2009 MLB Projections: NL West
Baseball April 6th. 2009, 12:15pm
AL East, Central West; NL East, Central. They’ll all be mockable in seven months. No way we perform as well as last year.
1. Dodgers - Is there a better outfield in baseball than Manny, Kemp and Ethier? Jointing that trio in the youthful order are a pair of youthful and talented infield corners, plus an All-Star behind the plate. There’s a question or three about the rotation, but even though four teams in the division may have stronger staffs, we still like the Dodgers, barely. Eight-four wins.
2. Diamondbacks - We picked these losers last year – and Eric Byrnes in fantasy – and both were compete busts. Webb-Haren are a great 1-2 … but Chad Qualls as closer? That should be fun to watch. Like the balance throughout the order. Go Stephen Drew! We’ll guess 83 victories.
3. Giants - The bats had the look of a AAA team last year – last in homers (94), 24th in OBP, 28th in OPS – but perhaps the young kids like Sandoval, Ishikawa and Schierholtz (if he gets a chance) may add some pop. And “some” is all they’ll need to hover around .500 with Lincecum and Cain leading the way. Don’t think Zito will duplicate his dismal 2008 campaign … but at the same time, can Randy Johnson win 11 games at the age of 45? We’ll project 79 wins.
4. Padres - Shouldn’t a team that’s likely to get blown up in two months be picked for the cellar? They’re the biggest mess in the National League, and that’s saying something considering the Pirates and Nationals loiter in the lesser lesser league. Pity Adrian Gonzalez.The guess here is 74 wins.
5. Rockies - They’re only two years removed from the World Series, but it feels like much longer since the Red Sox swept them. When healthy, the infield is strong; Hawpe’s a nice outfield bat, too. Prediction: He does well tonight against Brandon Webb. Not really feeling the rotation, but it’s tough to like any pitcher in Coors. Going with 71 wins.
4 Responses to “2009 MLB Projections: NL West”
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April 6th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
No way in hell are the Rockies worse than the Padres. You have to be high.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I would give you the inside scoop on what LA is saying about the Dodgers, but all I’ve heard is whether or not Kobe should win the MVP again.
Sounds about right.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
“Don’t think Zito will duplicate his dismal 2008 campaign”
Umm… why not? Zito did a great job of duplicating his dismal 2007 campaign last year, except I suppose he was a bit worse, but not much.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
maybe two, probably only one. LA has the best bullpen in the division. The Dodgers are winning 90 games. Book it.