UCB Predictions IV: NL West

1) Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers beat the Cardinals in the playoffs last year and haven't shown many signs of slipping from that level.  The pitching staff is still very strong, highlighted by Clayton Kershaw at the top of the rotation and Jonathan Broxton shutting the door in the ninth.

The lineup isn't anything to worry about either, with players like Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, James Loney, and Manny Ramirez out there slugging.  Couple that with a weaker division and, if it wasn't for the Rockies, LA might have this locked up in mid-August.

2) Colorado Rockies

Who'd have thought that you could ever have a serious discussion about the Rockies and lead off with their pitching staff?  The Rockies have finally figured out how to be solid on the mound as well as at the plate.  Ubaldo Jimenez, Aaron Cook, and others help Colorado stay within shouting distance of the Dodgers.  They can slug, we know that, but now they can stop the other teams from slugging, and that's a great combination.

3) Arizona Diamondbacks

The drop off between second and third in this division is pretty noticable.  The Diamondbacks are intriguing, especially after grabbing Edwin Jackson to pair up with Dan Haren at the top of the rotation.  Jackson may not be as good as he was last year, but moving to the NL may mask some of that.  I think they'll regret not having Max Scherzer, though, and who knows when and if Brandon Webb will return to them.

The offense has some potential, such as Justin Upton, but there's still some work to do in that regard.

4) San Francisco Giants

If the offense they have shown in their opening series against Houston holds up, they'll move up this list.  However, I don't think you'll find too many who would expect that to happen.  YOu have Pablo Sandoval and then...what?  Bengie Molina?  Aaron Rowand?  The pitching staff is solid, especially with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain at the top, but that can only go so far.

5) San Diego Padres

When your biggest highlight may be the trade rumors around your biggest player, you may have issues.  San Diego is going to be able to pitch somewhat--the ballpark helps out with that--but the staff is not exactly loaded with studs.  Chris Young is servicable and there are high hopes for Mat Latos, but there may not be anyone left to score runs if and when Adrian Gonzalez gets shipped off.