Can the Padres repeat as West champions?
There are still several questions about the lineup that need to be answered. Kouzmanoff at third may be the biggest. Marcus Giles takes over at second after a down year in Atlanta, Terrmel Sledge is the new starter in left, Josh Bard replaces Mike Piazza behind the plate; all are under the microscope this year. The pitching staff again looks like one of the best in the league, but the Dodgers upgraded their pitching and are picked by many to win the division (at least one publication has them in the World Series).