A post-mortem of the decline from world champions to also-rans, and the poetntial impact of exciting newcomers on the Angels’ chances in 2004.

Will the “Curse of October First” continue to bedevil the Giants in 2004, or will the ballclub — clearly inferior to the 2003 version that won 100 games — be able to prevail in a decidedly unimpressive NL West?

After winning the AL East in 1997, the Orioles have finished fourth in each of the last six seasons. They’re in the wrong division to make a surprise run at the playoffs, but do they at least have a shot at escaping fourth place? Ben examines five key questions facing the team.

The Mariners are one of the oldest teams in baseball, but they’re trying to win in spite of their age. Matthew looks at some key questions facing the current team, as well as the Hall of Fame chances of three Seattle veterans.

Sunday night, TNT will show “The Winning Season,” a movie about the guy who is likely to remain the greatest shortstop of all time, if ARod continues to play out of position. A look back at the accomplishments of the man called “The Flying Dutchman.”

Can the A’s make the playoffs for a fifth straight season, or will this be the year the naysayers are right? John Gizzi takes a look.

Philadelphia finished a disappointing third in the NL East last season, but going into 2004, they are arguably the best team in the National League. Matthew has a look.

Will the two great names – Jeriome Robertson and Milton Bradley – ever get a chance to play together in Cleveland? Aaron examines what’s going on with the Indians this week.

There is a different feeling around the North Side this year, one of optimism. Following a trip to the NLCS, the Cubs are now the favorites to win the National League Central. Will they live up to expectations or revert to the Lovable Losers?

The Braves’ amazing streak of division titles has to end sometime, right? After an off-season of watching Sheffield, Lopez and Maddux bolt for greener pastures, Atlanta heads into 2004 with the look of an underdog. Matthew examines the key questions surrounding the Braves.