NL East: First in a series of 6 divisional previews.

1. Atlanta. Some day, we won't be able to automatically pick the Braves to win the division. But as long as Maddux and Glavine anchor the rotation, face the fact that they won't be going anywhere soon. The addition of Gary Sheffield gives a so-so offense some real talent to build around. And having a consistent John Smoltz to nail down games will be a godsend for Braves fans used to the roller-coaster bullpens of the Wohlers and Rocker eras. Every year, skipper Bobby Cox looks more like Lyndon Johnson; every year, we see him in October. And is it just me, or do the Braves play 120 home games every year?

2. New York. It's no big secret that the Mets plan to score some runs this year; what's a little more suspect is how they're going to stop opponents from doing the same. They added Robbie Alomar, Mo Vaughn, and Jeromy Burnitz (who must feel like he's been let out of jail, leaving Milwaukee), so there are no questions about the lineup. The double-play combination of Alomar and Rey Ordonez will keep ESPN's Web Gems editors busy. Unfortunately for the Mets, so will the offense allowed by their pitching rotation. It's now listed as Al Leiter/Pedro Astacio/Shawn Estes/Steve Trachsel/Jeff D'Amico. Each of these guys is capable of pushing 15-20 wins, but each is also highly capable of lasting 2 1/3 innings per start. Get bleacher seats if you're going to Shea this year.

3. Philadelphia. Scott Rolen is going to scare a lot of people this year. Scary for opponents, because there's nothing like a pure hitter, coming into his prime in a contract season. Scary for the Phillies because there's nothing like losing a superstar due to conflict with the organization. The Phils shocked almost everyone by hanging around in the 2001 playoff race to the end. They won't be able to sneak up on anyone this year, though. They'll have to do it with real talent. The talent is there, if a bit thin on the pitching side. But having Mike Lieberthal healthy will go a long way towards centering the mound staff. An interesting subplot may involve Doug Glanville's quest to become the most quotable player in the majors (there are some doozies here).

4.WashingtonMontreal. Do you get the feeling the Expos will be happy to worry about baserunners and pitch counts, instead of the future of the team? Skipper Frank Robinson has an interesting task ahead of him, trying to keep this team focused on the present. GM Omar Minaya has a very interesting year ahead of him, considering his 29 rivals also control his pursestrings. My guess is that the 'Spos will remain more-or-less intact; they have a pretty good core of young talent that the league may want to keep together, to jumpstart interest in the D.C. area next year. But I also can't help suspect that the Yankees have secretly issued Vlad Guerrero a uniform, ready to be worn in a hurry should the Yanks hit a 3-game losing streak. Another interesting note: to save time, the Olympic Stadium PA announcer will announce the spectators instead of the players.

5. Marlins. This is the proverbial "team to watch" in the NL. Their rotation of Brad Penny, Ryan Dempster, AJ Burnett, Josh Beckett, and Matt Clement look like they may be the next Oakland staff. If things go their way, they could contend. I don't have as good a feeling about their offense. Preston Wilson strikes out so much they can turn down the A/C at Joe Robbie, and none of the bats in the infield (including Charles Johnson, who could be the first catcher to qualify for a DH replacement) impress me that much. Closer Antonio Alfonseca's health is suspect. But this could be a real interesting team.

Next: The NL Central.