 5.18 (#24 of 30)
Scoring Differential (RPG): -0.90 (#29 of 30)
Batting Average: Team - 0.246 (#30 of 30), Opponent - 0.276 (#24 of 30)
Home Runs: Team - 190 (#6 of 30), Opponent - 174 (#22 of 30)

Arrivals: OF Nick Swisher, SS Orlando Cabrera, OF Carlos Quentin, RHPs Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel
Departures: RHP Jon Garland, OFs Darin Erstad and Scott Podsednik, IF Alex Cintron

Projected Starters:

 C - A.J. Pierzynski (.263/14/50)
1B - Paul Konerko (.259/31/90)
2B - Juan Uribe (.234/20/68)
SS - Orlando Cabrera (.301/8/86)
3B - Joe Crede (.216/4/22)
LF - Carlos Quentin (.214/5/31)
CF - Nick Swisher (.262/22/78)
RF - Jermaine Dye (.254/28/78)
DH - Jim Thome (.275/35/96)

Projected Rotation:

LHP - Mark Buehrle (10-9, 3.36)
RHP - Javier Vazquez (15-8, 3.74)
RHP - Jose Contreras (10-17, 5.57)
LHP - John Danks (6-13, 5.50)
RHP - Gavin Floyd (1-5, 5.27)

Projected Closer:
RHP - Bobby Jenks (3-5, 2.77, 40 Saves)

Strengths: The White Sox belted 190 home runs in 2007, the second-most in the American League. Swisher figures to help improve that total, considering he hit 22 last season while playing his home games