RetroSimba

In participation with a week-long United Cardinal Bloggers project, our predictions for the 2011 National League West Division:

1. Rockies: Led by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (.315 batting mark, 27 home runs and 95 RBI in an injury-shortened 2010) and left fielder Carlos Gonzalez (NL-leading .336, 34 homers, 117 RBI), Colorado has the best starting lineup in the division. Anchored by Ubaldo Jimenez (19 wins), Jorge de la Rosa (113 strikeouts in 122 innings) and Jhoulis Chacin (138 strikeouts in 137 innings), the rotation is good enough.

2. Giants: With a rotation of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner (all four had ERAs below 3.50 in 2010), the defending World Series champions cannot be counted out.

3. Diamondbacks: No-nonsense manager Kirk Gibson may be just the tonic to get talent such as outfielders Justin Upton (.273 in 2010) and Chris Young (.257), and shortstop Stephen Drew (.278), to consistently perform to their potential.

4. Dodgers: Los Angeles has too many fading veterans _ catcher Rod Barajas, 35; third baseman Casey Blake, 37; left fielder Marcus Thames, 34; and pitcher Ted Lilly, 35 _ in prominent roles. First-year manager Don Mattingly will be tested.

5. Padres: In 2010, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was the only Padre to hit more than 13 homers and drive in more than 58 runs. He’s now with Boston. The lineup needs punch, and the lack of run production will put a strain on a talented, but young, starting rotation.