N.L. report.(BASEBALL)

NATIONALS special adviser Jose Cardenal says it won't be easy for Alfonso Sodano to adjust to left field. Cardenal, who will aid Sofiano in the transition, says he must learn to take better routes to the ball, field line drives, deal with outfield walls and recognize who's running the bases....

CARDINALS RHP Chris Carpenter says his two-seam fastball has more life on it this spring than at any point last season. He also feels stronger now that another year has passed since his shoulder surgeries of 2002 and '03.... Limited at-bats with Team USA didn't seem to affect BRAVES RF Jeff Francoeur; he hit well after his return from the World Baseball Classic. Francoeur is trying to become more selective and patient at the plate.... BREWERS utilityman Bill Hall might play more at second base than third base in April 2B Rickie Weeks has been limited by an oblique strain this spring, so the club might be extra cautious with him early and play Hall more.... Rookie 2B Josh Barfield is expected to provide youthful energy to a veteran PADRES lineup. Barfield shows plus range and excellent defensive instincts. He is a gap hitter and an alert, aggressive baserunner.... CUBS RF Jacque Jones looks much better than the .249 hitter he was last year with the Twins. Jones credits an adjustment in his mental approach; he has focused on not giving away at-bats.... RHP Ian Snell has impressed the PIRATES' coaches with his ability to adjust his mechanics. A hard thrower, Snell should be an effective change of pace in a rotation dominated by lefthanders.... RHP Bronson Arroyo, the REDS' new No. 2 starter, gives the staff someone who can work deep into games. But he is primarily a fly-ball pitcher, which might not bode well in Great American Ball Park, a homer haven.... RF Jeremy Hermida's plate discipline and ability to work the count make him a viable No. 2 hitter for the MARLINS. Hermida, 22, is projected to hit for power down the road, but the 2-hole is a good spot for him now because it limits home run expectations for him in his rookie season.... Judging from his spring performance, RHP Ryan Madsen may emerge as one of the PHILLIES' most consistent starters. His curve has been crisp, and it will complement his fastball and change well.... METS RHP Pedro Martinez (toe) won't be available to start the opener--he will be replaced by LHP Tom Glavine--but probably will start the second game. If that is the only impact of his injury, the club will be delighted.... When LHP Hong-Chih Kuo's elbow withstood appearances on consecutive days, it boosted his chances of winning a spot in the DODGERS' bullpen. Kuo is a hard thrower who is fearless against righthanded ...