Say what you will about Mitch Williams. It doesn't matter -- he's gone. And except for a few visits with the Astros, the closest the Phillies will come to a "Wild Thing" fastball is a screening of Major League 2.

The Philadelphia Phillies return virtually every key member of last year's National League champions, except for Williams and starting pitcher Terry Mulholland. But last year was a magical one, where pitchers stayed injury-free and position players like Jim Eisenreich and Pete Incaviglia had career years.

All that will have to come together again if the Phillies expect to contend in the loaded National League East. A closer will have to emerge from a group of unsavory contenders that includes venerable reliever Doug Jones. Norm Charlton, acquired from Seattle, could take over the job when he is finished rehabilitating sometime in mid-season.

Jeff Juden, acquired from Houston in the Williams deal, will most likely take over the fifth starting position, joining horses Tommy Greene (16 wins), Curt Schilling (16 wins) and Danny Jackson (12 wins), all of whom pitched 200 innings. Ben Rivera and his 5.02 ERA will join that group.

And with the likes of Lenny Dykstra, Darren Daulton, Dave Hollins and Eisenreich, the Phils should have another dynamic year at the plate.

Atlanta Braves -- Even without Ron Gant, the Braves are the best team in baseball. The ruthless starting rotation and powerful punch of David Justice and Fred McGriff make the Braves the overwhelming favorites. But there are questions, for this is the year the Braves' young prospects -- Javier Lopez, Ryan Klesko, Tony Tarasco, et al. -- will have to shine.

Florida Marlins -- Despite what many characterized as a successful opening season, the Marlins lost 98 games. They made only a few minor changes in the off-season, so a 100-loss season might not be far off the mark.

Montreal Expos -- The most controversial off-season trade involved the exchange of second baseman Delino DeShields for pitcher Pedro Martinez. Martinez will be expected to replace well-loved Dennis Martinez in a strong starting rotation. Reliever John Wetteland, one of the league's best, and the unbelievable outfield of Moises Alou, Marquis Grissom and Larry Walker could help grab the Expos a wildcard spot.

New York Mets -- Something will happen here. If the Mets get any worse, Manager Dallas Green will most likely depart in a blaze (sorry, Vince) of media criticism. Then again, they could get better. Perennial stick-in-the-mud Eddie Murray is gone, which could improve Bobby Bonilla's attitude. Outfielders Ryan Thompson and Jeromy Burnitz bring an infusion of youthful enthusiasm to the lineup. And of course, Anthony Young is still around.