National League power rankings by La Velle E. Neal III

1. Chicago Cubs (92-70 last season)

Jake Arrieta is gone, but Yu Darvish has replaced him in the rotation. The core of this team remains young and extremely talented.

2. Washington Nationals (97-65)

Dave Martinez is the latest new manager brought in to win that elusive World Series title — during Bryce Harper's final season before free agency.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers (104-58)

After losing in Game 7 to Houston, the Dodgers look to take that elusive next step without making splashy moves.

4. New York Mets (70-92)

5. Colorado Rockies (87-75)

Colorado invested $104 million in free-agent relievers Jake McGee, Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw to help its postseason dreams.

6. Milwaukee Brewers (86-76)

They will hit, as Christian Yelich joins three players who smashed 30-plus homers last season. Is the rotation built for the postseason?

7. St. Louis Cardinals (83-79)

8. Arizona Diamondbacks (93-69)

They have postseason hopes despite losing J.D. Martinez and Fernando Rodney to free agency. MVP threat Paul Goldschmidt still around.

9. San Francisco Giants (64-98)

Hope the cure for a 95-loss team is better health plus the additions of Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen.

10. Atlanta Braves (72-90)

11. Philadelphia Phillies (66-96)

Carlos Santana, Pat Neshek and Jake Arrieta have been signed to help speed up the youth movement.

12. San Diego Padres (71-91)

Another rebuilding team recently added a very good mentor in free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer.

13. Cincinnati Reds (68-94)

14. Pittsburgh Pirates (75-87)

Fans are still wobbling from 1-2 punch of trading Andrew McCutchen to San Francisco and Gerrit Cole to Houston.

15. Miami Marlins (77-85)