N.L. report.(BASEBALL)

The PADRES' primary need for 2006, improved outfield defense, should be resolved by last week's trade with the METS that netted CF Mike Cameron. Cameron, who was acquired for 1B/OF Xavier Nady, has few peers chasing down balls in the gaps, a high priority with Petco Park's vast expanses. The METS plan to use Nady in right field, which might be a signal that the club will pursue a trade to get MARLINS 1B Carlos Belgado. ... CUBS LHP Rich Hill has a big-bending curveball, but until he develops another pitch, the best role for him will be as a reliever. He used to be bothered by walks but has improved the mental part of his game. ... Lance Niekro has some work to do if he wants to be the GIANTS' starting first baseman. After a strong start in 2005, Niekro struggled to hit for average and power. He had particular trouble against righthanders. The team could retain J.T. Snow or acquire a first baseman with punch. ... ASTROS RF Jason Lane hit 26 home runs last season but also was relegated to some platooning because of his droughts. The team expects Lane to be much more consistent in 2006, and some scouts think he can hit 40 homers. ... NATIONALS RF Jose Guillen hoped to avoid surgery, but an MRI revealed a slightly torn labrum in his left shoulder. He hurt the shoulder sliding headfirst in June but never went on the D.L. Guillen tried weight training to strengthen the shoulder, but the pain persisted. ... After being limited the previous two offseasons by an elbow injury, DIAMONDBACKS LF Luis Gonzalez once again is working on his upper-body strength. Gonzalez couldn't pull the ball with authority in 2004, and he struggled getting around on good fastballs in the second half of 2005. ... RHP David Weathers and LHP Kent Mercker were solid when pressed into sharing the closer role, but the REDS would prefer for them to be setup men. The team hopes RHP Todd Coffey is ready to close. ... Reggie Abercrombie improved his chances of being the MARLINS' fourth outfielder with a strong finish in the Arizona Fall League, in which he hit .300 and showed a little power. Abercrombie also can steal bases. ... The BREWERS' Bill Hall made huge strides at the plate last season, learning to lay off low-and-away breaking balls. Now, Hall needs to sharpen his defense. He figures to improve if he gets a chance to play one position, third base, after bouncing around. ... After two strong seasons coming out of the bullpen, RHP Ryan Madson apparently will be given a chance to start for the PHILLIES. He mixes three pitches and has a funky delivery that keeps hitters off-balance. ... PIRATES IF Yurendell DeCaster is off to a sizzling start in the Venezuelan winter league. It still will be tough for him to make the Pirates next season. ... ...