Even without Martinez, the Mets still have the NL’s deepest bullpen and most dangerous offense. You look around their clubhouse, and there are stars everywhere: Tom Glavine, Billy Wagner, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, David Wright, Paul LoDuca.

And that will be enough to get by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round, as they have injury issues of their own: Brad Penny’s back and Nomar Garciaparra’s side. But it may not be easy, as the Dodgers are riding a seven-game winning streak, and have no burden of expectation.

The San Diego Padres scare nobody on offense. They finished 13th in the league in runs scored. But that’s not how they win. Their staff led the NL in ERA, and was the only one below the 4.00 mark. Their starters had the lowest ERA, and their relievers trailed only the Mets’ bullpen. And they hold a solid edge over the rest of the NL playoff field in fielding percentage.

No rotation is deeper and more talented than the Padres’ foursome of Jake Peavy, Chris Young, David Wells and Woody Williams. No bullpen has three late-inning relievers that can match Trevor Hoffman, Cla Meredith and Scott Linebrink.

The Padres also win on the road — 45-36 away from Petco Park. And with the Mets’ pitching issues, the possibility for an upset has increased. So it’s the Padres who will emerge as the NL pennant winner.

You can make legitimate arguments for either side of the Minnesota Twins-Oakland A’s division series. The Twins have home-field advantage and a 54-27 record in the Metrodome, Johan Santana lined up for two starts if necessary, and are riding the dual good fortune of a 70-30 final 100 games, and the Tigers’ late-season giveaway.

The A’s have deeper starting pitching, a motivated Frank Thomas, and the desire to finally get past the first round of the playoffs. If Barry Zito can contain the Twins’ left-handed power hitters and beat Santana, the momentum would shift Oakland’s way.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

We’ll give it to the A’s, but that will only set up an ALCS of contrasts — New York vs. Oakland, power offense and a bloated payroll vs. pitching, defense and clutch hitting on a budget.

The Yankees have too many key parts getting healthy at the same time, setting up a new Murderer’s Row that is so lethal, the No. 9 hitter in the order finished third in the AL batting race.

They aren’t without concerns — namely, Randy Johnson’s back and Jason Giambi’s wrist. But Johnson apparently will be able to pitch after a long rest and a shot that has eased the pain, and Giambi will be the designated hitter.

There is enough pitching and just too much offense for both Oakland and San Diego (or any other NL survivor, for that matter), leaving no NL upset this year. Just another Yankees’ title.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Cuban ‘not on prowl’ for Dodgers, or any team   Sosa’s skin undergoing color change Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay Damon, Matsui and Pettitte all could return Yankees’ Jeter, Teixeira win Gold Gloves Scully to broadcast in 2010, then decide future Baseball GMs pass on expanding instant replay Martin, Herzog, Murtaugh and Mauch on Hall ballot Free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: