2012 NL West Preview: Last Giant Chance

Last year, I did the stupid thing of picking my favorite team(s) for the World Series. I think I will be safe picking one for a division, though.

The Giants were a disappointment last season coming off a world title. They were in it for most of the way but started to lose steam around early August and never could get it going again. The problem for us was no Buster Posey and no offense from anyone else. Sure, Pablo Sandoval had a much improved season last year but he needs to improve that On Base Percentage a bit more. Luckily, our rotation is still one of the best in baseball if not the best in baseball. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are lead singer and guitarist with solid bass from Madison Bumgarner and a great drums from Ryan Vogelsong. I just wish they could get rid of that awful tambourine player (Zito).

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are their rivals for the West. Last year, they just wanted it more and still have a desire for a title. Ian Kennedy leads a rotation that is very impressive followed by Joe Saunders and Daniel Hudson. They are not to be underestimated. Their offense is also something to worry about. While the Giants suffered from being the 2nd worst run scoring team last year, the D'Backs managed to crack the top ten placing 9th in runs. Justin Upton and Chris Young seem like their biggest threats in the lineup.

And the rest of the West? The Dodgers are probably the next best team but they might take a step back this year because of the fact they are still up for sale. But you still got to watch out for Clayton Kershaw in that rotation, Matt Kemp in the lineup, and Andre Ethier to make a bounce back season. The Rockies have a good lineup but their rotation is a mess so they're out. As for the Padres, I expect a few showings of their camo alternate uniforms.

I will pick the Giants to take the division but I must say that this might be a last realistic chance for the Giants to win not just a division but a World Title for while. This is the last year of Matt Cain's contract and he might be gone. Also, Ryan Vogelsong's season last year was great but it seem to come out of now where and I'm a bit skeptical that he will be able to duplicate that kind of performance again. Also, he is in his mid 30's and he now shines? He doesn't have a lot of time left to do anything before retirement comes knocking. Our great rotation might not stand for much longer and our playoff hopes are likely to go with it.