In what may be a growing theme for this season, or a clear sign that my baseball knowledge on the West Coast is waning, the NL West looks to be an open division this year as well. I guess I should preface this with going into this season, the AL Central, AL West, and NL West are all divisions without clear winners, which is due to mediocrity and generally even teams. When I say not clear winners, these divisions have 3 to 4 teams each who could seriously win the divison, but (unlike the NL East for example) not in a convincing fashion. Anyway, this division had two teams last year in the playoffs as the Dodgers almost lost their division title, which they had comfortably in the beggining of the season, to the surging Rockies, who settled for a Wild Card Spot. Anyway here is the division breakdown:
1. Rockies: At the end of the season last year, the Rockies showed that they could be a strong team basically due to a few items. Their rotation, is strong, and generally, getting stronger with age. Their lineup is strong, and with the exception of a few players, is also getting stronger. This combination on a team that didn't lose any key pieces is dangerous in this division where the Dodgers have a lot of questions among other teams.
2. Dodgers: Generally the Dodgers are a lock to win this division, but this year, the Hollywood boys will need to work for it. The offense is still ready to go, so thats not the problem. The question is the rotation. They have a lot of talent, but losing Wolf could but a lot of burden on a rotation which can be lights out or lit up.
3. Giants: This team is basically the opposite of the Giants. The rotation is not the issue with the Giants, their issue is their offense again. They have a few players that look like they will be able to score for the Giants, but on the whole, they will need some bigger bats and some players to have a big season to make a run (but also remember, this division is potentially wide open).
4. Dbacks: Another team that has a chance making a run. Their offense is there and could be a threat in this division. For the Dbacks the entire season is based on Webb. He is going to miss all of April, depending on how he comes back in May will depend on where this team goes. With strong pitching, they will be closer to the top of this division, without, 4th place is looking pretty good.
5. Padres: No brainer. Rebuilding time.
