Arizona

New manager Wally Backman was hired to sound a wake-up call after a nightmarish 111-loss season. A team in transition must decide if LHP Randy Johnson fits in its plans for 2005, when he's set to earn $16 million in the final year of his contract. Former super agent Jeff Moorad is waiting on approval by Major League Baseball to succeed D'backs chairman Jerry Colangelo. A priority is to re-sign slugging 1B Richie Sexson, who played just 23 games last season because of a shoulder injury.

Atlanta

The Braves, concerned about free agent defections, are considering moving closer John Smoltz back into the starting rotation. RHPs Russ Ortiz, Jaret Wright and Paul Byrd have filed for free agency, along with RF J.D. Drew.

Chicago

Nobody would have thought it a few years ago, but RF Sammy Sosa has seen his star fall in Chicago. The disgruntled slugger felt unappreciated this season and could be open to a trade. After declining options on OF Moises Alou and 2B Mark Grudzielanek, the Cubs are trying to retain free agent SS Nomar Garciaparra and are expected to make a run at free agent CF Carlos Beltran. The club also has to smooth over a public relations flap caused by the departures of popular broadcasters Chip Caray and Steve Stone, who left after a season-long feud with players who disliked the broadcasters' critical analysis.

Cincinnati

The Reds are counting on 1B Sean Casey to fill the leadership void after deciding not to bring back SS Barry Larkin for a 20th season. Re-signing RHP Paul Wilson is a priority.

Colorado

The Rockies are saddled with several large contracts and are listening to trade offers for several players, among them C Charles Johnson, LHP Denny Neagle and OF Preston Wilson. 1B Todd Helton has voiced frustration about playing for a team "with no chance" and could be available.

Florida

3B Mike Lowell will remain with the Marlins after waiving a stadium clause that would have voided the last two years of his contract. With no stadium package approved, Lowell had the option of becoming a free agent. Now the Marlins can worry about re-signing RHPs Carl Pavano and Armando Benitez.

Houston

After coming within one victory of reaching the World Series for the first time, the Astros have higher expectations than ever. The challenge of meeting them falls on Tim Purpura, who succeeds Gerry Hunsicker as GM. Hunsicker's surprise resignation leaves the new GM with several tasks ahead, none bigger than trying to keep Beltran in Houston. The club's late-season surge helped interim manager Phil Garner secure the job full time, which takes that issue off Purpura's plate.

Los Angeles

Free agent 3B Adrian Beltre is the Dodgers' top priority, but they'll have plenty of competition. Troy Glaus, a free agent from Anaheim, could be an option if the Dodgers lose Beltre. They also want to retain free agent LHP Odalis Perez and haven't ruled out trying to keep RHP Jose Lima.

Milwaukee

The sale of the Brewers to Los Angeles investor Mark Attanasio could be approved at the owners meetings Nov. 17-18. RHP Ben Sheets had successful back surgery and is expected to be ready for spring

training.

New York

The Mets, under new GM Omar Minaya, are expected to name a manager soon. They declined a $15 million option on RF Richard Hidalgo but are open to signing him to a reduced contract. They would like to re-sign free agent RHP Kris Benson, whom they acquired from Pittsburgh in July.

Philadelphia

Charlie Manuel will replace fired manager Larry Bowa, a decision GM Ed Wade wanted to make before the GM meetings next week. With that out of the way, the Phillies can focus on LHP Eric Milton and RHP Kevin Millwood, who are free agents.

Pittsburgh

With a solid young core of starters in place, the cash-conscious Pirates aren't expected to be players in the free agent market. The biggest decision could be whether to trade C Jason Kendall, who has three years and $34 million remaining on his contract. Kendall is still a productive player, but the Pirates can use his salary.

St. Louis

The lesson learned in their World Series debacle against Boston was the need for a power starting pitcher. RHP Chris Carpenter is the closest thing the Cardinals have to that, but he didn't pitch in the playoffs because of nerve damage in his arm. The Cardinals are expected to pick up Carpenter's $2.4 million option for next season. Their main priority is to retain free agent SS Edgar Renteria (above), who could command $10 million a year. One casualty for the Cardinals was the firing of hitting coach Mitchell Page. Page said he lost the respect of the players as a result of being an alcoholic. He planned to seek immediate treatment.

San Diego

The Padres' primary goals are to improve the bullpen and bench. With no burdensome contracts, GM Kevin Towers has the flexibility to make a key addition or two. San Diego has targeted LHP David Wells and RHPs Antonio Osuna and Andy Ashby as free agents it hopes to keep.

San Francisco

GM Brian Sabean wants to improve the pitching and defense and increase team speed. After the team finished second in runs scored to St. Louis, he doesn't agree with those who say the team's biggest need is another big bat to complement slugger Barry Bonds.

Washington

The former Montreal franchise still has much to do before playing at RFK Stadium next season, but Tuesday it named Jim Bowden as interim general manager. The franchise is currently owned by Major League Baseball. Commissioner Bud Selig said he hopes to have an owner approved by the end of the year. The team still hasn't announced its nickname.

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