Chart: National League power rankings

1. Washington

The team with the most wins in the league last season finally got the leadoff man it needed in Denard Span. Stephen Strasburg = Optimus Prime.

2. Cincinnati

Shin-Soo Choo at the top of this batting order? The Reds will score plenty of runs and have the arms to make a serious postseason run.

3. Los Angeles

The Dodgers are already holding their breath over Zack Greinke's sore elbow in camp. Offense should be more productive.

4. Atlanta

Freddie Freeman have another year of experience. Watch

out.

5. San Francisco

The defending champs have an outstanding starting rotation, but they don't have power, don't have Brian Wilson and don't have Tim Lincecum's long hair.

6. St. Louis

7. Philadelphia

The Phillies added a good, speedy center fielder in Ben Revere and still have top-line starters. But the team is showing its age … and needs to produce more runs.

8. Pittsburgh

Andrew McCutchen is one of the most entertaining players in the game, and his team is showing signs of … finishing over .500 for a change.

9. Milwaukee

10. San Diego

The Padres finished the second half strongly, so some believe they can be a sleeper pick. Chase Headley is coming off a breakthrough season.

11. Arizona

Parting ways with Justin Upton

and Chris Young might not be a bad thing. The rotation is solid if Brandon McCarthy stays healthy. The lineup needs Jason Kubel healthy.

The Cubs are in rebuilding mode. They added several starting pitchers, so the rotation should be functional. The lineup is a work in progress.

13. Colorado

The offense was productive last season, even with Troy Tulowitzki injured. But no starter won more than six games, and the Rockies didn't upgrade the rotation.

14. New York

Johan Santana isn't happy. The roster is depleted. The Mets have some pieces in place for the future but will take their lumps this season.

Mike Redmond was named manager, then the roster was gutted. Red-Dog is going to have a tough time keeping spirits up in South Beach.

La Velle E. Neal III