In 2008, The NL West looked like a one team race. At the All Star Break, Arizona was leading, although it was simply by half a game.Then the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox. That trade made all the difference, as Manny Ramirez single handily gave the Dodgers the division title.
How will these teams do in 2009? Let's have a look.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The Diamondbacks have Ace Brandon Webb on the mound for them followed by Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Jon Garland, and Max Scherzer. That is quite a formidable rotation. The Diamondbacks offense has a lot of question marks. Will Mark Reynolds find his Power Stroke? Will Phenom shortstop Stephen Drew take the next step? Will Justin Upton continue to get better?
If Arizona can answer these question marks, they will be on top of the NL West.
COLORADO ROCKIES
The Colorado Rockies have a Make or break season this year. The Rockies traded Matt Holliday to the Athletics, but soon found a left fielder when Matt Murton was traded to Colorado. The Rockies also have a new starting pitcher, Jason Marquis. The key for Colorado will be their offense. Todd Helton can still hit for average and Power, and let's not forget about Shortstop Troy Tulowitski.
2009 may be Clint Hurdle's last season as Rockies Manager, so expect Colorado to compete in this weak division.
LOS ANGELES DODGERSWhat a difference a year makes. At this time last year,the biggest news the Dodgers had made was when they signed Andruw Jones to a two year contract. Jones had an awful 2008 season, as he produced a.158 batting average, three home runs, and 14 RBI. The Dodgers were right in the division race at the All Star Break, and then they traded for Manny Ramirez. Manny went on a tear after that, helping the Dodgers win the NL West and advance to the NLCS.
The 2009 season will be the first full season for curve ball specialist Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers pitching staff can easily go head to head against the Giants rotation.
Manny Ramirez is they key to the Dodgers and how they will perform in 2009.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTSThe San Francisco Giants have a potential Super-rotation in the making, starting off with the Ace Tim Lincecum. Randy Johnson, who needs five wins to become the newest 300 game winner, is also in the rotation. Let's not forget about Matt Cain, Johnathan Sanchez, and Noah Lowry. The only Wild card in the rotation is Barry Zito.
The Giants only question is, will their offense be as good? Young players like Fred Lewis and Eugenio Velez will have to produce is their offense is to keep up with the Dodgers.
One name to look out for this season: catcher Buster Posey. He could make Bengie Molina expendable this off season.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
The San Diego Padres are almost in a complete rebuilding mode. The only thing that would make it a complete rebuilding mode would be if Jake Peavy got traded. Expect that to happen in July if San Diego is out of the race. Heath Bell is expected to replace Trevor Hoffman as closer. Adran Gonzalez will continue to hit for power, that won't change.
Don't expect much from the Padres this season.
My Division Projections:
1. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
What will Manny Ramirez do for an encore this season? It's scary to think about it.2. Arizona Diamondbacks
Great pitching, but their offense needs to get going.
3. San Francisco Giants
Great Pitching, the only question is will their offense produce?
4. Colorado Rockies
Troy Tulowiski will be one of the few bright spots for the Rockies.
5. San Diego Padres
Don't expect them to win more than 60 games this season.
In our next MLB Preview, we will preview the AL East. Will the New York Yankees return to the postseason? Will the Tampa Bay Rays again compete for the AL East? Find out in the next MLB Preview.
Just a reminder, if you want to see the NL East preview, type NL East inside the searchbar on my blog.
