National League West
As Cam reminded me, I suck at the West. Speaking of the American League West:
I think Archway cut off the rest of your Angels comments above. Surely those lost “not to like†comments included the fact that the Angels best pitcher, Bartolo Colon will miss at least the first 4-6 weeks of the season. After that, I’m guessing you mentioned how Chone Figgins will be out possibly longer than that with two fractures in his hand. And, did you have enough room to mention the inherent offensive question marks at 1B (Casey Kotchman) and C (Mike Napoli)? I’m sure you did, but I just wanted to make sure. Although, I’d understand if you held off on all of this just so you could cover the Gary Matthews mess. We all know that last year was the flukiest fluke year in the history of flukedom for Gary and there’s no way he repeats it. But, now he’s got that whole HGH scandal hanging over his head which could be a distraction all year long.
What can I say? I suck at the West.
The National League West features improved Diamondback and Giant teams and only slightly worse Dodger and Padre teams. Yet another section that’s going to have a couple of teams jumping right to the verdict.
The Verdict: Right to the verdict with the D-Backs. I’m in the minority that thinks the change of scenery for Randy Johnson is going to lead to him having a really, really good season. He’s going to be happier and relaxed in a better environment. Between him, Webb, Doug Davis, and Livan Hernandez (who will have a better year) the Diamondbacks pitching is great. Unfortunately, I see them taking over the Astros’ role of a team with really good pitching that just can’t score runs and struggle to .500. Vegas says their over under at 78.5, and I’m setting that as one of my mortal lock bets. Over 78.5.
As an aside, I can’t wait until they re-sign Schilling next year.
The Verdict: They’re just not there. They benefited last year from the League being pitiful, but I don’t think three or four of the teams are going to be as pitiful this year. The Giants, Diamondbacks, Phillies, and Braves are all better than they were last year and the Padres stagnated. Added to the Chargers hangover and the Padres go under .500 this season.
What’s To Like: Their rotation doesn’t suck. Their line-up is a lot less fragile than it was last year, with Moises Alou joining the senior citizens at Shea and Kenny Lofton gone. Wilson Betemit will have a good season as an every day player and one would think Rafael Furcal would wake up at some point. They always have money to go pick up a piece mid-season if they need it, if there are pieces available.
What’s Not To Like: They’re another one of those teams that have collected a bunch of OK guys with no enormous superstars. I don’t see Derek Lowe going out there down the stretch and beating top-tier NL teams when they need wins. They’re also still working with a third string closer.
The Verdict: The Dodgers should be in wildcard contention at the end of the season with a team from the East, since I don’t think the Central or anyone else in the NL West is good enough to guarantee 88 or 90 wins.
The Verdict: The Giants are grotesquely under-rated this season. I think Bonds is going to have a big year, making my 11th round fantasy pick-up a bargain. I think Zito’s going to have a big year moving into the National League and playing a huge portion of his games against the Rockies, Diamondbacks, and weakened Padres. I think the Giants will have enough money to get a deal done at the deadline if they need one. In all, I think the Giants win the West this year, and I think Bonds breaks the record in the conveniently scheduled home stand at the end of August/beginning of September.
The Verdict: I’m going to go right to the verdict since the Rockies are one of those franchises that I have no idea what’s going on with. Really, the only thing I know about the Rockies is that Chris Rock lifted their logo for an HBO special. The Rockies finished tied for last in the West last season and they didn’t do much to change it. I’ll say they don’t improve from last year’s 76 wins.
