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I don't think it will be that much of a challenge.

Maholm and Duke have both shown that they are solid and nothing but. Ian Snell is a veteran who will even out and pitch consistently. Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens are both able to give solid outings, but if would would pitch very badly there are many options with Vazquez, Gorzelanny, Dumatrait, and even Taubenheim or Herrera, both of whom were winners as starters last year.

Maholm is a #1 starter on maybe half of the teams in the Majors. His career ERA is 4.18. The lowest ERA he has ever posted was last season at 3.71. My guess is that he ends up with a 3.50 ERA this season

Snell is just inconsistent. His career ERA is 4.66. His career best is 3.76. His ERA will be least 4.25+ this season. His strikeout numbers continue to decline each season. Not a good sign.

Duke has very good control, but hasn't had a winning record since his first season in the Majors. His career ERA is 4.34. I think he finishes this season with a 4.25+ ERA, too.

Ohlendorf is a wildcard. He only has 8 career starts. I think he's talented, but he is almost impossible to predict right now.

Karstens has never been very good and didn't show much in his only outing this year.

With all of that said, the Buccos have a decent rotation, but they aren't going to even finish in the Top 15 in ERA this year. That's just my opinion.