NEW YORK METS (Last year's record, finish: 97-65, first)

Pitchers/all report: Saturday/Feb. 21

Key additions: OF Moises Alou, UTIL David Newhan, UTIL Damion Easley, P Ambiorix Burgos, P Scott Schoeneweis, P Jorge Sosa.

Key losses: LF Cliff Floyd, P Brian Bannister, P Chad Bradford, P Darren Oliver, P Roberto Hernandez, P Heath Bell.

Player to watch: P John Maine. The rookie looked good in the postseason (2.63 ERA) and must be ready to be a reliable No. 3 behind old pros Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez.

Reasons to hope: Everyday lineup is strong. … Bullpen was made over, but should still be a strength.

Reasons to mope: Rotation is old in spots, young in spots and untested at the backend. … NL East is stronger, and Mets won’t likely run away with title this season.

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PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (85-77, second)

Pitchers/all report: Thursday/Feb. 20.

Key additions: P Freddy Garcia, P Adam Eaton, C Rod Barajas, P Antonio Alfonseca, 3B Wes Helms.

Key losses: P Randy Wolf, OF David Dellucci, P Gavin Floyd, P Aaron Fultz, C Mike Lieberthal, P Arthur Rhodes.

Player to watch: LF Pat Burrell. The Phillies would have loved to trade him but found no takers. Just 30, he’s still capable of the type of season that justifies his $9.7 million contract.

Reasons to hope: Rotation was beefed up with the additions of Garcia and Eaton. … Best NL team in second half (45-30) could be poised for a quick start.

Reasons to mope: Middle relief is shaky. … Outfield has question marks.

ATLANTA BRAVES (79-83, third)

Pitchers/all report: Friday/Feb. 21

Key additions: P Mike Gonzalez, P Rafael Soriano, 1B Craig Wilson, UTIL Chris Woodward.

Key losses: 1B Adam LaRoche, 2B Marcus Giles, P Chris Reitsma, P Horacio Ramirez, P Danys Baez.

Player to watch: P Mike Hampton. He missed all of last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. If he’s back, the Braves have added a top of the rotation starter.

Reason to hope: Bullpen looks solidified with the additions of Gonzalez and Soriano.

Reasons to mope: John Smoltz, at 39, and Bob closer Wickman, 38, aren’t getting any younger. … Tim Hudson has led the team in losses in each of his two seasons. Is he fading? … Chipper Jones has played in 109 and 110 games the last two years and is wearing down.

FLORIDA MARLINS (78-84, fourth)

Pitchers/all report: Feb. 18/Feb. 21

Key additions: Manager Fredi Gonzalez, 3B-1B Aaron Boone, CF Alex Sanchez, P Kevin Gregg.

Key losses: Manager Joe Giradi, P Joe Borowski, 1B-3B Wes Helms, P Brian Meadows, P Matt Herges.

Player to watch: P Anibal Sanchez. In January, Sanchez complained of pain in his shoulder. This is not a good sign for last year’s breakout rookie who threw a no-hitter against Arizona.

Reasons to hope: Young team gained lots of confidence after surprise showing in 2006… 3B Miguel Cabrera is blossoming into one of the major’s best hitters. … All those young pitchers.

Reasons to mope: What’s the fallout going to be from the Giradi firing? … Bullpen is a mess and there’s no experienced closer. … Center field is unsettled.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (71-91, fifth)

Pitchers/all report: Thursday/Feb. 20

Key additions: Manager Manny Acta, P Emiliano Fruto, OF Chris Snelling, P Ray King, P Tim Redding, P Jerome Williams.

Key losses: LF Alfonso Soriano, P Tony Armas, 2B Jose Vidro, P Pedro Astacio, OF Jose Guillen, P Ramon Ortiz.

Player to watch: SS Cristian Guzman. He missed all of 2006 with injuries and needs to show he’s healthy so the Nats can get some return on the huge contract they handed him.

Reason to hope: 3B Ryan Zimmerman looks like a superstar… The new ballpark is expected to open next year.

Reasons to mope: Have you got some time? The projected rotation does not contain a starter who won two games in 2006. … The outfield is filled with question marks. … 1B Nick Johnson probably won’t be ready by opening day after breaking his leg back in September.