Arizona Diamondbacks: Only another horrific season from the Pittsburgh Pirates prevented the D’backs from having the worst record in the National League last season. Unfortunately for Arizona fans, the 2011 season doesn't hold much more in the way of promise. If the D’backs can avoid 90 losses, it would be considered a successful season by most. That's because the Diamondbacks starting rotation is filled with young starters. Also, Arizona only hit .250 as a team last season and the players they added certainly aren't stars. Rather, they are "retreads" like Russell Branyan, Xavier Nady, and Melvin Mora. Maybe manager Kirk Gibson, in his first full season, can help this team take a step in the right direction. However, with a young starting rotation and a strikeout-prone batting lineup, this team still has a long way to go!

Colorado Rockies: After winning 83 games last season, I would not be surprised to see the Rockies return to the post-season and garner somewhere in the neighborhood of 90 wins this season. Colorado was one of the best home teams in the majors last season and new additions like utility player Ty Wigginton and Jose Lopez should enjoy big production thanks to hitter friendly Coors Field. Keep in mind that Lopez is coming from cavernous Safeco Field in Seattle and I look for him to rebound from a tough season. With a respectable lineup already in place, a solid pitching rotation, and Huston Street at closer, look for the Rockies to challenge the Giants in the NL West this season.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers finished right around .500 last season and a similar finish this season would not be a surprise. The fact is that Don Mattingly will face some challenges in his first season as manager. The Dodgers did not hit well last season and their lineup has a lot of question marks heading into the new season as well. Casey Blake is currently injured. Rod Barajas is certainly not an upgrade over Russell Martin at catcher. Outfielder Marcus Thames is really only suited for a platoon role and Matt Kemp is one of the few hitters with power on this team. However, if they hit him in the cleanup spot it doesn't take advantage of his speed. But again, with a lack of pop in their lineup, the Dodgers don't have a lot of options. Pitching should be a strength, especially if Jon Garland heals up, but there is just not enough offense at Chavez Ravine for this club. That spells another season of mediocrity.

San Diego Padres: The Padres won 90 games last season but losing 90 this season would not be a surprise. San Diego seemed to get "all the breaks" in 2010 but their .246 team batting average is going to catch up with them. Mat Latos is likely to slump some this season as duplicating another season with an ERA under 3 is simply unrealistic. Also, the acquisition of Aaron Harang is a questionable one. Pitching his home games at pitcher-friendly Petco Field will certainly help but let's not forget that Harang compiled a 5.32 ERA in 2010. Also, new arrivals in the lineup - guys like Jason Bartlett, Orlando Hudson, Brad Hawpe, and Cameron Maybin - are likely to struggle in a new venue that is not easy on hitters! Look for a big Padres dropoff in 2011 with guys like Harang and Wade LeBlanc in the rotation.

San Francisco Giants: It goes without saying that 2010 was a magical season for the Giants. However, I fully expect a dropoff from last season's 92 regular season wins. A fall back to 85 wins or even somewhere around a .500 mark would not surprise at all. This is still a team that only hit .257 last season. Also, Miguel Tejeda (now at short for San Francisco) certainly has seen his skills diminish in recent seasons. Outfielder Cody Ross is currently hurt and Pat Burrell and Pablo Sandoval are both question marks as they've been on a downhill slide in terms of overall production. Though the pitching staff still looks stout, Barry Zito could revert to his struggles and Jonathan Sanchez still labors with his control far too often. Factor that in with the potential for a "sophomore slump" for Madison Bumgarner and you have the makings of a dropoff for the Giants in 2011 after last season's miracle run where everything fell into place for San Francisco.

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