Opening day is less than 6 weeks away and I start a series of previewing each MLB division which I'll be posting once a week. I start today with the National League West and break down the division.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The D-Backs coming off a mediocre season in which they lost Brandon Webb after 1 start for 4 innings due to a shoulder and missed the season. They also had Mark Reynolds produce over 40 home runs and a great effort by pitcher Dan Haren, but came up short for a postseason run. Now this year, they acquire pitcher Edwin Jackson off a 3-team trade in which they sent Max Scherzer to the Tigers who sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees. Haren has already been announced the opening day starter by new manager A.J. Hinch. The rotation also consists of Webb, Jackson and possibly Ian Kennedy (former Yankees prospect). Definitely a rebuilding year for the club.
COLORADO ROCKIES
With a team that struggled to start the season and Clint Hurdle getting fired, replaced by Jim Tracy, they had the best winning percentage in the league in the second half of the season. Losing to the Phillies in the first round of playoffs, the Rockies are looking back to have another good year with a rotation that includes Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis (who missed last year due to Tommy John surgery). The lineup also looks good that includes Brad Hawpe, Jason Giambi, Ryan Spilborghs and Miguel Olivo. Definitely a good team to watch.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
I'm really looking forward to see what the Dodgers are gonna do this season after their great performance last season in which they won the division but lost to the Phillies for the second straight year in the playoffs. Manny has also said this is probably his last year in Mannywood and Joe Torre signed an extention through 2011 as manager. The Dodgers play host to the Yankees in May which will be a real exciting series but also face Manny's return to Boston in June (which I'm really looking forward to). With the same lineup and pitching rotation, the club is gonna get better throughout the season.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
This is a team that will have a tough year. There's a lot of young talent on this club and Adrian Gonzalez's name keeps getting mentioned for trade-bait. Plus the Padres hired a new GM...Jed Hoyer (former BoSox front officeman). Also the Padres traded Jake Peavy in July and looking at Chris Young to be the opening day starter. Speaking of young talent, they have acquired Yorvit Torrealba from the Rockies, Kyle Blanks playing left, Chase Headley who is looking to have a breakout year and Will Venable to make a second year right. FYI, Dick Enberg is the TV play-by-play person for the Padres network.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
The Giants were in contention for the postseason until mid-September but this is a team that will improve from last year. The club resigned Tim Lincecum for 2 years, approx. 12 million. The rotation also consists of Barry Zito, Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain. They also resigned Bengie Molina to be the catcher and signed utilityman Mark DeRosa from STL. The outfield looks consistent with Aaron Rowand and John Bowker, who promises to have a great year. Pablo Sandoval will also produce many big games to help this Bruce Bochy's club to improve from last season.
My division pick to win: LA DODGERS
Next week I'll preview the AL West
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I agree that the favorites in the NL west are the Dodgers, but I don't think you give enough credit to Arizona. They were injury plagued last year, and were also in a transition year (ex. of this would two catchers sharing duties equally). They have a ton of young talent, including Justin Upton who just signed a deal to stick with the team for another six years. Upton was an all star last year, with a breakout performance and you neglected to even mention him! Watch out for the Diamondbacks, they'll be giving the Dodgers a run for their money in 2010.
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