And in the National League:

San Diego: They have won the West two seasons in a row averaging only 84 1/2 wins, and now they have made the questionable decision of letting manager Bruce Bochy go. The big shoes likely will be filled by a first-time big-league skipper, as this organization heads in a slightly different direction. But it’s hard to imagine that direction being the World Series.

Houston: The Astros’ best chance passed them by back in 2005. Jeff Bagwell is long gone, Roger Clemens could be, and Craig Biggio and Andy Pettitte might be in their final seasons.

San Francisco: Bochy’s parachute is colored black and orange, and the Giants’ relievers are going to be the happiest bunch in the league, as nobody handles a bullpen better — as opposed to predecessor Felipe Alou’s persistent over-use. But this team has half-a-roster full of potential free agents, including Barry Bonds, Jason Schmidt and Moises Alou — and could have a much different (and younger) feel to it in 2007.

Atlanta: Payroll cuts have taken their toll, and likely will again this winter, when impending free agent Andruw Jones could be dealt. That said, a nice nucleus of young players is in place, so another losing season doesn’t seem likely.

Cincinnati: New ownership wants to win — something different than the last two owners. With that backing, GM Wayne Krivsky has been aggressive and for the most part successful — witness the Bronson Arroyo-Wily Mo Pena deal. That makes the Reds a team to watch this winter, when a payroll increase and a couple of smart moves could help them take the next step back to the playoffs.

Los Angeles: GM Ned Colletti cleaned up the mess left by Paul DePodesta, and give owner Frank McCourt some credit for realizing some earlier mistakes and making adjustments — i.e. spending more money. There are several important roster questions to be addressed, but there is an intriguing mix of talent here.

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

Philadelphia: GM Pat Gillick’s track record is filled with postseason appearances, and he already began the retooling process during the 2006 season. This franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs since its 1993 pennant, but with two budding superstars in Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, and just a little bit of roster tweaking, that streak should end next season.

St. Louis: The team the Cardinals put on the field during the playoffs — as opposed to an injury-filled regular season — was championship-caliber. And they still will have the best hitter on the planet and arguably the best starting pitcher in the league. But so many other changes will occur, and how will the new roster mix work in the wake of the organization’s first World Series title in 24 years?

New York: No team was dealt a tougher set of late-season blows than the Mets, who lost Pedro Martinez, Orlando Hernandez and for the most part, Cliff Floyd. As a result, after clearly being the best team in the National League all season, there just wasn’t enough left to get through the playoffs. But the combination of the Mets’ money and the aggressive nature of GM Omar Minaya should lead to an even-stronger roster that can finish the job this time.

It’s the Mets over the Angels late next October.