We\’re continuing our tour out west, but this time we will be taking a look at the NL West. If you missed the previews for the AL you can find them here (AL Previews). We\’ll be making our way back east over the next few days so keep an eye out for the next two divisions. But today we will be focusing on perhaps the most intriguing two-horse races in baseball. So let\’s jump right into it.
Los Angeles Dodgers
After almost a decade of heartbreak and disappointment, the Dodgers finally won the world series last year. They have arguably been the most consistent team over the past decade and they finally got their reward. This team is stacked and poised to make another run at the title. Some may question how legitimate the title is considering the shortened season but make no mistake the title was fully deserved. Can they find the same amount of success with a target on their back?
The acquisition of Mookie Betts last season appeared to be the final piece for this organization. He arguably was the key to them winning the World Series. That being said he\’s not the only star in this lineup. Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger are just two names that come to mind. Fan-favorite Justin Turner will handle the hot corner as he will look to continue coming up with clutch hits. Gavin Lux is the youngster amount this group, but he will look to prove why he was highly rated in the minors.
The Dodgers\’ pitching staff can be described as unfair. Their one-two punch of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler was among the best in baseball. Having veteran David Price was invaluable and youngster Julio Urias made for a dangerous top four. Then this offseason they made a splash and got Trevor Bauer who has spent the last few years being an ace. To say this starting rotation is stacked would be an understatement. If they all can stay healthy the Dodgers should cruise to the playoffs. Oh, and their bullpen has three to four guys who could shut a game down if need be. Point is, the Dodgers are one of the favorites to win the World Series again.
San Diego Padres
If there is one team that could potentially topple the Dodgers stranglehold on this division it would be the Padres. These aren\’t your father\’s Padres anymore (I\’d imagine that was a funny phrase for Spanish-speaking readers) as they have made real strides to become contenders. The signing of Manny Machado a few years ago was a signal of their intent. Since then they have leaned on their top-ranked farm system to fill out the roster to remarkable success.
Manny Machado is obviously the big name in this lineup. But the guy everyone can\’t keep their eyes off of is Fernando Tatis Jr. who can become a real superstar in this league. The guy has lived up to expectations so far and will look to continue that this season. Eric Hosmer and Tommy Pham are underrated veterans who should keep the lineup well balanced. One also can\’t forget about Wil Myers and what he brings to this club as well. All in all this team has the firepower to compete with the best teams in baseball.
On the pitching side, this team has been busy this offseason. Once upon a time, Chris Paddock was the ace of this staff but now finds himself down the pecking order. The reason for this is that the Padres went out and made some major moves this offseason. Signing Yu Darvish was step one and then swinging a massive deal for Blake Snell was step two. All of a sudden San Diego has a deadly top two in their starting rotation. If not for the Trevor Bauer signing the Padres probably could\’ve slotted in as number one in this preview. Like the Dodgers, they also are blessed with having several guys who could close a game when needed. The Padres moves have created the most fascinating two-horse race in baseball.
San Francisco Giants
The golden era is over in San Francisco. In truth, it has been over for a few years, but reality has really set in. After winning three titles in five years the Giants are in the midst of a rebuild. Madison Bumgarner is no longer pitching for the Giants. Fan favorites Mike Morse and Pablo Sandoval no longer roam the locker room. Even their legendary manager Bruce Bochy is no longer in charge. Any Giants fans hoping for a return to glory will have to wait a while.
This lineup doesn\’t inspire a lot of confidence, but the Giants do have a few pieces that could be productive. Evan Longoria has been a shell of himself ever since he joined, but could surprise a few this year. As for the rest of the lineup, there doesn\’t appear to be a breakout candidate among them. The issue with this lineup is that there doesn\’t appear to be any kind of youth movement. This considerably lowers the organization\’s ceiling. At least Giants fans still have a few links to the glory days in Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford.
Pitching can be described in pretty much the same way. Older players that don\’t move the needle which limits San Francisco\’s potential. Best case scenario is that Johnny Cueto recaptures his form from his Cincinnati days and carries this rotation. The bullpen does have some interesting pieces in it. The likes of Matt Wisler and Jake McGee give the Giants options at the end of games. San Francisco isn\’t anywhere near being good enough to compete with the top two but should slot in as third.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona hasn\’t won the NL West since 2011 and that streak will continue this season. After swinging for the fences last offseason with the signing of Madison Bumgarner, this team finds itself further behind their division rivals. Trading superstar Paul Goldschmidt two years ago didn\’t help either. This is a franchise that at times doesn\’t know which direction it is in. When it\’s time to start a youth movement they splash the cash for veterans instead of trusting the younger players. When they finally develop a good core they don\’t spend to build around them. It\’s decisions like those that have frustrated fans over the last few years and why they find themselves towards the bottom.
The Diamondbacks lineup isn\’t as dangerous as they were a few years ago, but it\’s not completely toothless. Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, and Kole Calhoun form a solid trio. Carson Kelly is better known for his defense but could step up with a few timely hits as well. The rest of the lineup shouldn\’t cause other teams too many problems. That being said Arizona does have this habit of having one random hitter experience a breakout season. Christian Walker was the guy two years ago and I wouldn\’t be surprised if someone else had similar success this season.
Madison Bumgarner was supposed to be the answer to their pitching woes. Things didn\’t quite work out that way as the veteran pitcher has, predictably given his age, declined over the years. Arizona will put their hopes on the trio of Zac Gallen, Caleb Smith, and Luke Weaver. All three were hyped once upon a time as top-of-the-line starters. The fact that all three have ended up in Arizona speaks to the organization\’s mismanagement of their resources. Their bullpen however is probably the team\’s bright spot when it comes to pitching. There won\’t be many fun times in Arizona this summer, but hey at least you\’re not at the bottom.
Colorado Rockies
Apparently to be a Rockies fan is to know pain and disappointment. What the Rockies did this offseason was the final straw for a part of their fanbase. Colorado traded arguably the franchise\’s best-ever player Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals and failed to get back any top prospects. To make matters worse the franchise agreed to pay the Cardinals 50 million to take Arenado. The trade left Colorado fans and media members baffled. When you make a trade like that I have no choice, but to stick you in the basement of the division.
Trevor Story, whose contract is expiring soon, will be tasked with filling the giant hole left by Arenado. Whether he\’s the next player to leave is a story (no pun intended) for another time. He should be supported by Charlie Blackmon and Garrett Hampson. After those three the lineup leaves a lot to be desired. They do however play at Coors Field so everyone\’s hitting should get a boost.
Speaking of Coors Field and how it helps hitters, will also mean pitchers suffer here. Even the best pitchers suffer in Coors so one can only imagine the impact it has on pitchers who call it home. The Rockies don\’t boast any elite pitchers which can only mean that their pitching staff will give up runs in bunches. German Marquez will lead a staff hoping and praying that they can minimize the number of runs given up this season. A long season awaits the Rockies and their fanbase, but at least the games should be high scoring.