2010 NL West Preview

The Favorite

Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite losing several key players to free agency (Randy Wolf, Orlando Hudson) and one to a lack of interest in baseball (Manny Ramirez). This is still the Dodgers division to lose. They have a young core of hitters in Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and James Loney that compliment veteran hitters like Ramierz, Rafael Furcal and Casey Blake well. While the rotation lacks a true ace (it is very possible that Clayton Kershaw could prove that statement wrong this year), the Dodgers rotation does have depth. The bullpen is also strength as Jonathan “brick house” Broxton has quickly become a shutdown closer. Two keys for the Dodgers in repeating as division champs are how quickly Russ Martin can recover from injury and if Vicente Padilla can be the same pitcher he was after the Dodgers acquired him late last season.

The Contenders

Colorado Rockies

The only reason there isn’t more discussion of Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez is that no one can spell his name correctly (this is also the reason more Rockies fans don’t have his jersey). The lanky, fire-balling righty is a dominant pitcher with a ton of upside and continues to improve. If Jimenez, Aaron Cook and Jorge De La Rosa can pitch as well as they did last year (a return to form from Jeff Francis would be gravy), Troy Tulowitzki and the thin air at Coors field will take care of the rest.

San Francisco Giants

Offence. Just get some offence.


Arizona Diamondbacks

After a disappointing 2009, the D-backs could be poised for a winning season in 2010 and may surprise some people. If things break right for the D-Backs, don’t be surprised if they are contenders. That being said, much of the team’s success hinges on many unknowns. While the lineup was solidified with the addition of Adam Laroche, will Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds continue to develop? Can Conor Jackson return to form after playing only 30 games in 2009? Will Chris Young ever hit over .210? The rotation could have one of the best one two punches in the game if Brandon Webb (paired with Dan Haren) can return to form after major surgery. There are also questions about Edwin Jackson (who faded badly in the second half of 2009) and Ian Kennedy at the back end of the rotation. The signing of new closer Brandon Lyon (remember him Jays fans?) was also heavily scrutinized this offseason. In a competitive NL West the odds may be against them, but I am not ready to count Arizona out yet.


Maybe Next Year

San Diego Padres

Don’t despair Padres fans. With Jed Hoyer at the helm there is also reason to hope. If Chris Young, Heath Bell or Adrian Gonzalez are traded, Hoyer is the man to make a deal that is right for the Friars. The Padres also have acquired some high ceiling prospects (pitcher Clayton Richard) that should start to contribute sooner rather than later. In the meantime though, other than the above-mentioned players Tony Gwynn (junior of course) is one of the more recognizable faces on the 2010 Padres. Yikes.