NL West divisional preview

With the MLB season coming up in a couple of weeks, I will be previewing each division as well as the postseason and awards. One division will get covered a week, and the seventh week will consist of postseason predictions as well as regular season awards. 

This week will feature the National League West division.

The National League West has had four of its five teams represented in the playoffs since 2007. The San Fransicso Giants return as not only the NL West champions, but also winners of the 2010 World Series, beating the Texas Rangers in five games. The San Fransico Giants return there entire starting pitching staff, including aces Matt Cain and "The Freak", Tim Lincecum. The rest of the division aims to knock the Giants off of their pedestal. 

1. Los Angeles Dodgers- The Dodgers were one of the most disappointing teams in the MLB, finishing fourth in the division last season. With players such as Andre Either, Matt Kemp, James Loney and Casey Blake returning in the field, and a pitching staff that consists of Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw and Ted Lilly, the Dodgers have the potential of outscoring and outpitching almost any team that they face. To close out the games, the Dodgers also have potential all-star Jonathan Broxton in the bullpen.

2. Colorado Rockies- The 2010 Rockies were one of the biggest surprises of the year by having an offense that would outslug anyone (The mile high air doesn't help you hit the actual ball). Players like Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez (who was a legitimate triple crown threat), Ian Stewart and the ageless Todd Helton will help to lead the Rockies offense yet again. The Rockies also have one of the best starting pitchers in the game in Ubaldo Jiminez as well as Huston Street to close out games.

3.San Fransisco Giants- Pitching, pitching and more pitching is what got the San Fransisco Giants their title last year. The Giants just don't have the offense, outside of Buster Posey and Cody Ross to carry the team. A lot of pressure will be put on Cain, Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner and Barry Zito to limit teams to as small of amount of runs as possible.

4. Arizona Diamonbacks- The D'backs are a young team that has an extremely bright future. It would not surprise me at all if this team came out of the NL West. The thing that hurts the Diamondbacks is that they do not have much experience on their team. Players like Stephen Drew, Justin Upton and Melvin Mora will power the offense while Joe Saunders, Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy will be among the starting pitchers.

5. San Diego Padres- The Padres finished a surprising 2nd place in the NL West last year, but the Padres don't have many players that strike the fear in an opponent's heart. Outside of Brad Hawpe and Ryan Ludwick, the offense just doesn't seem all that powerful. The pitching staff only has one star in Matt Latos, and Heath Bell will be counted upon on closing out the game for the Padres.