Gannett News Service

Atlanta is counting on Mike Hampton to replace Tom Glavine. The Associated Press file photo

NL EAST

Predicted finish 1 Atlanta (101-59 last season, first place): No changing of guard atop the division yet. 2 Philadelphia (80-81 last season, third): Big improvement with additions of Jim Thome and Kevin Millwood. 3 New York (83-79 last season, fifth): Another big offseason should pay off. 4 Montreal (83-79 last season, second): Vlad will become a favorite in San Juan. 5 Florida (79-83 last season, fourth): Money - or lack of it - still makes the Marlins go round. Why the Braves? A 12th consecutive division title will prove tougher for the Braves, but it can be done. Newly-acquired pitchers Mike Hampton, Russ Ortiz and Paul Byrd will be counted on to help ease the losses of Tom Glavine, Damian Moss and Kevin Millwood, who went a combined 48-25 last season. The offense packs a punch with Gary Sheffield, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones and Robert Fick. Impact acquisitions IF David Bell (Phillies), SP Paul Byrd (Braves), IF Robert Fick (Braves), OF Cliff Floyd (Mets), SP Tom Glavine (Mets), SP Mike Hampton (Braves), SP Kevin Millwood (Phillies), SP Russ Ortiz (Braves), C Ivan Rodriguez (Marlins), RP Tim Spooneybarger (Marlins), RP Mike Stanton (Mets), IF Jim Thome (Phillies) Managers on hot seats Larry Bowa (Phillies), Art Howe (Mets)

1. ATLANTA BRAVES

Manager: Bobby Cox

2002 playoffs: Lost to San Francisco in first round.

Overview: Seven members of last season's top-ranked pitching staff are gone, but the revamped staff should be decent and the offense has the potential to improve after a disappointing 2002.

Question marks: Can C Javier Lopez and 3B Vinny Castilla bounce back from poor 2002 seasons? ... P Paul Byrd's sore elbow. ... the rest of the bullpen.

Super stat: P Greg Maddux has at least 15 wins in each of the last 15 seasons.

2. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Manager: Larry Bowa

Overview: New slugger Jim Thome bolsters the lineup, but the starting rotation is relatively inexperienced. Jose Mesa isn't the most reliable closer.

Question marks: Inexperience in starting rotation. ... Mesa's inconsistency (45 saves, but nine blown saves). ... rest of the bullpen.

Super stat: The Phillies have had 14 losing records in the last 16 seasons.

3. NEW YORK METS

Manager: Art Howe

Overview: The underachieving Mets won't have departed manager Bobby Valentine to blame this season. A happier clubhouse might help avoid a repeat last-place finish, but there probably are too many holdover players to win the division.

Question marks: Can P David Cone really help? ... Is Ty Wigginton the answer at 3B? ... When will phenom SS Jose Reyes be ready? ... outfield defense. ... C Mike Piazza's arm (threw out only 14 percent of base-stealers last season).

Super stat: NL-record 15-game home losing streak last season.

4. MONTREAL EXPOS

Manager: Frank Robinson

Overview: The 2002 Expos finished a distant second in the division, but probably won't be as successful this lame-duck season.

Question marks: Closer Scott Stewart's elbow. ... bullpen depth. ... below-average defense. ... Is rookie CF Endy Chavez ready to be an effective leadoff hitter after winning the International League batting title?... Will playing 22 "home" games in San Juan be a plus or minus?

Super stat: Vladimir Guerrero has five consecutive 100 runs-100 RBI seasons.

5. FLORIDA MARLINS

Manager: Jeff Torborg

Overview: Signing future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez gave management a credibility boost, but that move was negated by the departures of popular OFs Preston Wilson and Kevin Millar.

Question marks: Can SS Alex Gonzalez bounce back from last year's season-ending shoulder injury? ... Nos. 4 and 5 starting pitchers. ... thin bench.

Super stat: Marlins have played 10 years, with one world championship (1997) and nine losing seasons.