Storylines

1. Mets’ pen fixed? » The New York Mets tried to address their biggest weakness: A bullpen that has come apart at the seams in each of the last two seasons. But the additions of free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez and set-up man J.J. Putz should curb those late-inning disasters and make the Mets the favorites.

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2. Title defense » Have defending World Series champs done enough in the offseason to defend their title? The Philadelphia Phillies lost OF Pat Burrell and did little to add to the starting rotation. The health of left-handed ace Cole Hamels (elbow) is a huge concern, too. He will not start on Opening Day.

Storylines

1. Cubs dominance » As disappointing as last year’s playoff flameout was for Chicago Cubs fans, their team will get another shot in 2009. The only question in this division is how many games will the Cubs win by? This team is put together to win now if it can better handle October’s pressure.

2. Seeing Red? » Can anyone else compete for postseason berth? The Brewers lost ace CC Sabathia and the Cardinals seem to be treading water. So how about the Reds as a darkhorse? The rotation has some nice pieces, the bullpen was good in 2008 and Cincinnati has a ton of promising young hitters.

3. Astros need reconstruction » The Houston Astros must still think of themselves as contenders. Why else would a team add C Ivan Rodriguez to this aging crew? Houston’s rotation is a disaster other than Roy Oswalt. With the game’s worst farm system, according to Baseball America, management should blow it up and start over.

Storylines

1. Manny’s world » Did Dodgers win the battle to re-sign Manny Ramirez, but lose the war when they let Derek Lowe escape to Atlanta? Tough to imagine the rotation will be as good unless phenom LHP Clayton Kershaw is really ready for a full season. But the bullpen should again be a strength.

2. Growing up »The Diamondbacks were in control much of 2008 before fading late. There is plenty of young talent in Arizona, including budding star OF Justin Upton. But it has to fully mature. No team has a better one-two punch than Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, who totaled 38 wins last year.

3. Giant arms » On the surface, the Giants look like an aging mess. And in many ways they are. But rotation still has Tim Lincecum — a Cy Young favorite — and promising RHP Matt Cain. And there is plenty more talent on the way with farm system ranked No. 5 by Baseball America. 

Examiner predicts …

The Mets will finally put it all together after addressing their bullpen. The Braves have a solid rotation, but not enough offense. The defending champion Phillies had an awful offseason and are set for a long fall while the Marlins are too reliant on young pitching, but could contend well into the summer. It will be a much better year for the Nats — maybe even 20 wins more — but also another last-place finish.

Examiner predicts …

It is impossible to go against the Cubs in the NL Central. There’s just too much depth all across the roster. St. Louis, Milwaukee and Cincinnati should all be good enough to hang around the wild-card race until late in the season. The Reds will come closest, but fall short. The Pirates will be better than expected, but still mark 17th straight losing season. The Astros will finish with the worst record in the National League.

Examiner predicts …

The re-signing of Manny Ramirez gave Dodgers a jolt in spring training. With him anchoring lineup for a full season, they will top last year’s 84 wins and again take NL West. Arizona will be right there, however, in MLB’s tightest division race as its young core begins to emerge. Diamondbacks will snag wild card. Giants are waiting on promising farm system. Rockies and Padres will both be selling off veterans at trade deadline.