MLB 2010 Previews and Predictions- NL West
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the NL West the past two seasons and have their sights set on a third consecutive title in 2010. There problem has been success in the postseason as two years in a row they have been eliminated by the Philadelphia in the League Championship Series. Last year they won the division by three games and finished with a record of 95-67, which was the best in the National League. Colorado finished second at 92-70 and was able to keep things interesting through the last week of the season. They earned the NL Wildcard spot in the playoffs, but were eliminated by the Phillies three games to one in the Division Series. San Francisco was third with a record of 88-74, seven games out of first. In fourth place was San Diego with a record of 75-87, 20 games out of first. Bringing up the rear was Arizona as they finished 25 games back with a record of 75-92. Here is a brief preview of all the teams in the West and their future odds for the 2010 season.
Los Angeles Dodgers- Odds to Win the National League 9/2 Odds to Win the World Series 14/1
The Dodgers are going with basically the same roster they had last season as they believe they have enough talent to bring home a title. One of the biggest concerns with this team is their lack of a bona fide ace in the lineup. They will have to make do with Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda leading the rotation. Manny Ramirez will be back and barring any unforeseen circumstances should be able to play an entire season for the first time since coming to LA. Up and coming stars; Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp round out a talented roster that should keep LA at or near the top of the West all season long.
Colorado Rockies- Odds to Win the National League 10/1 Odds to Win the World Series 20/1
The Rockies rotation will be anchored by Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook but they will need better production from their other starters and bullpen to make a serious run. They recently signed long time utility player, Melvin Mora who should be able to fill in some gaps though out the season. Their batting lineup is bolstered by Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez along with a few more solid bats. Like their pitching, they will need some more offensive production from top to bottom to compete with the elite in the NL.
San Francisco Giants- Odds to Win the National League 15/1 Odds to Win the World Series 30/1
The Giants are led by 2009 NL CY Young winner Tim Lincecum. Along with Barry Zito and Matt Cain they should have one of the better rotations not only in the West but in the whole NL. On offense they signed Mark Derosa to add some more power to the lineup and along with Juan Uribe and Pablo Sandoval , the Giants are poised to make a serious run at the Dodgers this year.
Arizona Diamondbacks- Odds to Win the National League 35/1 Odds to Win the World Series 75/1
To improve their pitching, the Diamondbacks traded for Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennady, but the real question with this team will be the health of Brandon Webb. Webb missed almost all of last series with an injury to his right shoulder. They hope to have him back in time for opening day in April, but there are no guarantees. They also signed 2B Kelly Johnson to help solidify the infield. Justin Upton and Gerardo Parra give the D Backs some offensive firepower, but it remains to be seen if this team has enough to seriously compete this season.
San Diego Padres- Odds to Win the National League 100/1 Odds to Win the World Series 200/1
The new look Padres have undergone some reconstructive surgery on their lineup this offseason in an effort to compete in the West. They brought in C Yorvit Torrealbas and starting pitcher Jon Garland. They also added outfielders Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham. These additions along with some good young talent should improve San Diego’s win total for last year, but do not expect too much beyond that.
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