NL West: How the Giants Stack Up Against the Division Going into 2012

With winter meetings coming to a close, the NL West has generally become a more competitive division for the Giants. Most of the teams have retooled and added new players for their 2012 campaign. The Giants have also made some moves, mainly offensive upgrades, but I think the healthy return of certain players, and the continued improvement of others, will be the spark that sends San Francisco back to the playoffs. Here is a look at how the division is projected to turn out next season.

5.San Diego Padres:

The Padres haven't made any notable moves this offseason, besides losing Heath Bell and replacing him with Huston Street. I don't know what San Diego management is doing, this is looking like a lost offseason for them. The offense is desperately, obviously in need of help, while the pitching staff has only gotten thinner. With the exceptions of Latos and Gregerson, and maybe Cameron Maybin, the whole team is made up of just average guys. Barring something miraculous like 2010, where the Padres grossly over-performed and pushed the Giants to the very end, I don't see San Diego moving out of the division basement anytime soon.

4.Los Angeles Dodgers:

Things aren't looking too good in Los Angeles in the aftermath of the McCourt fiasco. The addition of Aaron Harang is nice, still a capable fourth or fifth starter, but Hiroki Kuroda should have been resigned. And the infield has lost too many guys to free agency and is in need of some fresh talent. The Dodgers will regress next year. I'm predicting a sub-.500 record, which is disappointing considering the young stars L.A has, who they could be building around, rather than just plugging holes. 

3.Colorado Rockies:

I think the Rockies have a good chance to contest the D-Backs for second in the division next year. They have some young, but very talented pitchers. The lineup looks pretty decent, in addition to the mainstays of Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, Ramon Hernandez was a good pickup for them. One of the big question marks for the Rockies, in my opinion, is Tyler Colvin. He was a highly rated prospect who was acquired in the Ian Stewart deal, a power hitter who didn't do too well with the Cubs, and if he can find his swing again (shouldn't be too hard playing at Coor's Field), that could be a huge boost to Colorado.

2.Arizona Diamondbacks:

The D-Backs will continue to be very dangerous next season, a team that the Giants should keep an eye on. The addition of Trevor Cahill, a guy with No. 1 starter potential, will really help Arizona. His numbers last year, 12-14, 4.16 ERA, 147-82 K/BB ratio, will improve significantly with the move to the National League. Arizona returns mostly the same lineup from last year's run, and under the right circumstances, will be in a tight competition with the Giants for the division title.

1. San Francisco Giants:

The offense received some needed improvement with Angel Pagan and Melky Cabrera being brought in, adding speed and the ability to get on base to the top of the lineup. However, the biggest benefit to the Giants will be the healthy return of Posey and Sanchez, and the continued improvement of Sandoval. A question mark going into the season is the fifth spot in the rotation, anyone would be preferable to Zito, in my opinion. If Posey plays anywhere near Rookie of the Year form, and everyone else can hit .270, the pitchers will be greatly uplifted by that and the Giants will win the division by 2-4 games.