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		Can the Giants prevail in the topsy-turvy NL West? By Morris Phillips May 3, 2010

	Nothing announces a team as a competitor more than a streak of 13 games where their starters allow two runs or less. The Giants’ run that ended Sunday when Jonathan Sanchez allowed three runs hadn’t happened in the majors since 1968, when the Pirates’ starting pitchers put together a stretch of 14 straight games. Of course, throwing three shutouts in a four-game sweep of the highest scoring team in the National League makes the same type of impression. The Padres’ wipeout of the Brewers over the weekend, in which they outscored Milwaukee, 21-2, marked the first time in their franchise’s 41-year history they had thrown three shutouts in a series. These two once-in-a-generation accomplishments belong to a pair of lesser lights in the NL West, a division with little buzz, far away from the National League’s power alley in and around Philadelphia. With the team picked to finish last, San Diego, leading the division, and the defending champs, Los Angeles, bringing up the rear, how do you handicap this race a month into the 2010 season? Here’s our shot at breaking down the race in the NL West one month into the season with pre-season predictions all ready rendered meaningless. The big run to the playoffs last year by the Colorado Rockies under then interim manager Jim Tracy can’t be discounted. The 72-38 run to end the season was by the far the hottest stretch in the majors in 2009. And here it still carries weight. The Rockies aren’t off to a great start, but the pieces are still in place. Ubaldo Jimenez’s no-hitter April 17 against Atlanta stands as Colorado’s high point of the season thus far. If Jimenez can be in the top two among NL West starters, along with Tim Lincecum, then Colorado might be able to add a division crown to last year’s wild card berth. The Rockies are faster with Eric Young, Jr. joining Dexter Fowler at the top of the order, and Carlos Gonzales is poised to have a breakout season with quick bat well suited to Coors Field. Brad Hawpe opened the season hot, but has landed on the disabled list, putting his bat and .357 batting average temporarily in the deep freeze. Getting Hawpe healthy and bringing the Rockies’ starters better in line with Jimenez’s level of performance could be difference for Colorado in a tight race. The Giants needed to get better offensively, and so far, it’s clear that they have. Backed by San Francisco’s tremendous starting pitching, this offense has been good enough to win games. And the bench has been productive, giving the Giants options off their bench without much dropoff from the regulars. For the Giants, the big questions will be can Barry Zito sustain his tremendous start to the season, and can Pablo Sandoval continue to hit among the leaders in the National League. The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t started the season well, but the possibility that things could fall into place still holds considerable weight. First of all, the Dodgers need their bullpen to regain its prominence, with George Sherrill and Jonathon Broxton excelling their roles as the setup guy and the closer. The starters have been average so far, but with a deep bullpen and an explosive offense, they might not need to be too much better. On offense, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have replaced Manny Ramirez as the focal points, and the transition appears seamless. Still needed are bigger contributions from Russell Martin and James Loney, who have both struggled thus far. If the Dodgers get those two going, their lineup will have some balance and heft going forward. Being in first place in May isn’t a big accomplishment, unless you’re the San Diego Padres. With their youthful roster, and dismal 2009 season as they plugged numerous first-timers in and let them sink or swim, the signs of progress are obvious. Chase Headley has been a big presence in the middle of their lineup, and timely hitting has, so far, outweighed the lack of consistent hitting. With the team playing better, the decision to keep Adrian Gonzales around has really paid off. Can San Diego’s pitching staff continue its amazing start, especially in the surprising bullpen. If so, and if they get Chris Young healthy and productive, the Padres could be a factor all year. The Arizona Diamondbacks have performed like a team divided thus far. Their offense leads the National League in runs scored and home runs. Diamondbacks’ pitching has been lacking more often than not. Dan Haren has been ineffective, and Brandon Webb and Kris Benson have been hurt. Once again, the potential is there, but Arizona’s odds of imploding are far greater.