NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Atlanta Braves (Lake Buena Vista, Fla.)
Scoring runs was a major issue for the Braves last season, so getting first baseman Freddie Freeman back from a wrist injury and keeping him healthy is paramount. A retooled lineup has Ender Inciarte in center, Hector Olivera in left, Erick Aybar at short and Adonis Garcia at third.
Miami Marlins (Jupiter, Fla.)
The Marlins’ success depends on keeping rightfielder Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup and ace Jose Fernandez on the mound, and putting their injury-riddled past behind them. Lefty Wei-Yin Chen and veteran Edwin Jackson join Fernandez in a reconfigured rotation.
New York Mets (Port St. Lucie, Fla.)
The Mets are breaking in a new double-play combination with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and second baseman Neil Walker, who came from Pittsburgh to replace postseason hero Daniel Murphy. With secondhalf igniter Yoenis Cespedes back and David Wright hopeful of staying healthy for a full season, the offense should prosper.
Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater, Fla.)
Outfielder/third baseman Cody Asche and catcher Carlos Ruiz must bounce back from poor offensive seasons and prove they still are viable starters. First baseman Ryan Howard is on his last legs and the Phillies might have to eat some of his enormous salary at some point to part with him. Jeremy Hellickson joins a rotation with many rough edges.
Washington Nationals (Viera, Fla.)
New manager Dusty Baker will try to establish some much-needed chemistry and camaraderie to avoid a repeat of the Jonathan Papelbon/Bryce Harper dustup of last season. Leftfielder Jayson Werth seeks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2015 season and re-establish himself as an offensive threat.