Post by D Backs GM (Tyler) on Mar 26, 2017 9:07:49 GMT -5
Sorry people from other divisions, I don't have time for 30 teams, but 5 seems reasonable. Maybe someone from your division should have a go at yours. Or maybe you even! But here is how I see the NL West shaping up this year...
The Favorite - San Diego Padres
Soooo this team is terrifying. Loaded and has 18M and change to spend and plenty of spots to add people. The hits don't stop on offense with JD Martinez, Adam Jones, Brandon Belt, and more. Then the starting pitching staff is possibly more loaded with Hammels, Porcello, Parker, DeGrom, Wheeler. Sweet Jesus. The only real deficiency here is the bullpen. There will really not be much action there with only 3 RPs. Shouldn't be a big problem early in the year as long as their stars perform and there is plenty of time to make additions and start competing in SV and HD too.
The Contender - Colorado Rockies
This team is perpetually solid and this year is no exception. No outstanding bats outside of Tulo if he returns to form. But my goodness is he paying to see if that happens. He posted a career low in both BABIP and BA last year, so heres hoping. Other than that, a lot of really solid pieces that should see his lineup to the middle of the pack if not pushing on for more. The pitching staff is fair to midland. The back end of the bullpen is solid, but the rest of the staff (including the rotation) leaves a bit to be desired. It shows that they made a few "turn a dollar into four quarters" trades this offseason dealing Kinsler and Morales. No glaring holes, but no glaring strengths either.
Hoping for a Wild Card Run - Arizona Diamondbacks
Upside upside upside. There are a lot of gambles on this team and very few sure things. Pedroia, Schoop, a returning Ramos, VMart, and Ellsbury are the only real established offensive players. If the likes of Kepler and Judge break out, the offense will be in business, but other than that, the lack of quality is glaring. Jason Heyward has in no way justified his contract but at least its on its way down. The pitching is.... well its there. Horrendous starting pitching in need of multiple career years after the fire sale of Odorizzi and Gausman. At least the bullpen is solid and deep.
Hoping for Health - San Fransisco Giants
A top heavy offense with Abreu, Cruz, and CarGo. But not a deep team. If their stars stay healthy and perform, they'll be fine, but the lack of depth on offense could really hurt if one or more of them have a down year for any reason. Same story with their staff really. Keuchel is obviously the stud, and there are a few above average pieces, but depth will be an issue. In a 30 team league, its to be expected. I predict a "Wait and see" year from the Giants while they hope to compete but have some tough decisions to make come the trade deadline. If I had to bet, I'd say they are looking to be sellers at the deadline and potentially propel a team to glory with a deal involving Keuchel or CarGo, who are both on expiring contracts. With a little more depth, scary. Without it, vulnerable.
The Rebuilder - LA Dodgers
The Dodgers are rebuilding. No two ways about it. And they've been smart to not move future cornerstones (potentially) like Nola. Chisenhall is on a horrible contract unless he hits like he did last year, but I'd like a little more proof before handing out a contract like that. At least its better after this year and really, this year is gone anyway. Arietta is the same way. No one outside of a top 5 player (maybe) is worth that much money (35M!). But he is backloaded to be ok for the years when I'm guessing the Dodgers plan on contending.
The Favorite - San Diego Padres
Soooo this team is terrifying. Loaded and has 18M and change to spend and plenty of spots to add people. The hits don't stop on offense with JD Martinez, Adam Jones, Brandon Belt, and more. Then the starting pitching staff is possibly more loaded with Hammels, Porcello, Parker, DeGrom, Wheeler. Sweet Jesus. The only real deficiency here is the bullpen. There will really not be much action there with only 3 RPs. Shouldn't be a big problem early in the year as long as their stars perform and there is plenty of time to make additions and start competing in SV and HD too.
The Contender - Colorado Rockies
This team is perpetually solid and this year is no exception. No outstanding bats outside of Tulo if he returns to form. But my goodness is he paying to see if that happens. He posted a career low in both BABIP and BA last year, so heres hoping. Other than that, a lot of really solid pieces that should see his lineup to the middle of the pack if not pushing on for more. The pitching staff is fair to midland. The back end of the bullpen is solid, but the rest of the staff (including the rotation) leaves a bit to be desired. It shows that they made a few "turn a dollar into four quarters" trades this offseason dealing Kinsler and Morales. No glaring holes, but no glaring strengths either.
Hoping for a Wild Card Run - Arizona Diamondbacks
Upside upside upside. There are a lot of gambles on this team and very few sure things. Pedroia, Schoop, a returning Ramos, VMart, and Ellsbury are the only real established offensive players. If the likes of Kepler and Judge break out, the offense will be in business, but other than that, the lack of quality is glaring. Jason Heyward has in no way justified his contract but at least its on its way down. The pitching is.... well its there. Horrendous starting pitching in need of multiple career years after the fire sale of Odorizzi and Gausman. At least the bullpen is solid and deep.
Hoping for Health - San Fransisco Giants
A top heavy offense with Abreu, Cruz, and CarGo. But not a deep team. If their stars stay healthy and perform, they'll be fine, but the lack of depth on offense could really hurt if one or more of them have a down year for any reason. Same story with their staff really. Keuchel is obviously the stud, and there are a few above average pieces, but depth will be an issue. In a 30 team league, its to be expected. I predict a "Wait and see" year from the Giants while they hope to compete but have some tough decisions to make come the trade deadline. If I had to bet, I'd say they are looking to be sellers at the deadline and potentially propel a team to glory with a deal involving Keuchel or CarGo, who are both on expiring contracts. With a little more depth, scary. Without it, vulnerable.
The Rebuilder - LA Dodgers
The Dodgers are rebuilding. No two ways about it. And they've been smart to not move future cornerstones (potentially) like Nola. Chisenhall is on a horrible contract unless he hits like he did last year, but I'd like a little more proof before handing out a contract like that. At least its better after this year and really, this year is gone anyway. Arietta is the same way. No one outside of a top 5 player (maybe) is worth that much money (35M!). But he is backloaded to be ok for the years when I'm guessing the Dodgers plan on contending.
