N.L. reports.(Baseball)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS RHP Matt Mantei, the team's closer, had pain in his right shoulder during the season, but the D-backs are confident it won't require surgery of hinder him in 2004. However, the team is trying to trim payroll and, with the emergence of RHP Jose Valverde, 24, it may try to deal Mantei and his $7 million contract. FREE-AGENT PRIORITY: The club wants to add lefthanded bullpen help and power to the lineup. It's leaning toward moving 1B Shea Hillenhrand to third, so first base could be one place to add power. Brewers 1B Richie Sexson isn't a free agent, but he may be available in a trade.-Steve Gilbert

ATLANTA BRAVES RHP John Smoltz believes the ...