National League

Arizona

LOOKING FOR SUITORS: OF Bernard Gilkey is quietly being shopped around, but so far there has been little enthusiasm from other clubs. Gilkey's numbers have dropped dramatically the past two seasons, and it seems a better-than-average bet the Diamondbacks will be looking for Gilkey to show some kind of ability to return to his 1996 form during spring training. If he looks capable of that, it will be much easier to trade him. The team is even willing to pick up some of the $11 million he is owed over the next two seasons.

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS, MANAGER: The honeymoon period is basically over for Buck Showalter. After managing general partner Jerry Colangelo agreed to shell out nearly $120 million in guaranteed contracts for the next several seasons, it has become apparent that the impetus will be placed squarely on Showalter to produce a winner. Showalter basically was given a free pass last season. After all, the Diamondbacks didn't have an overabundance of talent on their roster. That the 1994 A.L. Manager of the Year managed to avoid losing 100 games was viewed as a fairly significant accomplishment, especially after starting the season with an 8-31 record. Overall, Showalter is one of the better in-game managers in the league. He should fare much better this season, now that he has a loaded gun rather than a cap pistol.

--Pedro Gomez

Atlanta

FIXED SHOULDER: 2B Keith Lockhart says his surgically repaired right shoulder is healing and he'll be ready for spring training. Lockhart, who had tears in his rotator cuff repaired last fall, will report to camp with pitchers and catchers February 17 and plans to begin swinging a bat soon after he arrives. With the addition of All-Star 2B Bret Boone, Lockhart will return to a familiar role as a backup infielder and pinch hitter, which he excelled at two years ago. With Boone and Lockhart manning second, there's no room for Tony Graffanino. Once considered the club's future second baseman, Graffanino is out of options, so a likely scenario has him being included in a trade during spring training.

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS, MANAGER: While the Braves have dominated the decade, at least in terms of wins, manager Bobby Cox has quietly climbed the all-time managerial wins list. He begins the season in 18th place with 1,418 victories (Tony La Russa is the only active manager with more wins). He's already the Braves' winningest manager in the modern era and has more postseason wins than any other manager. He has also won division titles in seven consecutive completed seasons, four pennants and a World Series.

--Bill Zack

Chicago

JUST REWARDS: Versatile utilityman Jose Hernandez was rewarded with a one-year contract worth $2.4 million. In 1998, Hernandez saw action in 149 games, playing seven positions and earning career highs in home runs (23) and RBIs (75). Entering the '99 season, Hernandez should find himself in a similar position given the ages and injury histories of several team members. CF Lance Johnson missed the first half of '98 with a hand injury, and 3B Gary Gaetti, 40, will need time off. Hernandez also will spell LF Henry Rodriguez. Heading into his free-agent year at 29, he could position himself nicely for 2000 as the regular shortstop or find himself near the top of somebody else's wish list.... The team also settled with C Tyler Houston on a one-year deal.

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS, MANAGER: Jim Riggleman finally may get the respect he deserves, thanks to the wildcard season. Riggleman has had little to work with in his managerial career, but he excels at getting the most out of his available talent. His biggest challenge in '99 will be rebuilding confidence in the bullpen. If he can get Terry Adams, Matt Karchner and Felix Heredia to bounce back in middle relief, Riggleman will be looking good.

--Bruce Miles

Cincinnati

HUDEK'S A BARGAIN: John Hudek figures to be a bargain at whatever price the Reds get him. Granted, he made $499,000 last season, and he is going to arbitration seeking $1.3 million while the Reds are offering $800,000. Either way, he's worth the investment. Danny Graves and Gabe White are slated to be co-closers, but neither has proved he can handle sharing the role. Meanwhile, setup man Stan Belinda is trying to come back after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. All of this makes Hudek that much more valuable. Though he appears to have found his niche as a setup man, he could become part of a closer-by-committee situation.

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS, MANAGER: This will mark the 50th anniversary of Jack McKeon's first year in pro baseball, and it's anyone's guess whether he will last the entire season. In mid-1997, when he replaced Ray Knight, McKeon's patience and calming influence were widely championed for a rebuilding team that was young and needed some confidence. But last season, the club lacked in talent and finished 77-85. Nobody was talking about the McKeon magic anymore, even if it wasn't his fault. If this team doesn't play with a spark this season, McKeon easily could be the scapegoat.