The National League West has had an eventful off season thus far but it has mainly come from a team you would least expect in the Padres. They have been on a trading spree this year and completely overhauled their lineup but in a good way. This could really shake things up in a division that has been run by just two teams (Dodgers, Giants) for years now.
San Diego Padres: Are they ready to compete?
The Padres have made a flurry of trades this year in an effort to improve their rosters n finally get back into the playoffs. The Padres have acquired big names such as Justin Upton, Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Derek Norris, Brandon Morrow all without having to mortgage the farm. Every year, in every sport there is a team that splurges more than anyone during the offseason and makes them the favorites in many folks eyes to at least win their division. However that’s not always the case as it takes a team time to gel and mesh together. The Padres may be one of the exceptions though as they still managed to maintain a large portion of their pitching from last year which was their strong suite. The Padres hitting was absolutely atrocious last year on their way to still nearing a .500 record. That means even a lineup that may take time to collectively hit, will be much improved and with the pitching staff still intact this team should still finds itself improved and in a battle to win a wild card.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Is this finally their year?
For the last few seasons the Dodgers have been one of the early season favorites to reach and win the World Series. While the Dodgers may have traded one of the staples of their outfield for the last five or so years in Matt Kemp, they get to call up one of the best prospects in all of baseball in Joc Pederson. The Dodgers still have one of the best rotations in all of baseball and the best pitcher on the planet in Clayton Kershaw. With an upgraded infield defense with the additions Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins the Dodgers may just have enough to finally get back into the World Series.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Is Archie Bradley finally ready? Is Goldschmidt an MVP?
Archie Bradley was drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2011 with the seventh overall pick. Last year was supposed to be his year to start in the big leagues but he suffered from major control issues and that never came to fruition. Despite an awful ERA of 4.45 last season Bradley still owns a 3.14 ERA for his career in the minors and has struck out more than a batter per inning. Bradley will only be 22 next season so there is still time for him to develop in the minors if need be, but last year the Diamondbacks had one of the worst starting rotations in all of baseball and may be strongly inclined to bring up Bradley and let him tweak his mechanics at the major league level.
Two seasons ago Paul Goldschmidt put together one of the better all around performances you’ll ever get from a first baseman. That season Goldschmidt hit .302 with 36 homeruns, 125 RBI, 103 runs and 15 steals. Last year was a bit of a let down as even before his injury Goldschmidt was on a slower pace than the previous season with 19 homeruns and 69 RBI. He still did however keep up the stolen base totals as he was up to nine which by itself is an impressive number for a first baseman. If the Diamondbacks can surround Goldschmidt with just a little more talent there is no telling what this slugger would be capable of. MVP certainly is not out of the question with this superstar.
San Francisco Giants: Can they contend in the revamped division?
The Giants have been on some kind of stretch over the last five years winning, by winning three World Series in that span. However the year after they win is usually a season filled with struggles and missed opportunities. So will this year be any different? It certainly is going to be more difficult with the Padres likely being a contending force after years of incompetence. I think it’s going to be a very tough road for the Giants this season. Their division has improved drastically and even the Rockies could be a viable team if they manage to stay healthy. The Giants also lost some key pieces such as Mike Morse who was instrumental to the Giants pennant last year and often times carried that offense by himself.
Colorado Rockies: Who is staying and who may be leaving?
There have been a lot of rumors circling around the Rockies, particularly with two of their all world players in Troy Tulowitzki, and Carlos Gonzalez. These two have been talked about in trades all winter long but the asking price is said to be very steep which is why as of now they still play for the Rockies. You also have Charlie Blackmon who bursted onto the scene last year and nearly put up a 20/20 season in his first full season in the big leagues. However the Rockies are still multiple pieces away from contending as they are weak in the bullpen and in their starting rotation. They have some help on the way with a young arm like Jon Gray possible making the team this year. If the Rockies are looking to finally contend in a few years guys like Tulo and Cargo are likely out at some point this year as they look to build around the nucleus of Nolan Arenado, and Blackmon.