The Dodgers will look to repeat as AL West champs, while the D'backs lead the group that is trying to knock them off.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks had a disappointing end to last season, coming up short against the Dodgers. They will look to bounce back this year and win the division. They boast one of the best starting rotations in baseball with Webb, Haren, Davis, and Garland. Their bullpen is solid, led by closer Qualls. They have a great group of young stars in their lineup led by Upton, Jackson, Drew, and Reynolds. They are a very complete ball club and should have enough to edge out the Dodgers for the division.
Prediction: First Place
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are a team on the downswing. They traded away their best player in Matt Holliday. That will seriously weaken their offense. Their pitching is not very good either. It will be very difficult for this team to stay out of the cellar.
Prediction: Fifth Place
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers won this division last year and are looking to do it again this year. They were finally able to re-sign Ramirez, one of the best hitters in the game, after a long negotiation. He joins youngsters Martin, Loney, Kemp, and Ethier, in a solid offense. The pitching staff is solid, led by Billingley and closer Broxton. In the end, though, their staff is not quite as good as Arizona, which is why they will come up just short in the race for the division title.
Prediction: Second Place
San Diego Padres
The Padres are looking to bounce back from a miserable season last year. If Peavy and Young stay healthy, they have one of the best one-two punches in baseball. The rest of the pitching staff, though, is a little shaky. The offense is anemic outside of Gonzalez. Ultimately, this team simply will not score enough runs to stay in the race.
Prediction: Fourth Place
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have the potential to have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. They have a great one-two punch in Cy Young Award Winner Lincecum and Cain. If Johnson stays healthy, they will have a quality number three. If Zito bounces back from an awful season last year and regains his form, they will have a good number four. Sanchez is a decent number five. Their bullpen and offense will be their downfall, however. Neither is very good. On the strength of the rotation, though, they should hover around .500.
Prediction: Third Place
