The Barry Bonds Division, or rather, the National League West, should be a little more competitive this year, as the Dodgers will be healthier, the Giants will have Bonds back, and the Padres have added some skill players in key positions.
San Diego Padres – I’m going against popular opinion on this one, and let me tell you why. Despite the Padres abysmal, league winning record last year, they now have experience down the stretch. In addition, they made quite a splash in the trade market, acquiring good players for their home stadium. Petco, as is often mentioned, is a premier pitchers park. So the Padres went ahead and acquired some cheap, flyball pitchers in Chris Young and Chan Ho Park. Then, they got another rangy outfielder to go with Dave Roberts in Mike Cameron, improving that outfield defense. This clearly isn’t the most talented team, maybe not even in the NL West, but I like the way they are built to win their home games. They should do enough on the road to win some the division.
San Francisco Giants – The Bay Area Bondses drastically improve their lineup with the return and good health of the most feared hitter in the league, Barry Bonds. They also have some good pitching, with more familiar names Noah Lowry and Jason Schmidt, and newcomer Matt Morris, to go along with Barry Bonds. And also, Barry Bonds, Barry Bonds, Barry Bonds.
Los Angeles Dodgers – The good news for the Dodgers is that they have a very strong bullpen. This is even better news, as they will probably be used 4 innings a game, unless Grady Little continues with his famous inability to replace pitchers. Their lineup consists of many quality veterans. Their season hinges on weather or not these veterans play as veterans or if they play as just plain old.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Every prospect report I read seams to have half a dozen Diamondback farmhands mentioned.This year Conor Jackson, one of those prospect all-stars will be the everyday first baseman. Chad Tracy, another young talent, will do an excellent job on the opposite corner. Unfortunately, there are still some holes on this team, and some players who are on their last legs. This Diamondbacks team is still a year or two away.
Colorado Rockies – The Rockies, like the Diamondbacks, have a lot of young hitters (Garrett Atkins, Clint Barmes, Matt Holliday) but unlike the D-backs, they don’t hve adequate pitching. The Rockies are about 4 years away.
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