N.L. report.(BASEBALL)

SPOTLIGHT: Outfield

ASTROS Outfield depth might leave CF Willy Taveras without a position. Lance Berkman and Preston Wilson are guaranteed spots, likely in left and center, and Jason Lane probably will grab right field. Berkman will move to first base if Jeff Bagwell doesn't play there, which would help Taveras. BRAVES Gold Glove CF Andruw Jones will be flanked by RF Jeff Francoeur and LF Ryan Langerhans, who also are strong defenders. Francoeur needs to judge the strike zone better. BREWERS The club's backbone in 2005--LF Carlos Lee, CF Brady Clark and RF Geoff Jenkins--returns. That's important with a young infield playing in front of it. CARDINALS it's uncertain whether this season's group will be better than last season's. CF Jim Edmonds does it all, but RF Juan Encarnacion is a step down from Larry Walker, and left field is wide-open. So Taguchi might have a leg up on John Rodriguez and Larry Bigbie. CUBS The relative lack of power hurts. LF Matt Murton has 25-home run potential. RF Jacque Jones will benefit from playing at Wrigley Field. CF Juan Pierre's job is to get on base and be energetic. DIAMONDBACKS The addition of CF Eric Byrnes allows Shawn Green to return to right. Byrnes sometimes takes odd routes but compensates with his speed and all-out style. Luis Gonzalez will hold down left. DODGERS Injuries continue to have an impact. RF J.D. Drew is recovering from shoulder surgery. LF Jayson Werth, who had wrist surgery, might not be ready for the start of the season; Jose Cruz figures to fill in. CF Kenny Lofton likely won't play much more than 100 games. GIANTS This is a strength, but there are potential problems because LF Barry Bonds and RF Moises Alou are coming off injuries. CF Randy Winn needs to hit. Backup Steve Finley will play often. MARLINS Rookie RF Jeremy Hermida is the only lock. Barring a trade, center field likely will be played by Eric Reed or Chris Aguila. Reed the fastest player in the organization, has been compared to Pierre. Aguila, Reggie Abercrombie and Matt Cepicky will compete for the job in left. METS The club's pitchers will lament the departure of RF Mike Cameron. Replacements Xavier Nady and Victor Diaz form a quasi-platoon. Nady could play more because of his defense. The club deserves better production from CF Carlos Beltran. LF Cliff Floyd was the club's first half MVP in '05. NATIONALS RF Jose Guillen is coming off shoulder surgery. Alfonso Soriano doesn't want to play left field. Marlon Byrd, Ryan Church and Brandon ...