2009 NL West Predictions

NL West Division Betting Preview

2009 is going to be a two horse race between Arizona and Los Angeles. The other 3 teams are relying too heavily on un-proven players. San Francisco is the closest to contend but that will have to wait until 2010.

Here is how I see this division playing out in 2009.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (2008 1st place finish with a 100-62 record)

Manny-mania is back for act 2. The Dodgers inked him to a two year deal, but he didn’t get his asking price. That could be bad if he doesn’t stay happy, ask Boston. The Dodgers’ biggest offensive upgrade came in acquiring Orlando Hudson to replace Jeff Kent. They face significant losses in the starting rotation. LA is looking to replace 84 starts made by departing pitchers Derek Lowe, Brad Penny and Greg Maddux. Chad Billingsley will be called upon to be the ace in 2009. They look for youngster Clayton Kershaw to help head up the depleted staff. Veteran Jason Schmidt could be the key if he can stay healthy.

2009 Prediction – 2nd place finish with a 81-81 record.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2008 2nd place finish with a 82-80 record)

Addition by subtraction is the D-Backs motto in 2009. Slugger Adam Dunn, solid 2nd baseman Orlando Hudson and starting pitcher Randy Johnson have all left. The biggest loss will probably by Hudson. Arizona looks for offensive improvements by Stephen Drew, Conor Jackson and Justin Upton to replace the production provided by Dunn. They are hoping for former 1st round draft pick Max Scherzer to replace Johnson. The front end of the staff is one of the best duos in the game, Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. Look for minor leaguer and 2007 1st round pick, Jarrod Parker to challenge for some starts later in the season.

2009 Prediction – 1st place finish with a 87-75 record.

Colorado Rockies (2008 3rd place finish with a 74-88 record)

By trading Matt Holliday the Rockies lost quite a bit of offensive production and a great clubhouse leader. The deal was made because he will be a free agent at the end of this year and no extension could be reached. Huston Street is one of the players received in the Holliday trade. He will replace Brian Fuentes, the all time saves leader for Colorado. The Rockies will look to the farm system for help on offense. Ace Aaron Cook will once again be called upon for 32+ starts in 2009. After Cook, the Rocks are average at best. Any combination of Ubaldo Jimenez, Jeff Francis, Jorge De La Rosa, Jason Marquis and Greg Smith will probably round out the lack-luster staff.

2009 Prediction – 4th place finish with a 71-91 record.

San Francisco Giants (2008 4th place finish with a 72-90 record)

San Francisco sports the division’s best pitching staff from top to bottom, led by 2008 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. They added Randy Johnson from division foe Arizona. Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito are vying for rotation spots 3-5. The Giants bullpen was in a polite way, not very good. They didn’t convert on 19 save opportunities. This issue was even more important because the offense didn’t provide a ton of opportunities to begin with. The Giants only had 2 hitters with more than 10 HR’s and 3 with 55 RBI’s. Management will turn to un-proven youngsters Pablo Sandoval and Emmanuel Burris. Don’t be surprised if 2008 draft picks Buster Posey and Conor Gillaspie are called upon to contribute as well.

2009 Prediction – 3rd place finish with a 80-82 record.

San Diego Padres (2008 5th place finish with a 63-99 record)

The Padres look to improve upon the 2.5 bright spots they had last year, Jake Peavy, Chris Young (when he wasn’t on the DL) and Adrian Gonzalez. Kevin Kouzmanoff is the leading candidate in his 3rd full season in the big leagues. If Jody Gerut could stay healthy he might be another bright spot on offense. Pitching outside Peavy and Young is going to be brutal. The rotation will not be solidified all year. Manager Bud Black will give opportunities to several arms and hope a few decent one shake out. One place he probably can’t look is in the farm system, which is pretty bleak as well. They might look to build up the system if a good offer for Peavy comes through.

2009 Prediction – 5th place finish with a 66-96 record.

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