NL West Predictions

First off - in Cardinal news, Glaus will be out at least until June. One more thing - the Cards' depth chart was updated yesterday and declared Motte the closer. Now who predicted that?...

Rounding out the National League, today I'll take a look at how the NL West will play out this season.

1 - Arizona Diamondbacks

I've got three words for you: Webb and Haren. With two Cy Young caliber pitchers leading the rotation, the D-backs will have a great chance at taking the west. Along with the solid pitching, Arizona has several young strong offensive players as well. Mark Reynolds, Chris Young, Conor Jackson and Justin Upton are all young good hitters that will carry this team to the NL West title.

2 - Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have got Manny. But they lost Derek Lowe and Brad Penny. They will be able to compete in the division, but all said and done, the D-backs will just edge them out for the title.

3 - Colorado Rockies

The rest of this division will be irrelevant. The Rockies big loss was Matt Holiday. They are coming off of a 74 win season last year and with the top two pitches in their rotation being Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis, don't be expecting too many more this year.

4 - San Francisco Giants

The Giants have the reigning Cy Young award winner on their team. Tim Lincecum put together a spectacular season in 2008 and will be in contention for the award again in 2009. The only problem is that he is stuck on a lousy team. They only managed 94 home runs as a team last year, and didn't add a big bat over the winter, so I wouldn't expect any breakout season for the Gigantes in 2009.

5 - San Diego Padres

The Padres are much like the Giants, except even lousier. They have one spectacular pitcher: Jake Peavy and a decent hitter in Adrian Gonzalez. But Gonzalez can't drive in 5 every night and Peavy only pitches every 5th day. That's why San Diego will finish 5th in the division.


That's all of my predictions for each division. Tomorrow will be postseason/awards predictions. Hope you'll come on back and check 'em out.

Go Crazy.


p.s. - "Go Crazy" is my new closing signature after discovering that somebody else was already doing "Go Cards." I think this one is better anyway. But if you have a better idea leave it in the comments section. Nothing Twins related - please.