Gannett News Service

Randy Johnson gives Arizona more than just a game face. He has won four consecutive NL Cy Young Awards. The Associated Press file photo

NL WEST

Predicted finish 1 Arizona (98-64 last season, first place): Sure, it's an aging club, but it has two pitchers for the ages in Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. 2 Los Angeles (92-70 last season, third): Manager Jim Tracy continues to get the most out of his club. 3 San Francisco (95-66 last season, second): World Series letdown and loss of Dusty Baker will hurt Giants. 4 Colorado (73-89 last season, fourth): Still trying to solve Mile High puzzle. 5 San Diego (66-96 last season, fifth): Cash-poor Padres waiting on young pitching. Why the Diamondbacks? Five words: Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson. As long as the two pitchers are battling it out for the Cy Young Award each year, the veteran Diamondbacks will be the favorite in what could become a wide-open division race. Outfielders Luis Gonzalez and Steve Finley still pace an offense that is seeing a gradual infusion of young talent, such as second baseman Junior Spivey. Impact acquisitions IF Edgardo Alfonso (Giants), OF Jose Cruz Jr. (Giants), SP Elmer Dessens (Diamondbacks), C Charles Johnson (Rockies), IF Fred McGriff (Dodgers), SP Damian Moss (Giants), IF Neifi Perez (Giants), OF Rondell White (Padres), OF Preston Wilson (Rockies) Manager on hot seat Felipe Alou (Giants)

1. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Manager: Bob Brenly

2002 playoffs: Lost to St. Louis in first round.

Overview: How much longer will Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling combine for around 45 wins per season? As long as they can, the Diamondbacks are the team to beat. It didn't hurt that Arizona added former Reds pitcher Elmer Dessens.

Question marks: Can former closer Byung-Hyun Kim make successful conversion to starter? ... bullpen minus Kim. ... light-hitting catchers Chad Moeller and Rod Barajas. ... Is 1B Lyle Overbay, a Rookie of the Year candidate, ready?

Super stat: Lost $90 million last season, the most by any team in baseball.

2. LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Manager: Jim Tracy

Overview: The Dodgers appear to be one big bat away offensively unless several injury-plagued starting pitchers return to top form.

Question marks: Physical condition of starting pitchers Kevin Brown, Darren Dreifort and Kasuhisa Ishii. ... Is rookie 2B Joe Thurston ready? ... Can SS Cesar Izturis contribute more offensively? ... How much does 1B Fred McGriff have left?

Super stat: Last won a postseason game in 1988 (0-6 since).

3. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Manager: Felipe Alou

2002 playoffs: Beat Atlanta in first round, beat St. Louis in NLCS, lost to Anaheim in World Series.

Overview: The Giants lost plenty of talent but have the potential to be an even better team this year.

Question marks: Can new arrivals Edgardo Alfonzo, Jose Cruz, Durham and Marquis Grissom outproduce the departed regulars? ... left-handed relief pitching. ... replacing 2B Jeff Kent and manager Dusty Baker. ... Will Barry Bonds, who turns 39 in July, start to slip?

Super stat: Longest losing streak in 2002 was four games.

4. COLORADO ROCKIES

Manager: Clint Hurdle

Overview: Home attendance has declined six consecutive seasons, and the trend isn't likely to reverse as management continues to slash the player payroll.

Question marks: Rest of the starting rotation after Jason Jennings and Denny Stark. ... too many soft spots in the lineup in a hitter-friendly home stadium.

Super stat: Led the NL in batting average (.274) last season but opponents hit .277.

5. SAN DIEGO PADRES

Manager: Bruce Bochy

Overview: What happens when a bad team loses its best hitter (Phil Nevin) and best pitcher (Trevor Hoffman) to season-ending injuries before Opening Day? Padres fans are about to find out.

Question marks: Rest of the starting rotation after Brian Lawrence. ... bullpen minus Hoffman. ... soft spots at top and bottom of lineup. ... lack of power and speed.

Super stat: NL-fewest 136 HRs and second-fewest 71 stolen bases last season. NL West preview