The 2011 Major League Baseball season is fast approaching.

Here's a look how the National League West is expected to shape up.

5. The Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona added Zach Duke, J.J. Putz, Melvin Mora, Xavier Nady, and Russell Branyan. That won't compensate for the loss of Adam LaRoche, Mark Reynolds, and former ace Brandon Webb. Unless Arizona can get great seasons out of Justin Upton, Chris Young, and Joe Saunders, the Diamondbacks might actually be worse than they were last year when they finished with only 65 wins. Reuters
4. San Diego Padres
The Padres added Brad Hawpe, Jason Bartlett, and Jorge Cantu to their lineup, but the enormous loss of their best non-pitcher in 2010, Adrian Gonzalez, may be too much for this rebuilding team. San Diego over-achieved last season thanks to Heath Bell, and a stellar bullpen. If they can find some offense, the Padres may be in the hunt for the NL West crown again. Reuters
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
With a deep starting rotation that includes ace Clayton Kershaw, as well as some key setup men in the bullpen, the Dodgers seem poised for a run at a division title. But aside from Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, the Dodgers' offense seems to lack the needed production to carry this team over the hump. A mid-season trade might be necessary to improve on their 80-win season in 2010. Reuters
2. Colorado Rockies
With one the best hitters in baseball (Carlos Gonzalez), and one of the best starting pitchers in baseball (Ubaldo Jimenez), the Rockies have some key ingredients to seriously contend for the division. However, Colorado has depth issues in the back end of their rotation, and their bullpen. The Rockies can't afford a drop off in production from their middle of the order and their top two starters. Reuters
1. San Francisco Giants
The Giants once again have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. The World Series champions will need similar production this year from the likes of starting pitchers Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, as well as closer Brian Wilson. San Francisco's offense lacks a big name bat after Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff, so any drop off may mean a slip out of the probable top spot. Reuters