Maybe the most balanced team in the division, the Diamondbacks figure to get better offensively. Stephen Drew and Chris Young have another year under their belt. Having three solid starters who supply 200 innings gives the Diamondbacks the edge over the Dodgers. Arizona may have gotten a steal with right-hander Jon Garland, who for seven straight seasons has reached double figures in victories.

Re-signing Manny Ramirez gives the Dodgers a strong offensive outfield with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. But the rotation has serious questions if Jason Schmidt is expected to help and Randy Wolf is counted on to stay healthy for a season. The guess here is it won't happen. If Highland Park-ex Clayton Kershaw continues to develop, he has the stuff to be a No.1 starting pitcher.

How can a team with three Cy Young winners not be picked to win the division? Two of them – Randy Johnson and Barry Zito – haven't pitched like award winners in years. The offense is still a mess, with unknowns Travis Ishikawa (1B) and Pablo Sandoval (3B) manning the corners. Speedy Fred Lewis (.282, 21 steals in 133 games last year) could be a needed catalyst.

Losing Matt Holliday is a blow to the offense, but the Rockies will still score runs with Garrett Atkins, Chris Iannetta and Brad Hawpe leading the way. The pitching staff is in trouble after the loss of ace Jeff Francis, who's out for the season with a shoulder injury. Jason Marquis, Jorge De La Rosa and Greg Smith all could struggle at Coors Field.

The Padres are going to struggle to score runs, and their pitching depth is suspect. Former Ranger Adrian Gonzalez is the only real offensive threat. Kevin Kouzmanoff is emerging at third base, but it will be far from enough to help the cause. Starting pitchers Jake Peavy and Chris Young are a solid 1-2 pairing.

It's been 101 years since the Cubs have won a World Series, and true believers think this could finally be the year. The team is certainly the heavy favorite to win a weakened Central, but an offense that struggles at times could be a drag in the postseason.

Even without CC Sabathia pitching for them, the Brewers are formidable. The big reason is the offense, which is loaded with Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and superstar-in-waiting Ryan Braun. If the starting pitching holds up, the Cubs could be sweating.

The Cardinals will go as far as superstar first baseman Albert Pujols takes them. That's a good thing, too, because he may be the best power hitter in the game. Ryan Ludwick, who emerged as a star last year (37 homers, 113 RBIs), gives Pujols much-needed protection in the order.

The pitching staff has young talent, and the offense is starting to build strength in the middle of the order. First baseman Joey Votto, second baseman Brandon Phillips and Texas native Jay Bruce give the Reds building blocks to compete in the future.

The heart of the Astros' batting order remains strong, with first baseman Lance Berkman still the main contributor. But the pitching staff lacks depth and health. Signing Mike Hampton is the kind of move that could backfire and leave the Astros scrambling for help.

Like the Reds, the Pirates are building their team around a young offense. Center fielder Nate McLouth had a breakout year in 2008. Ryan Doumit has become a solid offensive catcher. But the Pirates still have the most inconsistent rotation in the division.

If you're a believer in the old theory that to be the champ, you have to beat the champ, then this pick is for you. It also helps that the Phillies have the best rotation in the division and a solid offense with speed (Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino) and power (Ryan Howard). They need a full recovery from second baseman Chase Utley, whose hip injury cost him all of spring training.

Isn't it really better if the Mets don't win the division? If they did, fans in Queens wouldn't have anything to complain about. The rotation needs help at the back end, and the offense needs production from its corner outfielders. But the infield could be the best in baseball. Francisco Rodriguez had a record 62 saves last season with the Angels; now he's going to find out that blowing a save in New York is different than in Anaheim.

The Marlins may have baseball's most gifted offensive player in shortstop Hanley Ramirez (.301 average, 33 home runs, 35 stolen bases), but how long the team stays together remains to be seen. The Marlins are always sellers come trade deadline, making it difficult to build chemistry. Youth remains the key to the pitching staff with Ricky Nolasco the No. 1 starter and Josh Johnson once again healthy.

Atlanta is hoping it can make a run with an influx of veterans. The staff is better with Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. But the only offensive upgrade was adding 15-year vet Garret Anderson, which isn't enough help in this division.

Contraction anyone? Just kidding. The Nationals could actually be a little better this season. Of course, they lost 102 games last year, so there's room for improvement. Adam Dunn should boost the offense, and lefty Scott Olsen is probably the best pitcher on the thin staff.