Colorado Rockies (90-72): It's about time I stop underestimating the Rox prior to EVERY season. Each year their off-season performance seems dismal and their prospects do not look spectacular and yet they inevitably make a run and make the playoffs. Look for more stellar improvement from Troy Tulowitzki. Rockies fans should temper their enthusiasm early on to allow their young outfielders to acclimate. The loss of Jason Marquis could hurt them. At the end of the day, however, the Rockies are the warriors of baseball. They just know how to win.
Arizona Diamondbacks (88-74): This ranking is almost exclusively dependent on Brandon Webb. With recent reports from Arizona management that he may begin the year on the DL I am really on the fence about putting them here. They have an exciting young offense, including one of the most exciting players in the game in 2009 breakout star Justin Upton. If Webb is healthy then the 1-2-3 punch of Webb, Haren, and the newly acquired Edwin Jackson would seem to be tops in the division. If Webb cannot go though, and Chris B. Young cannot turn it around in centerfield, it could be another down year.
San Francisco Giants (88-74): Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain will most certainly keep this team a winner for years to come as one of the best 1-2 punches in the game. Their offense may very well be improved from 2009, but not necessarily in the right departments. They still do not possess a legitimate power-threat and until they can establish one, they are a sub-90 win team.
Los Angeles Dodgers (83-79): I know it is a huge projected drop-off from the 95-win 2009 club, but I really don't love the look of their roster. Obviously they have one of the most offensively-potent outfields in the game with Manny, Kemp and Ethier, but the rest of the roster doesn't blow me away. They took some legitimate hits to their rotation and the bullpen needed an upgrade that will not come in the form of Eric Gagne. I'm probably undershooting their final record, but I think sub-par pitching combined with a decided lack of depth on the roster (no more Juan Pierre who was superb during Manny's suspension last season) will equate to a dramatic drop-off in wins and an inevitable retooling in the next off-season.
San Diego Padres (73-89): While most probably reminisce about the 2009 season and think of the Padres as the worst team in baseball, they bested 8 other teams in the majors and bring back a roster that is essentially the same as last season's. They lose the hot start of Jake Peavy, however, and that will take away a few wins. Adrian Gonzalez will keep you in some games, however, and Heath Bell will close out most of the close ones. Another mediocre year in San Diego.
Come back later tonight for the AL WEST.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment