[Joy in Mudville]

The following is a preview of the NL East for the upcoming 1976 season:

Chicago Cubs (Keith J.)
Coming off their best season in JIM history at 84-78, the Cubs are feeling like contenders. Changes in management have brought a new attitude. Rookie left-hander Ken Kravec has been handed the ball for Opening Day while sluggers Cliff Johnson, Rick Monday and Willie Montanez anchor the lineup. However, an upgrade at short stop may be the key.
Montreal Expos (Andrew R.)
Les Expos again hold the No. 1 overall pick in the June amateur draft. Yet, there is excitement north of the border. Last year's top draft selection Andre Dawson will start the season in center field after just 58 games in the minors. Dawson joins former first-rounders Keith Hernandez and John Candelaria. Rookie Joe Nolan takes over the catching duties. Whether he handles the job may determine the fate of the Montreal pitchers.
New York Mets (Bryan S.)
A trio of left-handers anchor the Mets' pitching staff but it's right-hander Ed Figueroa who has everyone talking. New York has finally added some youth in the forms of Steve Braun and Disco Danny Ford to the lineup. This should ease some of the pressure off aging veteran first baseman Boog Powell. But, is 35-year-old Ray Sadecki really this team's closer?
Philadelphia Phillies (Rick B.)
The Phils are determined to prove last season's division title wasn't a one-shot deal. Philadelphia liked what it saw of right-hander John Denny in spring training. A healthy Phil Garner returns from an injury suffered in game one of the playoffs. Garner, nicknamed "Scrap Iron" by his teammates, joins boppers Greg Luzinski, Oscar Gamble and Larry Hisle in igniting the Bicentennial Candle offense.
Pittsburgh Pirates (Paul F.)
After three straight NL East flags the Pirates slid to fourth place a year ago. While its offense still boasts the likes of sluggers Richie Hebner, Willie Stargell and Al Oliver, Pittsburgh's pitching may again do the Bucs in. Rookie Rob Dressler joins veterans Dock Ellis, Luke Walker and Fred Cambria. Righty Tom Griffin will also get his share of starts.
St. Louis Cardinals (Matt F.)
The Redbirds improved by 15 games last summer and finished just one behind Philadelphia. St. Louis lost All-Star catcher Ted Simmons to a fractured hand in spring training. That means the Cardinals open the season with creaky veterans Joe Torre and Andy Etchebarren behind the mask. Meanwhile, speed demons Lou Brock and Davey Lopes set the table for budding stars Cecil Cooper and Ellis Valentine. Left-hander Steve Carlton must return to his 20-win potential for St. Louis to fly.