NL West: Trades, free agents
Giants, Dodgers, Padres and Diamondback had busy winter
The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Deigo Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks were all busy National League West teams during the winter.
The National West certainly is one of the most competitive, though probably not best, divisions in Major League Baseball. Any one of the division’s four teams could win the title, but any of the same four could finish last as well.
Every team have strength, but also question marks.
Take the San Francisco Giants for example. The off season saw a lot of changes; Felipe Alou retired and joined the front office with Bruce Bochy, formerly of the rival San Diego Padres, replacing him. It also saw pitcher Jason Schmidt signing with the division-rival and hated Dodgers, and players Shea Hillenbrand, Mike Stanton and Moises Alou signing with other teams. But they also made some nice editions; most notably Barry Zito to strength the starting pitching staff, slugger Ryan Klesko from the rival Padres, Rich Aurilia, speedy Dave Roberts for the top of the order, catcher Bengie Molina and pitcher Russ Ortiz. The biggest question mark is, how will Bochy and Barry Bonds get along; and will Bonds -- who signed a monster 7 year contract for 128 million dollars -- have a productive year with all the drama of possible steroid use hanging over his head?
The Los Angeles Dodgers were very active during the winter, acquiring longtime Giants pitcher Schmidt, veterans Luis Gonzalez, Mike Leiberthal, Randy Wolf and speedy leadoff man Juan Pierre. But they also lost perhaps more than they gained with Jose Cruz Jr., J.D. Drew, Eric Gagne, Toby Hall, Kenny Lofton, Julio Lugo, Jayson Werth and ageless pitcher Greg Maddux. The changes leave the Dodgers with revamped lineup from top to bottom this season. With Pierre, shortstop Rafael Furcal, outfielder Gonzalez, Jeff Kent and Nomar Garciaparra at the top of the lineup, the new Dodgers should be able to score runs.
Despite Maddux’s loss, the Dodgers are trying to upgrade the pitching staff by3/24/07 acquiring Schmidt. With strongman Derek Lowe, Brad Penny and Randy Wolf, if he can make a comeback, as well as possibly young prospect Chad Bilingsley, the Dodgers should be able to keep opponents’ runs down. They better, because the bullpen will be relying on some untested arms.
The San Diego Padres will attempt to repeat as National League West champions, but this isn’t quite the same team it was a year ago. Bud Black has taken over as manager, the team acquired Jose Cruz Jr., Marcus Giles and Greg Maddux through free agency, and added Andrew Brown, sizzling prospect Kevin Kouzmanoff, Heath Bell and Royce Ring via trades. The starting rotation should be strong with crafty veterans David Wells and Maddux, a healthy Jack Peavy, Chris Young and a mix of young fireballers. The bullpen is also strong and deep with a mixture of young talent and experienced veterans. The closer is Trevor Hoffman, who saved 46 games with a 2.14 ERA in 2006.
The big news for Arizona Diamondbacks fans is the addition of their former ace, Randy Johnson, but it’s questionable whether the ageless Johnson can continue to get Major League hitters out. If he can, the Diamondbacks could be contenders in the division. Livan Hernandez joins Johnson in the starting rotation, alone with a number of young but potentially spectacular arms. Unfortunately, young is the by-word for the Diamondbacks with some talented but young players like Connor Jackson, Stephen Drew and Chad Tracy. The future certainly looks bright in the Arizona sun, but Johnson and the youngsters must produce with career seasons.
