Gannett News Service

The Cardinals boosted their offense last season by dealing for third baseman Scott Rolen. The Associated Press file photo

NL CENTRAL

Predicted finish 1 St. Louis (97-65 last season, first place): Offense and pitching are first-rate. 2 Houston (84-78 last season, second): Second baseman Jeff Kent comes over from the Giants and provides another big bat. 3 Cincinnati (78-84 last season, third): Should hit, but pitching questionable. 4 Chicago (67-95 last season, fifth): Dusty Baker, who managed San Francisco to the 2002 World Series, takes charge. 5 Pittsburgh (72-89 last season, fourth): Veteran outfielders Kenny Lofton and Reggie Sanders may help. 6 Milwaukee (56-106 last season, sixth): Richie Sexson is lone bright light. Why the Cardinals? St. Louis, which battled through so much adversity to win the division and reach the National League Championship Series last season, boasts one of the best all-around lineups offensively and defensively with players like Scott Rolen, Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, Tino Martinez, Fernando Vina and Edgar Renteria. The pitching staff, led by starter Matt Morris and closer Jason Isringhausen, is more than adequate but might not be as strong as Houston's. Impact acquisitions M Dusty Baker (Cubs), IF Jeff Kent (Astros), OF Kenny Lofton (Pirates), C Damian Miller (Cubs), RP Mike Remlinger (Cubs), OF Reggie Sanders (Pirates), SP Jeff Suppan (Pirates) Managers on hot seats Bob Boone (Reds), Lloyd McClendon (Pirates), Jimy Williams (Astros).

1. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Manager: Tony LaRussa

2002 playoffs: Beat Arizona in first round, lost to San Francisco in NLCS.

Overview: The Cardinals probably have the NL's best starting lineup, but an ordinary pitching staff could keep the team out of the playoffs.

Strengths: Solid starting lineup featuring leadoff man 2B Fernando Vina, CF Jim Edmonds, LF Albert Pujols, 3B Scott Rolen, RF J.D. Drew and SS Edgar Renteria. ... defense, particularly the infield. ... starting pitcher Matt Morris. ... aggressive general manager Walt Jocketty.

Question marks: Rest of the starting rotation. ... Was Jason Simontacchi's 11-5 rookie season a fluke? ... closer Jason Isringhausen's shoulder. ... catcher Mike Matheny's bat.

Super stat: Former all-stars at six positions and a Gold Glover at a seventh.

2. HOUSTON ASTROS

Manager: Jimy Williams

Overview: Injuries to the pitching staff spoiled last season's pennant hopes, but the Astros when healthy probably have the most all-around talent in the division.

Strengths: 1B Jeff Bagwell, LF Lance Berkman and 2B Jeff Kent in the middle of the lineup. ... 1-2 starting pitchers Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller. ... overpowering lefty-righty bullpen duo of Billy Wagner and Octavio Dotel. ... solid bench. ... defense.

Question marks: Can Craig Biggio make a successful transition from 2B to CF at age 37? ... Can Shane Reynolds and Brian Moehler combine for 25 wins? ... middle relief.

Super stat: Bullpen worked NL's second-most innings (538) and had 505 strikeouts.

3. CINCINNATI REDS

Manager: Bob Boone

Overview: The Reds enter Great American Ball Park with an entertaining power-packed lineup, but fans could have plenty of time to hit the concession stands while opponents are lighting up a suspect pitching staff.

Strengths: Power of OFs Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns, 3B Brandon Larson, INF Russell Branyan and 2B Aaron Boone. ... decent bullpen. ... catcher Jason LaRue's arm.

Question marks: Can Griffey stay healthy and return to all-star form? ... Can Jimmy Haynes, Ryan Dempster, former reliever Danny Graves and Pittsburgh import Jimmy Anderson make the starting rotation respectable? ... Can closer Scott Williamson recapture his 1999 Rookie of the Year form? ... Can 1B Sean Casey bounce back? ... How much does SS Barry Larkin have left?

Super stat: MLB-worst .231 average with runners in scoring position last season.

4. CHICAGO CUBS

Manager: Dusty Baker

Overview: An improved bullpen could help the Cubs become the NL's surprise team this season.

Strengths: Strong-armed starting pitchers Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Matt Clement. ... much-improved bullpen with imports Mike Remlinger, Dave Veres and Mark Guthrie. ... RF Sammy Sosa's power (averaged 58 HRs and 141 RBI for the last five seasons). ... upgrade at catcher with Damian Miller. ... solid bench. ... new manager Baker should lift team's confidence level.

Question marks: Rookie 1B Hee Seop Choi. ... Can Shawn Estes be the team's first effective LH starter since 1999?

Super stat: Lost 42 games they led last season.

5. PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Manager: Lloyd McClendon

Overview: Last season's Pirates had their 10th straight losing season despite winning 10 more games than in 2001. Similar improvement this year is unlikely.

Strengths: Starting pitchers Kris Benson, Kip Wells and Josh Fogg. ... bullpen stopper Mike Williams. ... respectable outfield with Brian Giles and imports Reggie Sanders and Kenny Lofton.

Question marks: Rest of the starting rotation. ... lack of power pitchers. ... below-average defense. ... Can imports discarded by other teams upgrade the attack?

Super stat: Shut out 15 times in 2002.

6. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Manager: Ned Yost

Overview: New GM Doug Melvin made 50 trades in six seasons in Texas, but probably can't approach that with the Brewers because he doesn't have that many players other teams want.

Strengths: Power of 1B Richie Sexson. ... starting pitcher Ben Sheets. ... closer Mike DeJean anchoring an underrated bullpen. ... overhauled front office almost has to be an upgrade.

Question marks: Soft spots up and down the lineup. ... rest of the starting rotation.

Super stat: Outscored by 194 runs last season.