Let’s wrap-up our predictions with the National League West. The division offers a garden variety of teams with World Series aspirations to those entering heavy rebuilding modes. Without further ado, here’s how I see things unfolding.

ORDER OF FINISH
Dodgers – Joe Torre’s first season in Hollywood took off once he landed his headline star in Manny Ramirez. The two are together again in LA this season and the supporting cast is outstanding. Russell Martin gives the Dodgers one of the best offensive producing backstops in the game. Young outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are ready to deliver on their promise. The team added second baseman Orlando Hudson and re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to shore up the middle. The rotation has upside, but lacks a proven No. 1. However, Chad Billingsley is poised to be that guy and it might come as soon as this season. Jonathan Broxton will nail it down in the ninth as good as anybody in the division and the setup depth in unmatched.

Diamondbacks – The front of the rotation makes the D-Backs automatic contenders in this competitive division. Brandon Webb and Danny Haren could easily combine to win 36-40 games and pitch 200 innings. The 3-4-5 spots will contribute as well, especially young phenom Max Scherzer. The line-up has some pop and upside, but also is a bit unproven. The raw power of outfielders Justin Upton and Chris Young is a hidden gem. Conor Jackson is a nice bat in the middle of the order and is a versatile contributor. The bullpen is the reason I pick them to be also rans as Chad Qualls and Tony Pena Jr are expected to battle for the closer’s role.

Giants – The Giants have the best arm in the division in starter Tim Lincecum. Matt Cain is another young arm to be excited about and will be the team’s No. 2 starter. If veterans Randy Johnson and Barry Zito deliver on some of their former promise, the Giants will stay in this race. Brian Wilson is adequate at closer and the bullpen in general is above average. The line-up has a few too many what-ifs for my liking though. Youngster Pablo Sandoval needs to succeed for the offense to click. Veteran Edgar Renteria was the biggest off-season acquisition and his ceiling is limited.

Rockies – The Rockies simply don’t have the horses to run with the top three teams. Two years removed from the World Series, Colorado has too many holes to count. Brad Hawpe is solid in the outfield, but with Matt Holliday departing he’s going to be hard-pressed to take his game up another notch. Garrett Atkins and Todd Helton are on the decline. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has nice potential. Many young player will be counted on to deliver, one expect to live up to the hype is five-tool outfielder Dexter Fowler. The rotation is a huge question mark once again, although I am pretty high on Ubaldo Jimenez and expect him to open many people’s eyes around the league in ‘09.

Padres – The Padres have already trimmed a ton of payroll this off-season and next likely to go is ace Jake Peavy. The team is going to a heavy rebuilding period and ready to take a hit for a year or two if they need to do so. Peavy and Chris Young are solid frontline guys, but the rest of the rotation and much of the bullpen is unproven. Adrian Gonzalez is the most underrated hitter in the division, but he too could be dealt at some point this year. A safe bet for last place this season.

AWARDS
MVP – Manny Ramirez (LA)

Cy Young Candidate – Tim Lincecum (SF)

Biggest Bust – Garrett Atkins (COL)

Biggest Breakout – Andre Ethier (LA)

Comeback Player – Randy Johnson (SF)

Rookie of Year – Dexter Fowler (COL)

MLB 2009 mlb predictions, nl west, dodgers, diamondbacks, giants, rockies, padres