The Observer, March 28, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 22
Pro Sports Roundup
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers – Batting: 1 Fielding: 2 Starting Pitching: 3 Bullpen: 2 Coaching: 1
Last Year: 4th (82-80) 2008 Prediction: 1st – The NL West has four teams that have the ability to win the division but I am going to go with the Dodgers this year. OF Andruw Jones will have some pressure on him this year to earn his money after a poor contract year in 2007. As for the arms race in the west, Brad Penny and Derek Lowe will show up this year, and northwest Ohio native Chad Billingsley is set to tear up the league. The addition of Joe Torre on the bench along with many of his bench coaches from the Yankees will add some much-needed guidance in the dugout. Though they are already dealing with some injuries, everyone eating Dodger Dogs will be happy this year.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Batting: 3 Fielding: 1 Starting Pitching: 1 Bullpen: 1 Coaching: 2
Last Year: 1st (90-72) 2008 Prediction: 2nd-The Dbacks are set to contend again this year after a surprisingly successful year in 2007. Though they can't expect Randy Johnson to be the pitcher of the past, they can count on Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, and Doug Davis to all have above 15 wins. With the two aces atop of their rotation, Arizona has a few options for the backend of their bullpen. Trading away José Valverde and his 47 saves, the Dbacks will most likely turn to Brandon Lyon as their closer this year. Though they can't expect players like Eric Byrnes to have the same year like last year, Arizona is still in position to make a strong run at the playoffs in 2008.
San Diego Padres – Batting: 4 Fielding: 3 Starting Pitching: 2 Bullpen: 3 Coaching: 4
Last Year: 3rd (89-74) 2008 Prediction: 3rd – Padres fans had to have been heartbroken last year when they lost a playoff game to the Rockies on the last day of the season to see who would win the wild card. It could come down to the same situation this year. Though they are led by ace Jake Peavy, Chris Young, and future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, the Pads lack solid four and five pitchers. Though they added Jim Edmonds in CF, the Padres lack the wood to win the NL West. Right now they project Kevin Kouzmanoff in the three hole. The Kouz is not a MLB three hitter. Though they are lacking in some areas, San Diego is still a solid team that could contend for the Division or wild card.
Colorado Rockies – Batting: 2
Fielding: 4 Starting Pitching: 5 Bullpen: 4 Coaching: 3
Last Year: 2nd (90-73) 2008 Prediction: 4th – I am pretty positive the Rox will not be returning to the World Series this year. Though they have a formidable lineup that is sure to hit some bombs and knock runs in, they are very weak in the pitching department. Behind Jeff Francis, there aren't exactly any intimidating pitchers waiting in the wings. Though Kaz Matsui is gone, 1-5 hitters will not be easy for opposing pitchers to get through, especially in the thin Colorado air.
San Francisco Giants – Batting: 5 Fielding: 5 Starting Pitching: 4 Bullpen: 5 Coaching: 5
Last Year: 5th (71-91) 2008 Prediction: 5th – The Giants will not be stomping anything this year. Though they hoped to get younger, San Francisco is still very old in the field. Giants fans should get excited about young pitchers Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum. Both of these guys have lightning stuff and have very bright futures. Though they won't be in the race much, the Giants will still be a fun team to watch once in a while.
Next Week: AL West
