National League News

While parusing the interwebs the other day, I was reading MSTI, and he linked to an interesting piece over at one of the Giants blogs.

Jayson Werth was 13 for 57 with three doubles, a home run, three walks and 17 K's in 15 games and 62 plate appearances against the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am absolutely loving Teresa's meal plans! I love not having to think about what to cook every night and shopping... Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning of Game 6 of the 2011 NLCS against the St.

The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to go after their sixth straight National League East title with the question of Cole Hamels' future with the team looming large.

After having a terrible 2000 season, the Cubs got off to a good start in 2001 and by late May were in first place.

Over the past few years, the position of closer has come under a little scrutiny only because some believe the position is overvalued when it comes to the all mighty dollar.

The Cincinnati Reds finished the 2011 season 79-83, third in the NL Central. That was a 12 game falloff from the previous season when they won the division.

"We need help," outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said late last season as the Rockies spiraled to a fourth-place finish.

Let's get this party started. It's a whole different vibe to an off-season when you come off a division title.

The event, which signifies the unofficial start to the season, gives fans a chance to see the players for the first time since the previous year.

A division that includes the defending World Series champion and both combatants in last season's NLCS also features plenty of uncertainty.

I believe there can be little argument with the title as Yadier Molina is the top guy in the division, if not all of baseball.

When Buster Posey limped off the field last May he took the Giants' hopes of repeating as World Series champions with him.

So far as the San Diego Padres are concerned, it's a good bet that 2012 couldn't come fast enough.

A team-by-team look at the National League entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad: Going campin': Five straight NL East titles have set the bar very high in Philadelphia.

What will the fallout be over Howard's Achilles injury? Can he come back and hit for power? When will he come back? Can the guys who take his place help keep the offense afloat? Will the Phils sign Hamels to an extension before April? What will the three aces do this year? Can Victorino and Worley repeat their 2011 seasons? What if Mayberry Jr.

With no new acquisitions at third base, Roberts currently has a secure job at that position, but that hasn't satisfied him.

Sometime in the first half of March, when spring training begins to feel a bit like Groundhog Day, expect Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to make an announcement that will hold less suspense than an intentional walk.

Our final road stop on the National League West offseason review tour brings us to the San Diego Padres .

The words come quickly. Without focus, it's hard to keep up with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd. The same could be said for his offseason.