Last season, the N.L. West was turned on its head, with Arizona going from a 65-win team in 2010 to winning the division, in an astounding turnaround.

A 29-game improvement in the win column gave the Diamondbacks the division crown which no one saw coming.

Thus far this offseason, each team within the division has made moves, although some more notable than others. Most clubs have retooled for 2012, in hopes of capturing the elusive division title.

In a division where there is no clear front-runner, I believe it's up for grabs and there for the Rockies to grab.

Fifth Place: San Diego Padres

The Padres won a division-worst 71 games last season.

The club made some noise this offseason, but unfortunately it was the players who departed that generated the bulk of the noise. All-Star closer Heath Bell left via free agency for Miami and was replaced by Huston Street. 

San Diego management then traded away their ace, Mat Latos, to the Reds in exchange for pitcher Edinson Volquez and a few top prospects. They were able to land outfielder Carlos Quentin from Chicago, but it is not nearly enough to help that anemic offense.

It seems as though the Friars are in total rebuilding mode and at least a few years away from being significant in the West, as they have many holes heading into 2012.

Fourth Place: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are hoping to improve upon a mediocre season and have signed pitchers Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano in hopes of improving their staff.

Although not retaining Hiroki Kuroda will hurt them, having reigning Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw sure helps, but it is not enough. 

Other than the addition of veteran second baseman Mark Ellis, the lineup is almost the same as the one they ran out their last season. Outfielder Matt Kemp is coming off an MVP-like campaign but doesn't have much protection around him. I see this team finishing .500 at season's end.

Third Place: Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona had a tremendous 2011, putting it all together and winning the West.

I do not see this season going quite the same way for the Snakes. They return a very similar lineup in 2012. One that I believe overachieved last season.

Arizona traded for pitcher Trevor Cahill, who no doubt has the potential to be a very good pitcher but went 12-14 with a 4.16 ERA last season.

His 2009 season was much of the same, going 10-13 with a 4.63 ERA; and those numbers were posted while pitching his home games at pitcher-friendly Oakland-Alameda County Stadium. He now calls hitter-friendly Chase Field home and will have to deal with throwing at Coors Field as well.

Ian Kennedy is a very good front-line pitcher. He is a consistent 21-4, 2.88 ERA good though. Those numbers will not be put up again by Kennedy, as he will almost surely come back down to Earth.

The D'Backs will compete all season long; but I don't envision the success they enjoyed last season.

Second Place: Colorado Rockies

The Rockies will rely heavily on a potent lineup until pitcher Jorge De La Rosa returns from injury in late May. 

The Rockies made a splash when they signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer this offseason, and he will provide a consistent power bat in the middle of a lineup, already consisting of Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Todd Helton.

Catcher Ramon Hernandez was signed from Cincinnati and should be an all around upgrade from former backstop Chris Iannetta.

A staff headed up by a healthy De La Rosa and Jhoulys Chacin and Drew Pomeranz gives Colorado a very young but talented rotation.

I expect the Rockies bats to carry them until the return of De La Rosa. 

A full return by Pitcher Juan Nicasio would bolster them with a big shot in the arm. 

The disappointments of 2011 should be in the rear-view mirror. 

First Place: San Francisco Giants

The Giants won 86 games last season and did so without a few key players.

They lost catcher Buster Posey for the season in late May due to injury and second baseman Freddy Sanchez in mid-June. Both are expected to be at full strength when the season begins.

San Francisco addressed a need at the top of their lineup when they dealt for center fielder Angel Pagan from the Mets and acquired outfielder Melky Cabrera from Kansas City.

Although the Giants did trade away pitcher Jonathan Sanchez this offseason, they still posses a formidable staff featuring Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and the mercurial Ryan Vogelsong. 

Let's not forget All-Star closer Brian WIlson to close out games.

Barring something unforeseen, I believe the Giants will come away with the division in a race involving three teams.