National League Preview - The NL West

Although the National League has taken a backseat to the American League for the last couple seasons, and many people refer to it as “AAAA” baseball, they have taken giant steps forward this season.

With the Phillies trading for the arguably the best pitcher in baseball in Roy Halladay, the Mets signing prized free agent Jason Bay and boasting the elite power hitters in the game, Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder, the NL should definitely be considered stiff opposition during the All-Star Game and the World Series.

The major league baseball season is just a week away and to get you prepared here is the shallowest preview and predictions you will find. First up –

National League West

LA Dodgers – The class of the NL West and they will battle for the NL Pennant when all is said and done. The player that will get the most press will once again be Manny Ramirez, but it will be for his off-field activities rather than his on field actions. The player to watch is center fielder Matt Kemp. Kemp finished among the Top 10 outfielders in runs (97), steals (34) and RBIs (101) in '09. They are solid up the middle with Canadian Russell Martin behind the plate controlling the young pitching staff. Watch for Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley both to come close to 20 wins and Jonathan Broxton is solid as the closer. Enjoy the season Dodger fans!

Colorado Rockies – First baseman and perennial .300 hitter Todd Helton anchor The Rockies. He will get great support around the infield from one of the game’s best shortstops Troy Tulowitzki and the U.S.A catcher from the last World Championship Chris Iannetta. The outfield and offence will lean on Brad Hawpe, who will have lots of chances to drive in runs with the speedy Dextor Fowler taking over full-time in centerfield. The pitching staff is led by the unheralded Ubaldo Jimenez who had 15 wins last season and looks to continue to make a name for himself as a elite pitcher, even if he has to work at Coors Field. Behind Jimenez in the rotation is Aaron Cook and shutting the door at the end of the game is former Oakland closer Huston Street. Street can be shaky but should match his 35 saves from last season. The Rockies have the pieces to make some noise in the NL West but must get all-star seasons from key players to have a chance at the playoffs.

SF Giants – Barry Bonds still hasn’t retired and they could probably use his power (HGH or not). There strength lies with the pitching staff, with ace and reigning Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum at the top of the rotation. Lincecum is followed in the rotation by Barry Zito, who is solid but, will never live up to the huge free agent contract he signed. All-Star catcher Pablo Sandoval has been moved from behind the plate to third base because of the signing of Benji Molina. Three time All-Star Freddy Sanchez escapes from Pittsburgh and will try to continue his fine form in the Bay Area. The Giants need to prey on the weak opponents for a chance to catch the Dodgers/Rockies or claim the Wild Card.

Arizona Diamondbacks – After getting career season from Mark Reynolds, the Dbacks need to hope he can duplicate his form and those around him can step up to contribute. Besides 3B Reynolds, Arizona needs a big season from youngsters Justin Upton (RF) and shortstop Stephen Drew. After playing for teams last season, Adam LaRoche hopes he found a home in the desert and will get lots of opportunity at first base to succeed. The pitching staff is strong and will keep the Dbacks in games. The top of the rotation features Cy Young candidate Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. They are solid in the bullpen with closer Chad Qualls who will continue to get the ball in ninth inning. Not far behind the Rockies and Giants, but will need great seasons from their All-Stars to contend.

SD Padres – In a constant rebuilding mode, the Padres and their fans (are there any?) will be in for a long season. The one bright spot is power first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Unfortunately, it is likely he will be gone before the end of the season to a contender that can pay (Yankees/Red Sox). Another bright spot is young outfielder Will Venable and the return of Tony Gwynn (yes, it is his son) to San Diego. The pitching staff doesn’t have a full-fledged ace, but if they ever have a lead going into the ninth, look for Heath Bell to be the closer and the face of the franchise for the year.