Previewing the National League East

Although McLouth hit just .190/.298/.322 (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) in 2010, he's the only center-field option on the Opening Day roster, and the Braves plan on hitting him second.
--Capitol Avenue Club (SweetSpot)

Finding [Billy] Wagner's replacement is no easy task; we're talking about trying to match seven wins, 37 saves, 104 strikeouts and a 1.43 ERA from your closer.
--Tristan H. Cockroft, ESPN Fantasy »

• Toughest month: March/April (.508). Ten-game West Coast trip could hurt.
• Easiest month: July (.481). Host O's, Nats, Bucs and Marlins.
--Dan Szymborski, ESPN Insider »

The normally stingy Marlins placed a $7 million bet that Vazquez's huge drop in velocity and strikeouts in 2010, and the more than doubling of his walk and home run rates, were no more than symptoms of can't-pitch-in-New-York syndrome.
--The Platoon Advantage (SweetSpot) »

The worry stems from the fact that Johnson's season ended when he was shut down in September because of shoulder inflammation and an upper-back injury.
--Stephania Bell, ESPN Fantasy »

• Toughest month: Aug. (.514). NL's best hitters' park (Colorado) to worst (San Diego).
• Easiest month: March/April (.477). Nine-game homestand between off days.
--Dan Szymborski, ESPN Insider »

The unknown factor most affecting the Mets' chances has nothing to do with Carlos Beltran's knees, Johan Santana's elbow or R.A. Dickey's falling back to Earth. Instead, it will be all about their cash flow.
--Mets Today (SweetSpot) »

Ike Davis' 2010 season was, from a historical standpoint, fairly impressive. Since 1970, only seven first basemen have managed a season with at least 15 home runs and 70 RBIs in their debut year in the majors.
--AJ Mass, ESPN Fantasy »

• Toughest month: July (.522). They'll play 13 games against 2010 playoff teams.
• Easiest month: March/April (.485). Queens in spring: Nats, Astros, D-backs visit.
--Dan Szymborski, ESPN Insider »

People always claim that "as Jimmy Rollins goes, so go the Phillies," which was probably not accurate in previous years. This year, however, it absolutely will be the case.
--Crashburn Alley (SweetSpot) »

The Phillies have to rely on veterans like Jimmy Rollins to help carry the team until it gets healthy. Unfortunately, J-Roll wasn't exactly a picture of health last season, either, and when he did take the field, he looked like a player on the decline.
--Mike Sheets, ESPN Fantasy »

• Toughest month: Sept. (.494). Play 17 of last 27 on the road.
• Easiest month: March/April (.471). Astros and Mets at home is a nice way to start.
--Dan Szymborski, ESPN Insider »

Is he the long-term answer at shortstop? Not if he doesn't improve on his rookie totals of 34 errors and .308 OBP. --David Schoenfield »

Sure, it would've been nice for Werth to stay in Philadelphia, and his numbers likely will take a slight hit with the Nationals, but he is still a potential five-category fantasy producer.
--Mike Sheets, ESPN Fantasy »

• Toughest month: Aug. (.517). Visit Colorado, Chicago, Philly, Cincy and Atlanta. Yikes.
• Easiest month: July (.464). Tied for third-softest month in baseball this year.
--Dan Szymborski, ESPN Insider »