MLB Preview Part III: The West

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By John Colby Roessler

American League:

The Favorite

Los Angeles – The Halos return a strong core of talent in their lineup with basher Vladimir Guerrero as its anchor. They made it all the more talented and strengthened their defense with the acquisition of long-time Twin and Gold Glover Torii Hunter. They still need an everyday designated hitter and a better left fielder than Gary Matthews who is making the switch thanks to the Hunter signing.

Pitching wins championships as they say and the Angels have a plethora of it. They possess one of the deepest rotations in the game anchored by perennial Cy Young candidate John Lackey. They have an up-and-coming ace in Jered Weaver who has dazzled this spring. They also acquired an innings eater in Jon Garland from the White Sox in the offseason.

The Contender

Seattle – The AL West is a pretty weak division this season, but the Mariners should give the Angels a run. They acquired ace Erik Bedard from the Orioles and also signed Carlos Silva who is a savior for the bullpen with his ability to pitch deep in games. The question? Relief pitching. They do not have much of it minus J.J. Putz and Brandon Morrow. Their lineup should score some runs as long as Richie Sexson can rebound and Ichiro stays Ichiro.

Not This Year

Texas – The Rangers have some talent in their lineup, but they are still too young. Michael Young is a mainstay and Jarrod Saltalamacchia will become a household name but they are one year away. They need to increase their output in the pitching department from a staff that is cannot stay on the mound.

Oakland – Billy Beane’s Moneyball days are getting closer and closer to being behind us. The mad hatter who has produced talent like Miguel Tejada, Tim Hudson, and Barry Zito is running dry these days. There are some guys who could step up in Daric Barton and Carlos Gonzalez, however. This team is in a state of transition and that transition will not get them out of the divisional cellar this season.

National League

The Favorite:

Arizona – The Diamondbacks pulled off two of the biggest trades in the offseason landing starter Dan Haren from the A’s and sending saves leader Jose Valverde to the Astros for some solid arms. If Randy Johnson can return to the Big Unit of old the D’Backs pitching staff could possibly be the most dominant in the National League.

The D’Backs have a strong lineup with young guys hungry for wins. They performed a year ahead last season. With a year under their belt they should be more relaxed at the plate and able to drive in many runs. Gems like Chris Young and Stephen Drew need to continue their growth into solid major leaguers while veterans like Orlando Hudson and Eric Byrnes need to remain the dependable players they have been in the past.

The Contenders

Colorado – The Rockies were the surprise of the baseball world in 2007 going on one of the most remarkable runs in the sport’s history. They reached the World Series for the first time in franchise history last year and could very well make a strong push to do it again this year. They return many key elements from that 2007 team namely Matt Holliday who could very well win a few MVP Awards before it is all said and done. Their starting pitching is a question, but with Jeff Francis and Aaron Cook at the top of the staff there is not that much reason to worry.

San Diego – The Padres lack a potent bat in their lineup minus Adrian Gonzalez. They acquired Jim Edmonds in the offseason but he is not getting any younger. It also does not help that they play in a park that is not exactly hitter friendly. What does help them, however, is that they possess one of the league’s best pitching staffs. Jake Peavy anchors a rotation capable of competing with anyone else’s in the league. Their bullpen behind Trevor Hoffman should hold many leads. They just better score some runs to get those leads.

Los Angeles – Dodger nation is in the same boat as their San Diego counterparts. They have a strong rotation with some questions at the backend such as Jason Schmidt’s health and lack power. They signed long-time Brave Andruw Jones this offseason, but Jones is coming off his worst season in his career barely hitting over the Mendoza Line. His strikeout numbers are high and power numbers are low. He has no serious help around him either. Nomar Garciaparra and Jeff Kent have potential but neither of them are getting and younger or are pumping out many home runs. The game can be won in the ninth with Takashi Saito closing the deal for them.

Not This Year

San Francisco – The Giants do have four of the best young starters in the game today in Barry Zito, Tim Lincecum, Noah Lowry, and Matt Cain but after that they fall. Their bullpen is weak with only a couple of solid arms. They lack a definite power bat thanks to the departure of the enigma that is Barry Bonds.

Taking over Bonds in left is Dave Roberts who is penciled in to be the leadoff man. They did get some grit to their lineup which should create some sort of spark by signing outfielder Aaron Rowand. Rowand is best known for his acrobatic catch for Philadelphia when he crashed into the outfield wall and broke his nose. This doesn’t look like San Francisco’s year. Maybe 2009 … or later.

Only a week away from the months of excitement that is the Major Leagues. You ready?

Originally Published: Issue 601 - March 26, 2008

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