Unlike the American League, where one division has just a single playoff contender and the wild-card action is limited to three teams, the National League postseason picture is a wide-open affair.

Maybe it's better balanced; maybe it's the presence of two extra teams. Whatever the reason, the NL offers two divisional races that could involve three teams each and a mad scramble for the wild card.

Of course, there could be some thinning out of the field soon if the Mets, Astros and Giants don't keep up the pace. But for now, it's an eight-team field.

A look at the contestants:

Atlanta Braves
Deadline help: None

Questions: Is the (relatively-speaking) no-name bullpen strong enough to hold up? Will they get enough production out of first base? Is Gary Sheffield capable of carrying them down the stretch?

Already answered: Starting pitching; John Smoltz has made a seamless transition to the bullpen; peerless defense up the middle, led by center fielder Andruw Jones.

They could use ...: A bat, preferably at first; A change of postseason karma, having reached the World Series just once in the last five years despite qualifying for the postseason each time.

Overall prognosis: The Braves are in command of the NL East, per usual, running away from the field. That gives them the luxury of getting their pitching in order in September and resting some veterans. The test will come in October, but perhaps the overhaul of the roster (a 40-percent churn from last year) will provide a different October outcome.

New York Mets
Deadline help: RHP John Thomson, RHP Steve Reed

Questions: Can the slumbering offense awake? Can Mo Vaughn and Roberto Alomar lift the team on their experienced shoulders? Is Armando Benitez to be trused in a playoff race?

Already answered: A strong bench; overall experience; strong left-handed presence in the rotation.

They could use ...: Another front-line starter, but then, who couldn't? Outfield help, since beyond the slumping Jeromy Burnitz, there's little power there now.

Overall prognosis: As happened last year, the Mets dug themselves a deep hole early in the season, then clawed back, only to run out of steam in late September. They've begun the comeback earlier this year, and they would seem to have the talent. But there's some question about the depth of their starting pitching.

St. Louis Cardinals
Deadline help: LHP Chuck Finley, 3B Scott Rolen

	Chuck Finley is 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA in three starts for the Cardinals.

Questions: Do they have enough in the starting rotation following the death of Darryl Kile? How will Rolen respond to the new surroundings and old expectations? Can Finley be counted on to contribute?

Already answered: Management's willingness to get this team into the playoffs; solid defensively at every position, with the arrival of Rolen making the infield as good as any in the league; good power throughout the lineup.

They could use ...: A strong final two months from first baseman Tino Martinez; quick returns from injured starters Woody Williams (back, hamstring) and Garret Stephenson (strained side muscle).

Overall prognosis: The Cards have led the division for a while, and there's no imminent signs of slippage, even with the strong second-half play of the Reds and Astros. They're clearly the team to beat.

Cincinnati Reds
Deadline help: RHP Brian Moehler

Questions: Do the Reds have enough power? What can Ken Griffey Jr. deliver down the stretch? Do they have a single starting pitcher they can count on in big games? Can veterans like Griffey and Barry Larking stay healthy? How will young players like Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns respond to the pressure of the pennant race?

Already answered: GM Jim Bowden's ability to be creative when it comes to moves; the depth of the starting rotation.

They could use ...: Another lefty in the bullpen; stability in their rotation.

Overall prognosis: The Reds have overachieved for much of the season and have been more of a factor in the division than almost anyone expected. But their lack of a true front-line starter may hurt them, particularly when matched against the other two top teams in the NL Central (St. Louis and Houston).

Houston Astros
Deadline help: None

Questions: Can Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio carry this team as they have so often? Can Daryle Ward and Richard Hidalgo rebound and provide more offense?

Already answered: The emergence of right-hander Roy Oswalt as a certified ace; the veteran leadership and presence provided by Bagwell and Biggio.

They could use ...: More power, particularly a team playing in a cozy ballpark; speed, which is almost non-existent; a healthy Wade Miller behind Oswalt.

Overall prognosis: In the past, the Astros' problem has been the playoffs. This time, it will be getting there. They didn't get over .500 to stay until late-July. It's questionable, without any reinforcements, whether they have enough left for a strong kick.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Deadline help: None

Questions: How much will the loss of catcher Damian Miller hurt? Can Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling withstand their continued heavy workload? Do they have enough power? Can Matt Williams still contribute?

Already answered: The best 1-2 pitching punch (Johnson-Schilling) in recent memory; a sense of team, where the sum is great than the parts; strong, balanced bullpen.

They could use ...: Improvement in the infield defense; a September boost from the injured Danny Bautista.

Overall prognosis: The questions facing the Diamondbacks this summer are no different than last: people still wonder if they have enough pitching beyond the Big 2 and worry about their age. It hasn't stopped them yet.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Deadline help: INF Tyler Houston; RHP Paul Shuey

	The Dodgers can only hope a healthy Kevin Brown returns for the stretch run.

Questions: Are they too right-handed offensively? Is Eric Karros capable of more power? Is there time for Adrian Beltre to salvage a disappointing season?

Already answered: Terrific bullpen, bolstered by the addition of Shuey; improved infield defense, thanks to shortstop Cesar Izturis; veteran depth on the bench.

They could use ...: A healthy Kevin Brown to return in September; a strong finish from left fielder Brian Jordan.

Overall prognosis: Catching the Diamondbacks may be tough, but the Dodgers would seem to have enough pitching to emerge as the wild-card favorites.

San Francisco Giants
Deadline help: OF Kenny Lofton

Questions: Can Barry Bonds (nagging hamstring) stay healthy? For that matter, can they field a healthy outfield? Will Livan Hernandez contribute more? Is there enough pop in the batting order behind the duo of Bonds and Jeff Kent?

Already answered: A deep rotation, albeit one which lacks a true ace; the continued excellence of closer Robb Nen; the positive effect manager Dusty Baker has on a close race.

They could use ...: Hernandez needs to help in the final two months; Bonds would help with his one of his hot streaks, which nearly catapulted the Giants into the postseason last September.

Overall prognosis: It's uphill all the way, particularly given their myriad of injuries. Bonds and Kent might be able to carry the offense, but the simple fact is the Giants probably don't have the pitching to overcome their division mates in Arizona and Los Angeles.

Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal covers baseball for ESPN.com.