NATIONAL LEAGUE.(baseball - team analyses)

Arizona

IN AT THE WIRE: The team kept both RHPs Bobby Witt and Miguel Batista. A roster spot opened when RF Reggie Sanders went on the D.L., and a rotation spot could open because LHP Brian Anderson took a liner off his left hand in last Saturday's game. Manager Bob Brenly said Witt probably would start game No. 5 Saturday, with Batista the likely choice if Anderson can't go Thursday. Witt, 36, was 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA this spring. He ran up some deep counts but impressed teammates with his ability to pitch out of jams. Batista is nearly seven years younger and throws about 5 to 6 mph harder. But he is less experienced and has been inconsistent.

SPRING WINNER: C Rod Barajas signed in 1996 and played well this spring, keeping the club from needing to trade for an established backup to Damian Miller. Barajas, 25, especially impressed LHP Randy Johnson.

SPRING LOSER: Adding 1B Mark Grace and Sanders left no place for 1B/OF Erubiel Durazo, and the team was unsure about his right wrist. He showed he was healthy by hitting well in winter ball and seemed like a likely reserve. But with too many players out of options, six outfielders stayed--but not Durazo. --Ed Price

Atlanta

TOUGH CUTS: RHPs Joe Slusarski and Marc Valdes, a pair of nonroster players in camp, benefited from Bobby Cox's decision to carry 12 pitchers the first two or three weeks. They won bullpen spots, though one might lose his job when John Smoltz (elbow tendinitis) returns, which could occur after a couple of weeks. The addition of a seventh reliever knocked IF Travis Wilson off the team, despite his club-leading .415 average. Cutting Wilson was the hardest decision for Cox, who said he would like the youngster's bat on the bench. If Cox had gone with his usual complement of 11 pitchers, Wilson would have made the team.

SPRING WINNER: IF Mark DeRosa was caught in the same numbers crunch that trapped Wilson. Although he hit only .150, he demonstrated he's ready for the majors, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him return.