NL West Analysis

Colorado Rockies

I picked them to be last in the division and also to be dead last in the league. They have very few pitchers that would be playing on contending teams starting, although they have a couple players that could be decent pickups for teams who need depth. As for their hitting there are some pieces there that teams could use such as Eric Young or Joe Girardi, but overall there are many flaws on this team, and if they do not finish last in the league I would be shocked.

Los Angeles Dodgers

I picked the Dodgers to finish second in the division, because I think it is really San Francisco’s division to lose. The Dodgers have a very strong 1-3 in their rotation although Hershiser is getting old, and that may hurt the Dodgers chances if he declines fast. Although the Dodgers do have some young talent in AAA that may be able to help them out, none really look ace material. As for their pen, there is some talent there, but, it is still fairly weak, and probably will need to find some bullpen help as the season progresses. As for their lineup their 1-5 is on par with many of the great teams, however, their 7-8 begins to get a little weak. For them to overtake San Francisco, I think they will need to find a 3B or LF who are better than what they currently have. I still think they have a shot at the playoffs with the way their team is. That wildcard will be a good race I feel in the NL.

San Diego Padres

I picked San Diego to finish third in their division, although they could finish higher. I have heard rumours that Shuey is interested in rebuilding the team, and so that may keep them locked in third. The rotation that San Diego has is fairly good, behind their ace Benes. The rest of their pitchers are very decent, but no other ones really stand out as ace material. In the bullpen they may have the best closer right now being Trevor Hoffman. Sadly after him the rest of the pen is fairly weak, and if they find themselves in contention, may need to do something about that. In terms of their lineup, they have a couple players who could be leadoffs for most teams in Gwynn and Roberts, but they really only have one player with a decent amount of power in their lineup, which may be their downfall. I feel if they wanted to compete outside of their bullpen they would need to improve SS, CF and maybe 3B. It should be interesting what Shuey does with this team.

San Francisco Giants

We come to San Francisco who I think is a major favourite in terms of a World Series. They have one of the best pitchers in the game in Rijo, and then some solid pitchers rounding out the rest of their rotation. They have a great closer in Beck, but then the rest of their bullpen is not that strong, and this might be a cause of concern. Perhaps Burgos will make the team come opening day, or Greer and that might boost their pen some. As for their hitting, they have an aging McGee leading off, who may be good to start the season as leadoff, but more speed might be better, and their 2 spot is a bit weak. Then we come to the middle of the order and with Palmeiro, Bonds, Williams, and then Strawberry the 3-6 is a pitchers nightmare. Really the biggest concern with their hitting might be their 7-8 which is their catcher and shortstop, both who likely need upgraded, which hurts as San Francisco had to trade Aurilia which had looked like a pretty good shortstop. I really think they have a good chance to go all the way and this will be the team to beat in the West.