Baseball Predictions: National League West

Hmmm, why would I want to do this division last.  I know there is a reason.  What could it be? Any guesses?

When I really think about it it's a bit funny that I have never been west of the Wisconsin Dells and yet I am a huge Dodger fan.  All I can say is thank you to the Cubs and Rick Monday.

1.) Los Angeles Dodgers-- I have looked at the Dodger/Giants rosters and I honestly believe the Dodgers are the better team.  When comparing starting pitchers I don't think there is any question that the Dodgers have the better rotation.  In my opinion Clayton Kersaw is the best starter in the game today. And if Zach Greinke and Chad Billingsly can recover from injuries the Dodgers will have one of the top five rotations in the game.

   I know that Adrian Gonzalez, 1st, Josh Beckett, P, and Nick Punto, IF, did not perform towards the end of the season as well as the Dodgers had hoped after the trade from Boston. I hope they can return to their former forms and provide the help the Dodgers need. I also hope that someone gets into SS Hanley Ramirez' head so he can perform up to the potential that was always projected for him.

   I would personally like to see the Dodgers trade pitchers Ted Lilly, Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang (or some combo of the three) to get a needed bat; preferably at 3rd base.  I am also hoping that a full recovery from injury and getting out of the intense media scrutiny of Boston will help RF Carl Crawford return to the player he was in Tampa.  I really enjoyed watching him play for Tampa and I know he could be a big contributor to the Dodgers lineup.

2.) San Francisco Giants-- Yes, I know they won the World Series last year.  Yes, I know they have won the division for at least the last 2-3 years.  But I just don't get how this team is doing it. The rotation is one of the best in the league, I'll concede that.  But other than Pablo Sandoval, 3RD and Buster Posey, C, I don't see where the offense will be coming from.

3.) Arizona Diamondback-- Decent pitching staff.  Young offensive team who I have a favorable impression of. And I think Kirk Gibson will continue to be a good manager and of course I would never bet against him. He has come through in the clutch before.

4.)Colorado Rockies-- Is it wrong that I put them over the Padres just because I know more of the players on their roster?

5.)San Diego Padres-- I sure hope they are in rebuilding mode.