A look at the 2009 National League West:
Three storylines
- Manny on a short leash: Manny Ramirez got a two-year deal, after much consternation. In a contract year, there was no better hitter in baseball in August and September. But will the old, non-hustling Manny come back in May and June for the Dodgers? Joe Torre will earn his money this season.
- New Arizona arms: Randy Johnson changed teams in the division, but the Diamondbacks have plenty where that came from. Hard-throwing Max Scherzer gets a shot in the rotation, and the Brandon Webb-Dan Haren tandem will stop losing streaks.
- Can we bring 2007 back?: Two seasons ago, the Rockies and Padres finished the season tied for the NL wild-card, played an epic one-game playoff, and Colorado rode that wave all the way to the pennant. Now they look like the two worst teams in the division, and the Padres could be the worst in baseball, with Jake Peavy likely on the trade block at midseason.
Player in spotlight
(Non-Manny division) Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers: Los Angeles has the hitting to beat anybody, but to win the division, they'll have to be solid in the ninth inning. Broxton, who has never been a full-time closer, will get the chance to take that role.
Best acquisition
Orlando Hudson, Dodgers: Jeff Kent retired, but Hudson will be better in the field at second base and a pest on the bases. And he came at a bargain, too (one year, $3.4 million, with incentives).
Rookie to watch
Pablo Sandoval, Giants: He has a few too many at-bats to technically be a rookie, but there aren't many others in the division. Sandoval begins his first full year in the big leagues and led the majors for much of spring training in hits. He's also versatile as the starter at third base and able to back up at first and catcher.
Predicted order of finish, with links to team previews:
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Best everyday lineup in the division, and perhaps the NL.
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Now only if they had a couple more hitters.
- San Francisco Giants: If Randy Johnson has a little left, he could make a big difference.
- Colorado Rockies: Their chances left with Matt Holliday.
- San Diego Padres: Fire sale likely.
What you you think? Make your NL West picks here and compare them with the group.
