With the baseball season kicking off soon, here’s a preview of the 2006 National League.

The Atlanta Braves, division leaders for 14 years, might finally fall.

The Florida Marlins got rid of big name pitchers and batters. The Washington Nationals overachieved during a lot of 2005. The Philadelphia Phillies lost lights-out closer Billy Wagner.

The New York Mets, on the other hand, acquired Wagner and Carlos Delgado in the off season.

A lot of theorists would have you believe that 2006 is the Chicago Cubs’ year. In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series after an 86-year drought. In 2005, the Chicago White Sox won after an 88-year famine. The Cubs have been waiting 98 years, so it seems to be their time.

Not so fast. The Houston Astros have been the constant No. 2, but if Roger Clemens does not return, they might not stand a chance. The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds are both improving, but they still have too many question marks.

Competing with the St. Louis Cardinals seems to be too much for anyone in this division.

The Colorado Rockies have spent a lot of their franchise history in the Major League Baseball basement. The Los Angeles Dodgers got former all-star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra but he hasn’t been productive lately.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking like they are still recovering from losing the main figures from their 2001 Championship.

The San Francisco Giants hopes for this season rely heavily on Barry Bonds’ future: injuries, steroid suspension, etc.

When it comes down to it, no team seemingly made itself better than the San Diego Padres.