The 2011 National League West will be a 4-team race. The 2010 World Series champion San Francisco Giants are the preseason favorites. Their roster basically stays the same for 2011 with the exception of Miguel Tejada playing shortstop instead of Juan Uribe, who is now with the Dodgers. Led by Tim Lincecum, the Giants look to once again have the best ERA in baseball and get back to the World Series.
The Colorado Rockies have a great offense. They finished second in the National League in team batting average last season. MVP candidates Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez will both have great seasons. The Rockies will have to pitch better to have a chance at the playoffs. Ubaldo Jimenez was great in 2010, but beyond that the Rockies just didn't pitch well. They will have to be better than 12th in the NL to make a run at the postseason.
The Padres and Dodgers could also make a run at the division title in 2011. For previews on these two teams check out my previous blog entries.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are in rebuilding mode once again in 2011. Will they surpass their 65 wins from a season ago? Chris Young and Justin Upton will need to have great seasons at the plate for this to happen. Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson are two young pitchers who look to be the aces of the staff. They will gain valuable experience this season and this will help for the years to come. Don't look for the Diamondbacks to compete in 2011.
Projected standings:
San Francisco Giants 94-68
Colorado Rockies 85-77
Los Angeles Dodgers 82-80
San Diego Padres 76-86
Arizona Diamondbacks 65-97
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