WEST DIVISION
1| SAN FRANCISCO 2011 | 86-76, 2nd in West Last year in playoffs | 2010
Catcher Buster Posey is back after last year’s leg injury, and new arrivals Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan provide added support for the division’s best pitching staff. Carlos Beltran, Andres Torres, Cody Ross and Pat Burrell are gone. If first baseman Aubrey Huff slumps, Brandon Belt waits in the wings.
2| ARIZONA 2011 | 94-68, 1st in West Last year in playoffs | 2011
Trevor Cahill’s arrival from Oakland gives the starting rotation more depth but the Diamondbacks need Josh Collmenter and Joe Saunders to have above-.500 seasons to win the division again. Free agent Jason Kubel was added to a solid offense, though shortstop Stephen Drew is hurting.
3| DODGERS 2011 | 82-79, 3rd in West Last year in playoffs | 2009
The Dodgers hit fewer home runs last season than any NL West team except the Padres — and that was with Matt Kemp leading the league in homers. Speedster Dee Gordon needs to get on base and the middle of the lineup needs to produce much more often.
4| COLORADO 2011 | 73-89, 4th in West Last year in playoffs | 2009
With Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder out of the National League, the Rockies have the most potent 3-4 duo in the NL in Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies last summer traded ex-ace Ubaldo Jimenez for rookie Drew Pomeranz, 23, and Pomeranz might be better right now.
5| SAN DIEGO 2011 | 71-91, 5th in West Last year in playoffs | 2006
The Padres, looking to rebound after a dreadful 2011, picked up outfielders Carlos Quentin (who’s on the DL) and Mark Kotsay, starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (who cost them Mat Latos) and closer Huston Street. San Diego has to hit better after posting the lowest batting average (.237) and home run total (91) in the NL.