Last week, Colorado took an interesting step toward relevance, if not contending, with creative roster decisions rooted in athleticism and versatility. That, as much as anything, is what drove Tampa Bay from the gags to riches. Could these choices make the Rockies contenders in the National League West?

Not so fast.

With the additions of Dexter Fowler and Ian Stewart to the big-league club, the Rockies made a bold move, valuing talent over timetables. While shoehorning them into the lineup will be a challenge - "I am looking forward to it," manager Clint Hurdle said - there's no denying the Rockies are a better team with them.

Couple that with the resurgence of Todd Helton - "It's like signing a big-time free agent," Troy Tulowitzki said - and suddenly the Rockies' optimism in the National League West doesn't seem as hollow.

"I guarantee you that I have been on worse teams that made the playoffs," said veteran reliever Alan Embree. "I didn't know what to expect. But I like the talent here. We have a chance, especially if we pitch well."

Ah, yes, the reason that hardly anybody believes the Rockies will finish above .500. They have two dependable starters - Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez - and three maybes. But as veteran Garrett Atkins pointed out, that's no reason for a concession speech, since every team in the division is flawed.

As opening day creeps closer - Monday in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks - it's time to assess the division:

Arizona Diamondbacks

What we have learned: That they aren't going to miss Randy Johnson as much as expected, shrewdly landing Jon Garland at a clearance-rack price. Garland's heavy sinker will play well in the National League. And Max Scherzer, if healthy, is as talented as any fifth starter in Baseball.

What remains a concern: The lack of consistency from young sluggers Justin Upton and Chris Young. This team strikes out too much and needs to see maturation from Upton and Young, along the lines of Stephen Drew's breakthrough season a year ago.

Bottom line: Most talented team in division, but, after last April, has to prove it can handle prosperity.

Los Angeles Dodgers

What we have learned: This team is going to hit, and will be about as fun for opposing pitchers as eating cactus if Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson consistently reach base. That's a slight concern as both have been dreadful this spring.

What remains a concern: Their setup men - Cory Wade, Hong-Chih Kuo - are inexperienced and injury-prone. The volatile nature of relievers suggests that Wade will plummet back to earth with a thud. If either dissolves, it will dilute the impact of closer Jonathan Broxton, who appears poised to handle the ninth-inning role.

Bottom line: Manny Ramirez could win MVP, but unless he learns to pitch, this team will fall just short.

San Francisco Giants

What we have learned: Don't make Randy Johnson angry. You won't like him when he's angry. Johnson, five wins shy of 300, is bent on sticking it to Arizona for not re-signing him. Johnson's arrival gives the Giants the National League's best rotation, anchored by Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum.

What remains a concern: A listless offense. Rookie third baseman Pablo Sandoval provides intriguing potential, and Edgar Renteria is always better in the NL than the AL. But is it enough?

Bottom line: Lincecum and Matt Cain will win 38 games - and wonder why they are watching the playoffs with their noses pressed up against the window.

Colorado Rockies

What we have learned: This team might be bad, but it won't be boring. Adding Fowler and Stewart was an inspired decision. This team is going to hit better than expected.

What remains a concern: The rotation is an ulcer waiting to bleed. Two of three pitchers at the back end of the rotation - Jason Marquis, Franklin Morales and Jorge De La Rosa - must enjoy career years for the Rockies to surprise. That means 13-to-16 wins and 200 innings. With just mediocre starting pitching, this team has hope.

Bottom line: If they can survive a rugged early schedule, the Rockies have the potential to play meaningful games in September.

San Diego Padres

What we have learned: That this team will feast on Baseball's version of welfare - the waiver wire. The rotation behind Jake Peavy and Chris Young is frightening, bolstered with the waiver-wire claim of Shawn Hill. With new owner Jeffrey Moorad in place, the Padres are expected to spend more money, but not this year. If Peavy is not a Cub by the end of the season, it will be a major upset.

What remains a concern: GM Kevin Towers has masterfully plucked projects to build enormously successful bullpens over the last decade. But the streak ran out last season, and this year, there's no Trevor Hoffman. Not that there will be many leads to protect.

Bottom line: Poor pitching and a meager offense make 75 wins an ambitious goal.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com