Capsules of National League East teams, listed in order of finish last year:
___
New York Mets
2015: 90-72, first place, lost to Kansas City in World Series.
Manager: Terry Collins (sixth season).
He's Here: 2B Neil Walker, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, LHP Antonio Bastardo, OF Alejandro De Aza, RHP Jim Henderson, OF Roger Bernadina.
He's Outta Here: 2B Daniel Murphy, LHP Jonathon Niese, LF Michael Cuddyer, SS Ruben Tejada, RHP Tyler Clippard, 3B-2B Juan Uribe, INF-OF Kelly Johnson, RHP Carlos Torres, RHP Bobby Parnell, RHP Dillon Gee, RHP Jenrry Mejia, OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, C Anthony Recker, LHP Alex Torres, OF Darrell Ceciliani, OF Eric Young Jr., LHP Eric O'Flaherty, LHP Jack Leathersich, RHP Tim Stauffer.
Projected Lineup: RF Curtis Granderson (.259, 26 HRs, 70 RBIs, .364 OBP, 98 runs, 91 BBs, 11 SBs, 151 Ks), 3B David Wright (.289, 5, 17 in 152 ABs, .379 OBP), CF Yoenis Cespedes (.291, 35, 105, 101 runs, 42 2Bs with Tigers and Mets), 1B Lucas Duda (.244, 27, 73, 33 2Bs, 138 Ks), 2B Neil Walker (.269, 16, 71, 32 2Bs with Pirates), C Travis d'Arnaud (.268, 12, 41, .825 OPS in 239 ABs), LF Michael Conforto (.270, 9, 26, .841 OPS in 174 ABs), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (.265, 15, 58 with Rays).
Rotation: RH Matt Harvey (13-8, 2.71 ERA, 188 Ks, 189 1-3 IP), RH Jacob deGrom (14-8, 2.54, 205 Ks, 191 IP), RH Noah Syndergaard (9-7, 3.24, 166 Ks, 150 IP), LH Steven Matz (4-0, 2.27 in 6 starts), RH Bartolo Colon (14-13, 4.16, 217 hits allowed, 24 BBs, 194 2-3 IP).
Key Relievers: RH Jeurys Familia (2-2, 1.85, 43/48 saves, 76 games, 86 Ks, 78 IP), RH Addison Reed (3-3, 3.38, 4 saves with Diamondbacks and Mets), LH Antonio Bastardo (4-1, 2.98, 1 save, 66 games, 64 Ks, 26 BBs, 39 hits allowed, 57 1-3 IP with Pirates), RH Hansel Robles (4-3, 3.67, 61 Ks, 54 IP), LH Jerry Blevins (1-0, 0.00, 7 games, 5 IP, retired all 15 batters faced; missed almost entire season with broken arm), LH Sean Gilmartin (3-2, 2.67).
Hot Spot: Third Base. Wright missed more than four months with injuries last year and it remains to be seen how much his spinal stenosis might limit him during a full season. He eased into action this spring and was held out of early games, but was set to play third on opening night in the World Series rematch at Kansas City. At the very least, the 33-year-old captain figures to get regular rest throughout the season, with Wilmer Flores (.263, 16, 59) and Eric Campbell the primary options to spell him. A left-handed hitter would be a better fit. Wright had an .814 OPS in 38 games last year but struggled at the plate in the postseason. He's one of the most respected players in the majors and his leadership in the clubhouse is unquestioned, but his right-handed bat remains important to this lineup, too.
Outlook: Following their first World Series berth in 15 years, the Mets are a threat to repeat as NL champs. This time, they want to finish the job and take home the crown. Keeping all those young, power arms healthy and fresh will be crucial — especially after Harvey, deGrom and Syndergaard carried extended workloads through October. Colon, who turns 43 in May, was brought back as a stopgap to soak up innings until another talented young starter, Zack Wheeler (11-11, 3.54 ERA in 2014), returns from Tommy John surgery. The target date is July 1. Bastardo was signed to help set up Familia, the lineup is balanced top to bottom and there is depth at most spots on the diamond. New York's shaky defense, however, was exposed in the World Series and might not be much better. Cabrera injured his knee in spring training but appears to be ready for the opener. Walker replaces Murphy, the record-setting postseason star who relocated to rival Washington. Robles is suspended for the first two games of the season for throwing near the head of Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp last September. The underdog Mets were a feel-good story last year as they took down an underachieving Washington team. Now the NL East favorites, they should expect a stiff challenge from the rededicated Nationals.
___
Washington Nationals
2015: 83-79, second place.
Manager: Dusty Baker (first season).
He's Here: 2B Daniel Murphy, OF Ben Revere, INF Stephen Drew, RHP Trevor Gott, RHP Shawn Kelley, LHP Oliver Perez, RHP Yusmeiro Petit, RHP Matt Belisle.
He's Outta Here: Manager Matt Williams, RHP Jordan Zimmermann, SS Ian Desmond, RHP Drew Storen, CF Denard Span, 3B Yunel Escobar, RHP Doug Fister, RHP Casey Janssen, 2B Dan Uggla, RHP Craig Stammen.
Projected Lineup: CF Ben Revere (.306, 2, 45, 31 SBs with Phillies and Blue Jays), 3B Anthony Rendon (.264, 5, 25), RF Bryce Harper (.330, 42, 99, 118 runs, .460 OBP, NL MVP), 1B Ryan Zimmerman (.249, 16, 73), 2B Daniel Murphy (.281, 14, 73 with Mets), LF Jayson Werth (.221, 12, 42), C Wilson Ramos (.229, 15, 68), SS Danny Espinosa (.240, 13, 37).
Rotation: RH Max Scherzer (14-12, 2.79, 276 Ks, 228 2-3 IP, 2 no-hitters), RH Stephen Strasburg (11-7, 3.46), LH Gio Gonzalez (11-8, 3.79), RH Tanner Roark (4-7, 4.38), RH Joe Ross (5-5, 3.64).
Key Relievers: RH Jonathan Papelbon (4-3, 2.13, 24/26 saves with Phillies and Nationals), LH Felipe Rivero (2-1, 2.79, 2 saves), RH Shawn Kelley (2-2, 2.45 with Padres), RH Trevor Gott (4-2, 3.02 with Angels), LH Oliver Perez (2-4, 4.17 with Diamondbacks and Astros), RH Blake Treinen (2-5, 3.86), RH Yusmeiro Petit (1-1, 3.67, 1 save with Giants).
Hot Spots: Bullpen, Shortstop, Disabled List. All eyes will be on Papelbon, the volatile closer who was kept around despite grabbing Harper by the throat in a dugout dustup last September. Aside from whatever lingering ill will fans may harbor, the biggest question will be whether Papelbon and the rest of a reconstructed back end of the bullpen can be more effective than last year's crew. Another spot to watch is shortstop, where Desmond is gone and Espinosa takes over. Espinosa's defense is top-notch; his hitting is definitely a question mark. Last season, key players such as Zimmerman, Werth and Rendon missed large chunks of time due to injury. Washington needs to stay healthier in 2016.
Outlook: There is plenty new about the Nationals. After being considered the team to beat in recent seasons but never winning a playoff series, the Nats have become the chasers, trying to catch the league champion Mets in the NL East. Washington flopped a year ago under Williams and he was replaced by Baker, a quick-turnaround artist with seven trips to the playoffs and three Manager of the Year awards in 20 seasons of National League experience on the bench. Several familiar faces are gone, including Zimmermann, Desmond, Span and Storen. But Washington is hoping that with Harper — the youngest unanimous MVP in baseball history — anchoring the lineup, Scherzer leading the rotation, and a rebuilt relief corps, Baker's touch can help the club finally reach its potential.
___
Miami Marlins
2015: 71-91, third place.
Manager: Don Mattingly (first season).
He's Here: LHP Wei-Yin Chen, INF Chris Johnson, RHP Edwin Jackson.
He's Outta Here: Manager Dan Jennings, RHP Henderson Alvarez, INF Casey McGehee, INF Donovan Solano.
Projected Lineup: 2B Dee Gordon (NL-best .333, 4, 46, MLB-high 205 hits and 58 SBs), CF Marcell Ozuna (.259, 10, 44), LF Christian Yelich (.300, 7, 44), RF Giancarlo Stanton (.265, 27, 67 in 74 games), 1B Justin Bour (.262, 23, 73), 3B Martin Prado (.288, 9, 63), C J.T. Realmuto (.259, 10, 47), SS Adeiny Hechavarria (.281, 5, 48).
Rotation: RH Jose Fernandez (6-1, 2.92 in 11 games), LH Wei-Yin Chen (11-8, 3.34 for Orioles), RH Tom Koehler (11-14, 4.08), RH Jarred Cosart (2-5, 4.52 in 14 games), LH Adam Conley (4-1, 3.76 in 15 games).
Key Relievers: RH A.J. Ramos (2-4, 2.30, 32/38 saves), LH Mike Dunn (2-5, 4.50), RH Edwin Jackson (4-3, 3.07, 2 saves for Cubs and Braves), RH Bryan Morris (5-4, 3.14), RH David Phelps (4-8, 4.50).
Hot Spot: Trainer's Room. The payroll will rank among the lowest in the majors, as usual, which means the Marlins have little depth, which means injuries would be devastating. That was the case last season, when their best player — Stanton — and best pitcher — Fernandez — never took the field together. The Marlins must keep their stars and other starters healthy to have any shot at finishing above .500 for the first time since 2009.
Outlook: The biggest changes in the offseason came on the bench, where the Marlins hired Mattingly and added Barry Bonds as hitting coach. Theyll try to help an offense that ranked next-to-last in the majors in runs and homers but has considerable young talent. Chen provides much-needed veteran durability but the rotation is thin, and the bullpen took a blow even before spring training games began when Carter Capps required Tommy John surgery. Miami is 90 games under .500 since the team moved into Marlins Park in 2012, and this year could be more of the same.
___
Atlanta Braves
2015: 67-95, fourth place.
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez (sixth season).
He's Here: OF Ender Inciarte, SS Erick Aybar, RHP Bud Norris, RHP Jim Johnson, 3B-1B Kelly Johnson, C Tyler Flowers, OF Jeff Francoeur, LHP Eric O'Flaherty, INF Gordon Beckham, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Alexi Ogando.
He's Outta Here: SS Andrelton Simmons, OF Cameron Maybin, RHP Shelby Miller, OF Eury Perez, LHP Mike Minor, 3B Pedro Ciriaco, C Christian Bethancourt, RHP Edwin Jackson, OF-1B Nick Swisher, RHP Peter Moylan, LHP Ross Detwiler, OF Todd Cunningham.
Projected Lineup: CF Ender Inciarte (.303, 6, 45, 21 SBs with Diamondbacks), SS Erick Aybar (.270, 3, 44, 15 SBs with Angels), 1B Freddie Freeman (.276, 18, 66), 3B Adonis Garcia (.277, 10, 26 in 58 games), RF Nick Markakis (.296, 3, 53), LF Hector Olivera (.253, 2, 11 in 24 games), C A.J. Pierzynski (.300, 9, 49), 2B Jace Peterson (.239, 6, 52, 12 SBs).
Rotation: RH Julio Teheran (11-8, 4.04), RH Bud Norris (3-11, 6.72 with Orioles and Padres), RH Matt Wisler (8-8, 4.71), RH Jhoulys Chacin (2-1, 3.38 in 5 games with Diamondbacks), RH Williams Perez (7-6, 4.78).
Key Relievers: RH Arodys Vizcaino (3-1, 1.60, 9/10 saves, 37 Ks in 33 2-3 IP), RH Jason Grilli (3-4, 2.94, 24/26 saves, 45 Ks, 33 2-3 IP, coming back from Achilles injury), RH Jim Johnson (2-6, 4.46, 10/17 saves with Braves and Dodgers), LH Eric O'Flaherty (1-2, 8.10 in 42 games for Athletics and Mets), RH Alexi Ogando (3-1, 3.99 with Red Sox), RH Dan Winkler (0-0, 10.80 in 2 games).
Hot Spot: Starting Rotation. Teheran is the ace of the staff, and he's coming off a disappointing season after making the All-Star Game in 2014. The Braves need him to bounce back and a bunch of other things to go right. Norris is coming off a dismal season. Wisler, Williams Perez, Mike Foltynewicz and Manny Banuelos are unproven over full seasons. Chacin was a 14-game winner with Colorado in 2013 but hasn't done much since then because of injuries.
Outlook: The Braves lost 95 games a year ago — their most since 1990 — and it likely will be another long season in Atlanta as the organization continues a massive overhaul. The rotation is a far cry from the glory days, when Hall of Famers such as Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz anchored the staff. The lineup lacks a threatening power hitter outside of Freeman. All eyes are on the future as the Braves await prospects such as Dansby Swanson, last year's No. 1 overall pick acquired from Arizona, and prepare to move into a new suburban ballpark in 2017. The final year at Turner Field figures to be utterly forgettable outside of some new concession items, including the $26 "Burgerizza," a hamburger between two slices of pizza.
___
Philadelphia Phillies
2015: 63-99, fifth place.
Manager: Pete Mackanin (first full season).
He's Here: RHP Jeremy Hellickson, RHP Charlie Morton, RHP Vincent Velasquez, LHP Brett Oberholtzer, OF Peter Bourjos, OF Tyler Goeddel, RHP David Hernandez, RHP Andrew Bailey, OF Will Venable, OF Cedric Hunter, RHP Ernesto Frieri, LHP James Russell.
He's Outta Here: RHP Ken Giles, RF Jeff Francoeur, OF Domonic Brown, RHP Aaron Harang, RHP Jerome Williams, LHP Cliff Lee.
Projected Lineup: 2B Cesar Hernandez (.272, 1, 35, 19 SBs), CF Odubel Herrera (.297, 8, 41, 16 SBs), 3B Maikel Franco (.280, 14, 50), 1B Ryan Howard (.229, 23, 77), C Carlos Ruiz (.211, 2, 22) or Cameron Rupp (.233, 9, 28), SS Freddy Galvis (.263, 7, 50), RF Peter Bourjos (.200, 4, 13, 5 SBs with St. Louis), LF Tyler Goeddel (.279, 12, 72, 28 SBs with Double-A Montgomery) or Will Venable (.244, 6, 33 with San Diego and Texas).
Rotation: RH Jeremy Hellickson (9-12, 4.62 with Arizona), RH Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.59), RH Charlie Morton (9-9, 4.81 with Pittsburgh), RH Jerad Eickhoff (3-3, 2.65), RH Vincent Velasquez (1-1, 4.37 with Houston).
Key Relievers: RH David Hernandez (1-4, 4.28 with Arizona), RH Dalier Hinojosa (2-0, 0.73 with Red Sox and Phillies), RH Jeanmar Gomez (2-3, 3.01), LH Brett Oberholtzer (2-2, 4.06 ERA in 8 starts with Houston), RH Andrew Bailey (0-1, 5.19 with Yankees), RH Ernesto Frieri (1-0, 4.63 with Tampa Bay).
Hot Spots: Bullpen and Outfield. After trading All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon last year and then Ken Giles in the offseason, the Phillies have uncertainty in the ninth inning. Hernandez has 19 career saves, none since 2013. Bailey was a two-time All-Star closer in Oakland but hasn't saved a game since 2013. Frieri has 73 career saves, including 60 with the Angels from 2012-13. In the outfield, injuries to Aaron Altherr and Cody Asche depleted Philadelphia's depth. Altherr, who would have been a regular in a corner spot, might not return before August. Asche will likely be ready in late April.
Outlook: The Phillies are in rebuilding mode after finishing last in the majors, but they could be better than most expect. They've added a slew of talented young players, many of whom are still in the minors working their way up. The starting staff has more depth, but the bullpen lacks a legitimate closer for the first time in more than a decade. The lineup has a chance to be exciting with speed at the top and Franco anchoring the middle. The lower half of the order won't scare pitchers. The goal is to compete in 2017, so finding core players to build around is a priority this season.
