National League West News

This offseason is crucial to the future of the San Francisco Giants. While good moves and shrewd signings will undoubtedly make them viable threats in the National League West, a simple misstep or two could put them back below .500 in 2010.

Several Rockies players watched the World Series with a keen eye. It is, in many ways, a signal of how everything has changed in Colorado.

The Washington Nationals are expected to name their manager in the next week, and after Don Mattingly removed himself from consideration, it appears Jim Riggleman has an inside track toward retaining the job he held on an interim basis during the second half of the season.

Phillies, Yanks gear up for Game 6 Nov. 3: Pedro Martinez says he feels relaxed and ready for Game 6, while Andy Pettitte says he doesn't know how he will fare on three days' rest.

The Colorado Rockies are getting that look again. Garrett Atkins and Jeff Baker homered and drove in three runs, Ubaldo Jimenez turned in another terrific start and the Rockies pounded the Cincinnati Reds 11-0 Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

San Diego Padres The Padres put their rebuilding program into full go last season, dealing off Jake Peavy and a slew of serviceable relievers.

This will be an important offseason for the Arizona Diamondbacks as they try to rebound from a last-place finish in the National League West.

How quickly the perception of a team's season can change. After another successful regular season the Dodgers ran smack dab into their nemesis - " the Phillies - " and promptly folded faster than their owners' marriage.

Colorado Rockies The Rockies are quietly becoming a burgeoning powerhouse in the wide-open NL West, despite trading off the likes of Matt Holliday and not being a big player in the free-agent market.

The Dodgers had an exceptional season, but as management so delicately put it, a below-average final week.

Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp's breakout offensive season was rewarded Thursday, when Sporting News announced that he is a member of its postseason National League All-Star team.

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The San Diego Padres have introduced Jed Hoyer as their new general manager. Hoyer, who had been assistant to Boston GM Theo Epstein , was hired to replace Kevin Towers, who was fired during the last weekend of the season.

Do you think the Giants could improve their offense with internal choices? Would having Freddy Sanchez for an entire year, a healthy Edgar Renteria and a much-improved Eugenio Velez be enough to get this team into the playoffs? How would Bengie Molina fit into this idea? Some experts believe the only way to drastically improve the offense is to ...

Game 6 of the AL Championship Series between the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees was postponed because of rain Saturday.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Friday it's been business as usual running the team despite owner Frank McCourt firing his wife as CEO of the club.

Owner Frank McCourt celebrates after winning the National League West against the Colorado Rockies on October 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

One pitch. One game. One series. That was all that stood in the way of baseball eminence for the San Diego Padres , Cleveland Indians and Arizona Diamondbacks .

The San Diego Padres are keeping manager Bud Black's coaching staff intact for the 2010 season, handing out one-year contract extensions on Thursday to the group.

Los Angeles Dodgers players watch from the dugout as the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate winning the National League Championship baseball series Wednesday, Oct.