PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
San Diego Padres
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
This division could have four teams over .500 and one with over 100 losses. It's going to be a dogfight for the 1st to 4th spots virtually all year long. The problem with that type of meat grinding is that only the division winner is likely to make the playoffs versus the other more top heavy divisions.
Arizona Diamondbacks:
Pitching - Rotation of Brandon Webb and Dan Haren looking for a rejuvenated Randy Johnson to make a Big Three. If not, then Doug Davis and Micah Owings are solid starters. Brandon Lyon and Tony Pena as the late inning relief may prove to be a weakness as well.
Lineup - Solid at all positions, added depth with Chris Burke from the Astros. Chris Young's CF low average last year (.238) cause for concern. Stephen Drew SS, Conor Jackson 1B and Justin Upton RF could all break out and add more power to the lineup. Eric Byrnes is solid in left field and the speed threat with 50 SB's. Mark Reynolds 3B and Orlando Hudson 2B are solid. Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero have some pop behind the dish.
Prospects - Not that they need much, but if relief pitching falters, Max Scherzer, RHP could be pressed into service. He showed well in the Arizona Fall League. Brooks Brown, RHP is a sinker baller who could help as well.
Colorado Rockies:
Pitching - Jeff Francis is a budding superstar and Ubaldo Jiminez shined in the playoffs. Aaron Cook is steady. If Jiminez cannot handle a full-season workload, journeymen Kip Wells and Mark Redman provide depth. Bullpen is well stocked with recently signed Manny Corpas and Brian Fuentes closing games.
Lineup - Solid everywhere, led by veteran Todd Helton and young superstar Matt Holliday. Troy Tulowitzki is a budding superstar and Brad Hawpe and Garret Atkins are solid. Depth in the infield with Jeff Baker and converted minor league catcher Ian Stewart ready to step in if 2B Jayson Nix falters. Yorvit Tirrealba and prospect Chris Ianetta hold down the catchers spot.
Prospects - Ian Stewart C-2B is a pure hitter with power potential. Chris Ianetta appears to be the catcher of the future. Dexter Fowler CF may have to wait for a spot to open in this outfield. Franklin Morales P may be a year or two away.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Pitching - Brad Penny, Derek Lowe and a pick-em between Jason Schmidt, Esteban Loaiza and Chad Billingsley for the top three spots in the rotation. Takashi Saito and Jonathan Broxton lead the bullpen. Scott Proctor is here to provide Joe Torre with pitcher abuse points.
Lineup - Mix of youth and veterans with Russell Martin C, James Loney 1B and Matt Kemp RF providing youth while Jeff Kent 2B, Rafael Furcal SS, Andruw Jones CF, Nomar Garciaparra 3B and Juan Pierre LF provide veteran leadership. Andre Ethier provide outfield depth. They could use a veteran infielder.
Prospects - Clayton Kershaw LHP may be ready, but he's only 20. Andy La Roche is the heir apparent at 3B. James McDonald RHP and Jon Meloan RHP may be a year away.
San Diego Padres:
Pitching - Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Greg Maddux lead the starters. If Mark Prior can find his way back this staff has a chance to be outstanding. If not pick between veterans Shawn Estes and Glendon Rusch. Trevor Hoffman closes as well as anyone. Wilfredo Ledezma LHP may get pushed to the bullpen if the Prior comes through.
Lineup - Might not be as formidable as the other three contenders. Adrian Gonzalez 1B, Khalil Greene SS and Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B anchor the infield with newcomer Tadahito Iguchi 2B looking to rebuond from an off year. Brian Giles RF is joined in the outfield by Scott Hairston LF and Jim Edmonds CF from the Cardinals. Tony Clark 1B comes over from Arizona to add infield depth and pop but may be a man without a regular position. Josh Bard and Michael Barrett are steady if unspectacular behind the dish.
Prospects - Chase Headley 3B may need one more year in the minors but will be wort the wait. Mark Antonelli 2B is a hitting machine with some speed and power. Mat Latos RHP is young (19) but may add to the starting rotation soon.
San Francisco Giants:
Pitching - Barry Zito, Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum have potential to be the best Big Three in the league. It will be wasted this year. Noah Lowry LHP or Kevin Correia RHP may be dangle as trade bait for a bat if young LHP Jonathan Sanchez can provide consistent starting outings. Pat Misch will either be the fifth starter or long reliever. Brian Wilson and Brad Hennessey will share the closer chores with Wilson having the inside track. Tyler Walker provides depth as well.
Lineup - Possibly the worst in baseball. Bengie Molina C may bat cleanup,'nuf said? Dan Ortmeier 1B will be counted on to provide power at the major league level, something he hasn't shown at the minor league level. That's a problem. Ray Durham remains at 2B and Kevin Frandsen replaces future HOF'er Omar Vizquel at SS. Rich Aurilia takes over at 3B due to the Vizquel injury, but word is the Giants are chasing White Sox 3B Joe Crede hard for one of the spare pitchers. Dave Roberts LF and RF Randy Winn are joined by free-agent signee CF Aaron Rowand. This team may have less HR's than wins this year.
Prospects - Angel Villanona 3B is only 17 years old, but is a potential five-tool player. Nick Noonan 2B-SS is in the David Eckstein mold. Nate Schierholz OF may be counted on to start this year. Pitching prospect Madison Bumgardner LHP and Tim Alderson RHP will be the next wave of pitching to join current starters Cain and Lincecum.
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