Well here we are, onto the final divisional preview. Felt like we were never going to get here didn't it? There are a lot of major league baseball teams aren't there? The National League west isn't the best division in baseball. Actually, it's probably one of the worst top to bottom, but it will be pretty competitive.
1. Arizona Diamondbacks. Last year was not a fluke, and the D'Backs are out to prove it. Many experts continue picking the Giants because of their pitching, but I will take the snakes because of their balance. Arizona may not quite have the dominance of the Giants pitching, but San Fran can't match up with Arizona's hitting. In fact, the advantage Arizona has in batting is greater than the Giants pitching advantage. That's why I put the Diamondbacks 1 and San Fran, 2.
Arizona is above average at most offensive positions. Miguel Montero is about to show he is a top notch catcher. Paul Goldschmidt is a young power bat who can hit for average as well and drive in runs. Aaron Hill strikes out a lot but like Dan Uggla can drive in runs with power. Stephen Drew and Ryan Roberts are underrated hitters. The outfield of Justin Upton, Jason Kubel and Chris Young is one of the best in the league.
As for pitching, Daniel Hudson is set to become one of the best aces in the league. Ian Kennedy is a potential 20 game winner, even if he doesn't have the same stuff as Hudson. He has guile and can pitch. Trevor Cahill and Josh Collmenter are very solid. Joe Saunders is inconsistent. JJ Putz bounced back nicely last year and is a top notch closer, while David Hernandez and former Dodger closer Takashi Saito provide excellent setup.
2. San Francisco Giants. The Giants have perhaps the best starting pitching in baseball--better even than the Phillies. Tim Lincicum is the definition of an ace. Matt Cain is perhaps the best #2 starter in baseball and Madison Bumgartner has all the pitches, and is only 22, so he has a TON of upside. Ryan Vogelsong was a nice surprise last year, although Barry Zito is woefully inconsistent and can't even hit 85 on the gun anymore. Brian Wilson is a solid closer and San Fran has probably the best setup and middle men in the league with guys like Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers. Now that the sale of the team is finally taken care of, this team can focus on baseball. They have perhaps the best young ballplayer in baseball in Matt Kemp, who should only get better as he hits his prime. Andre Ethier is one of the most underrated outfielders in the league. James Loney is OK at first and can hit .280 with 80 RBI. Dee Gordon could lead the league in steals, but his on base percentage is abysmal for a leadoff hitter. Mark Ellis is a weakness at second base and Juan Uribe and Juan Rivera strike out too much and don't hit for average.
The Dodgers can make up for some hitting shortcomings with their pitching, which should be very good. Clayton Kershaw is perhaps the best ace in baseball. Chad Billingsley is a mystery as their number two. He has all the talent in the world, but has yet to put it all together. Ted Lilly is pretty solid. Chris Capuano Aaron Harang are question marks though rounding out the rotation, but will surely benefit from pitcher friendly Chavez Ravine.
4. Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are an enigma. They have some great young talent in guys like Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Troy Tulowitzki, but then they have aging stars like Todd Helton and Jason Giambi. Michael Cuddyer comes over from the AL and can play multiple positions very well and provide a big bat in the middle of the lineup.
The Rockies pitching has the potential to be awful. 49 year old Jamie Moyer made the rotation and is currently Colorado's #2 starter. Ouch! Orioles retread Jeremy Guthrie is their ace. OUCH!! Jhoulys Chacin and Juan Nicasio round out the rotation and could be better than their top two starters. Put it this way, they BETTER be better than their top two starters or this will be a long summer in the mile high.
5. San Diego Padres. The Padres lost their top starting pitcher Mat Latos but got Edinson Volquez, so that might turn out even, but there are too many other question marks. How hurt is Tim Stauffer? Are Cory Luebke and Anthony Bass ready for prime time? Will Clayton Richard continue to improve or will he regress? Can Houston Street be as good as Heath Bell in the closing role?
The Pads hitting is also questionable. Are they just a below average hitting team or is it just a function of Petco Park? Cameron Maybin is perhaps ready to live up to his immense potential. Jesus Guzman and Wil Venable are young and have upside but are below average. Chase Headley and Jason Bartlett are average on the right side of the infield. Yonder Alonso and Orlando Hudson are probably below average on the left side. Nick Hundley is a capable backstop, but nothing more.
Well, that's how I see it. Feel free to check back in October and see how I did. Enjoy the season! I know I will.
