2009 Preview: NL West

After previewing the AL West, here are my predictions for the National League West

1. Arizona Diamondbacks- Division Winners

Pitching wins championships, and the D-backs are loaded with pitching. Braden Webb and Dan Haren provide an excellent 1-2 punch. Jon Garland was recently added, and Max Scherzer could have a bright future in front of him. Chad Qualls will close, but their bullpen has some question marks.

Their offense has the likes off Connor Jackson, Justin Upton, Stephen Drew, and the young and powerful Chris Young.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have a strong lineup that includes Manny Ramirez, Russell Martin, James Loney, Andre Eithier and Matt Kemp. However, the Dodgers need pitching depth. Chad Billingsley and Johnathan Broxton should put up good numbers, and Clayton Kershaw and James McDonald look to be promising young pitchers, but the Dodgers still need pitching.

3. Colorado Rockies

Even though the Rockies traded Matt Holliday, the Rockies can still score a ton of runs at Coors Field. Todd Helton may be another year older, but he is still capable of putting up good numbers. Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins remain in the Rockies lineup, Troy Tulowitzski returns from injuries and Chris Iannetta could become their next star player.

Aaron Cook is the ace Ubaldo Jiminez and Franklin Morales have a ton of potential and can strike out batters easily. Huston Street will be their new closer with Fuentes gone.

4. San Francisco Giants

Tim Lincecum, the 2008 NL Cy Young winner, will be the ace of the staff and will be followed by Matt Cain and newly acquired Randy Johnson. Despite his age, baring health, Johnson can still dominate, and pitching in a pitchers park will only benefit him. The Giants also added Jeremy Affedlt and Edgar Renteria.

The Giants think they have a star in their hands with third baseman Pablo Sandoval, a rookie.

5. San Diego Padres

Despite the power of Adrian Gonzalez, the Padres do not have a strong offense in the least bit. Kevin Kouzmanoff could add to the offense along with Brian Giles, but the Padres have a weak offense.

Outside of ace Jake Peavy, their pitching isn't great, unlike what it was during the 2006 season. Health Bell will take over as closer and Chris Young will be back from an injury.