NATIONAL LEAGUE.

Arizona

HEALTH KICK: One reason the team failed to return to the playoffs in 2000 was the poor play of 3B Matt Williams. He was never healthy enough to get in a groove and finished with his lowest home run and RBI totals in 12 years. So Williams has worked hard this offseason on his flexibility and other ways to avoid injury. He has had his left foot, which was bothered by an arch problem, massaged three times a week. And he has hired a chef to help make his diet healthier.

PROSPECTS ANALYSIS: The team has had five drafts but doesn't have much talent ready to contribute. Its prospect talent level is likely near the bottom in baseball. Injuries haven't helped; three pitching prospects had elbow surgery last year. Slugger Jack Cust has had problems playing the outfield but otherwise could be ready a year from now. LHP Nick Bierbrodt has hit a bit of a plateau. Otherwise, most of the talent in the organization was at Class A or lower last season. --Ed Price

Atlanta

SHAPING UP: Last season RHP Kevin Millwood was seen as the heir apparent to a rotation that was starting to show some age. But he slid backward with a 10-13 record. His earned-run average jumped by almost two runs, and he allowed career-high totals in hits, runs and home runs. Millwood made some changes this winter. He started a new resistance training workout with teammate John Smoltz and increased the frequency of his workouts. Now he's in the best shape of his career.

PROSPECTS ANALYSIS: The Braves are loaded with pitching prospects, but position players are harder to find. OF George Lombard and 3B Wes Helms likely will make the jump from Class AAA Richmond and help fill the bench, and RHP Jason Marquis likely will join the bullpen or become the fifth starter. 2B Marcus Giles probably is the organization's best position prospect. He has hit at every level and will start the season at Richmond. If he puts up numbers, he'll come up in September. --Bill Zack

Chicago