2013 NL WEST PREVIEW
The Rockies will always find themselves in a dog fight year after year, as they battle it out in the competitive National League West.
San Francisco Giants - The Giants are coming off 2 World Series titles in the last 3 years. They don't bring much power on offense, but they have what is considered by most to be the best pitching staff in all of baseball. Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was less than stellar last year, but he was darn near unhittable out of the 'pen in the postseason. The champs are hoping that Tim can regain some confidence and bring a steady presence to the middle of the rotation. If that can happen, and the offense continues to push just enough runs across, and come up in big situations, then you can bet on seeing the Giants at the top of the NL West and back in the postseason.
Los Angeles Dodgers - New owners, new television deal, new money, new players. This team has gone from the dark cloud of the McCourt ownership, and the painful sting of bankruptcy, to an embarrassment of riches. The biggest question for the Dodgers is: can money buy a championship? Will this team of superstar names like Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, and Hanley Ramirez be able to gel? Or, will it be a team of inflated egos and paychecks?
Arizona Diamondbacks - Down in the desert, the Diamondbacks continue to find themselves in a position to contend. Perhaps the polar opposite of the Dodgers, this team doesn't boast any real superstar players. What they do have is a gritty group of guys that play as a team, and a steady pitching staff. The D-Backs find ways to win for their manager Kirk Gibson, who personifies that gritty mentality. Expect them to contend in August and September.
San Diego Padres - Much like the Rockies, not much is expected of the Padres in 2013. Their offense revolves around 3rd baseman Chase Headley, coming off a break-out season in which he led the NL with 115 RBI. Their bullpen is decent, if they can stay healthy, but the rotation is nothing to write home about. Former Rule 5 draft pick Everth Cabrera led the NL in stolen bases with 44, but he doesn't get on base as much as he should. The Padres might surprise people like they did a couple of seasons ago, but a .500 record may be considered a victory this season.