By Brian Wilmer, Senior Staff Writer
MLB Preview: National League West
The 2002 NL West was an interesting division to watch. Between the hard charge of the Dodgers (before they finally faltered late), the Barry Bonds "walk watch," and the complete demise of the Rockies and Padres, this division made for interesting viewing. Jim Tracy finally helped inject life in Los Angeles, while Dusty Baker led the Giants to the World Series before bolting to attempt to save the downtrodden Cubs franchise.
This year should present more compelling television, as the Giants seemingly turned over half their squad, the Rockies added the NL strikeout king... no, not Randy Johnson, but Jose Hernandez, and the Diamondbacks appear to be ready to return to the top of the division.
We should see young prospects taking their lumps in San Diego, the attempted career resurgences of Jose Cruz and Edgardo Alfonzo in San Francisco, a lot of strikeouts in Colorado and Arizona — though by different methods, and a fun team in Los Angeles, led by fiery Paul LoDuca and Dodger icon Shawn Green. Many interesting young players will be on display in the West this year, with Brent Butler and Juan Uribe in Colorado, Joe Thurston in Los Angeles, and three-quarters of the team in San Diego.
Arizona should return to their perch atop the division this year, and San Diego should bring up the rear. The rest is anyone's guess. Let's review.
Predicted Final Standings
* indicates player was signed on a minor league contract in the off-season.
| San Diego Padres
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| Finished 5th in division, 15th in league, 26th overall |
| Marquee Players for 2003 |
1B/OF Ryan Klesko (.300-29-95)
1B/3B/OF Phil Nevin (.285-12-57 in 107 games)
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| Good Additions | Bad Additions | Notable Losses |
Mark Loretta, 2B
Gary Bennett, C
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Keith Lockhart, 2B
Jaret Wright, P
Charles Nagy, P
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Brett Tomko, P
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This Padre team has become one in recent years that likes to trot out young players instead of going after high-dollar free agents. This appears to be the trend again in 2003, as no major names were added through free agency or through trade. San Diego appears to have a reasonably good farm system, but many players struggled when pressed into service.
San Diego is another cash-strapped franchise that simply has not put itself in position to compete in 2003. Sadly, this stance may cost Bruce Bochy his job, and the man to replace him (Alan Trammell) has left for Detroit. 2003 appears to be another lost year for this club.
| Rotation |
Adam Eaton, Brian Lawrence and Kevin Jarvis (a man the Padres tried multiple times to trade in the offseason) appear to be the only certainties in the rotation. Dennis Tankersley, Jaret Wright, Francisco Cordova and Oliver Perez appear to be candidates for the other two jobs.
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| Middle Relief |
The two pitchers that don't start should find themselves in relief roles. Nagy, if he makes the club, figures to pitch out of the bullpen. Jesse Orosco is back for his 216th season as the lefty specialist, and Brandon Villafuerte may also log time in the Padre pen.
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| Closer |
Trevor Hoffman has been a cornerstone of this franchise, but may require another operation. This surgery would put him out for a while, should it take place. Jay Witasick appears to be the main candidate to close in Hoffman's absence, although it would not surprise me in the least to see another pitcher head to San Diego in a trade if Hoffman's absence drags out.
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| Infield |
Bennett and Wiki Gonzalez (assuming Mike Rivera does not make the ballclub) will don the alleged tools of ignorance, while Ryan Klesko, Mark Loretta, Ramon Vazquez, and Sean Burroughs should fill out the infield positions. Loretta and Vazquez provide occasional big hits and solid defense up the middle, while Klesko is a masher at first. If Burroughs can rebound from a fairly poor rookie year, he should be a nice third baseman.
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| Outfield |
Phil Nevin, Mark Kotsay, and Bubba Trammell will man the outfield spots in Qualcomm Stadium. Kotsay better do a lot of work on his legs in the offseason and in camp, because he will do a lot of running in covering for the two corner outfielders. This outfield has the potential to produce a lot of headaches for Bochy, and a lot of laughs for those watching it.
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| Bench Depth |
Dave Hansen comes over from the Dodgers, and provides little more than a lefthanded bat off the bench. Former Twins slugger Brian Buchanan should provide depth at all three outfield positions as well as first base, and should be a valuable power bat off the bench. Rule V draftee Shane Victorino and Donaldo Mendez round out the bench.
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Post-season moves: D
Team grade: D
Prediction: Fifth in division (65-97)
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| Colorado Rockies
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| Finished 4th in division, 12th in league, 21st overall |
| Marquee Players for 2003 |
OF Preston Wilson (.243-23-65)
OF Larry Walker (.338-26-104 in 136 games)
1B Todd Helton (.329-30-109)
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| Good Additions | Bad Additions | Notable Losses |
Preston Wilson, OF
Chris Stynes, 3B
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Jose Hernandez, SS
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Mike Hampton, P
Juan Pierre, OF
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Colorado is a franchise that has been spinning its collective wheels for a few years now, and the Baker Street Bore doesn't appear to be that much better of a club in 2003. There are some decent young players in the Rockies' farm system, but until they arrive, watching Colorado in 2003 should be rather insufferable.
On the flip side, the entertaining part of the 2003 Rockies should be when they take their first roadie to Arizona. This writer, for one, will be watching to see if Jose Hernandez takes the golden sombrero three straight nights. Aside from that, this should be a rather dull team.
| Rotation |
Jason Jennings and Denny Neagle hold down the top of the rotation. Aside from that, the remainder of the rotation will likely consist of Shawn Chacon, Denny Stark, and Scott Elarton. Not enough to strike fear in the hearts of millions, but passable.
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| Middle Relief |
Herky-jerky lefty Brian Fuentes will be the likely left-handed specialist in the pen, and will be joined by Steve Reed, Todd Jones, Nelson Cruz, and Justin Speier.
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| Closer |
Jose Jimenez was the Colorado closer last year, and provided some nail-biting moments. He will close again this year, and should be good for 25-30 saves in the light Colorado air. Keep in mind when watching this guy pitch that he did throw a no-hitter while a starter in St. Louis.
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| Infield |
Charles Johnson likely handles the everyday catching duties, with Bobby Estalella backing him up. Johnson's bat has considerably slipped of late, but he still provides a solid gamecalling option. Perennial All-Star Todd Helton mans first, while Brent Butler or Chris Stynes plays second, Juan Uribe (who hardly had any u-ribbies in the second half in 2002) plays short, and whiff king Jose Hernandez handles third.
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| Outfield |
Gabe Kapler could make this a really fun outfield if he hits in spring camp. You could potentially see a Kapler/Wilson/Walker outfield, which might be good for 115 homers and 500 K. Kapler is an impressive athletic specimen, but needs to hit the baseball on a consistent basis.
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| Bench Depth |
This is one of the rare strengths in Colorado. Jack Cust figures to provide a solid power threat off the bench, as well as former catching uberprospect Ben Petrick, who is now a left fielder. Jay Payton also can occasionally hit the ball, and will serve as a quality defensive replacement late in games. The aforementioned Estalella can also hit the ball rather well off the bench, and spell Johnson late in games.
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Post-season moves: C
Team grade: C-
Prediction: Fourth in division (74-88)
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| Los Angeles Dodgers
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| Finished 3rd in division, 5th in league, 10th overall |
| Marquee Players for 2003 |
OF Shawn Green (.285-42-114)
C Paul LoDuca (.281-10-64)
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| Good Additions | Bad Additions | Notable Losses |
Calvin Murray*, OF
Daryle Ward, OF/1B
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Todd Hundley, C/1B
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Tyler Houston, 3B
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Jim Tracy is quietly building something very special in Los Angeles. This club was on the verge of returning to the playoffs before fading toward the end of the 2002 season. The Dodgers are finally playing with a fire and passion that has not been seen since the 1988 club of Tommy Lasorda. The Dodgers have some nice young players in their lineup, and finally have a true box office draw in Shawn Green.
It is becoming fashionable to like the Dodgers again, and any attempts to jump on the bandwagon should be done early in the season. There might not be another chance.
| Rotation |
Kevin Brown, Andy Ashby, Kazuhisa Ishii, Hideo Nomo, Odalis Perez, and a seemingly healthy Darren Dreifort should all compete for starting jobs. Dreifort may be the odd man out here, which would further fortify the Dodger pen.
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| Middle Relief |
Paul Shuey will set up, and will be joined by Paul Quantrill, Giovanni Carrara, and possibly Dreifort. The lefty specialist will likely be either Troy Brohawn, Yorkis Perez, or Pedro Borbon, all of whom are in camp on minor league invites.
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| Closer |
Eric Gagne established himself last year as one of the most dominant closers in the league. He should have another strong year, with 45-47 saves a distinct possibility.
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| Infield |
Paul LoDuca will catch. Fred McGriff will play first, making the trade for Daryle Ward that much more mind-boggling. As I have mentioned in previous columns, Ward should take over first base on a permanent basis, and may do so after McGriff's imminent departure at the end of 2003. Joe Thurston and Jason Romano could share at-bats at second base, unless Thurston proves irreplaceable in spring camp. Thurston hit well at AAA Las Vegas last year, and looks to be the second baseman of the future. Cesar Izturis will again man short, while Adrian Beltre will play third.
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| Outfield |
Shawn Green, Dave Roberts and Brian Jordan will be your outfielders in Los Angeles. Ward looks to be the fourth man, as he is not likely to displace either corner outfielder, unless Jordan moves to center and Ward plays left. Calvin Murray is also a wildcard in the outfield competition, as he is a speedy centerfielder with occasional power.
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| Bench Depth |
If Ward does not start in the outfield, he provides some pop off the bench for LA. Mike Kinkade is a multi-purpose player, and should replace Dave Hansen in that role. Alex Cora and Jolbert Cabrera provide infield defense and speed. Todd Hundley will back up LoDuca, but cannot likely be counted on to contribute.
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Post-season moves: C
Team grade: A-
Prediction: Second in division (90-72)
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| San Francisco Giants
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| Finished 2nd in division, 4th in league, 7th overall |
| Marquee Players for 2003 |
OF Barry Bonds (.370-46-110 in 143 games)
SS Rich Aurilia (.257-15-61 in 133 games)
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| Good Additions | Bad Additions | Notable Losses |
Edgardo Alfonzo, 2B/3B
Ray Durham, 2B
Jose Cruz, OF
Damian Moss, P
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Neifi Perez, SS
Andres Galarraga, 1B
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Reggie Sanders, OF
David Bell, 3B
Jeff Kent, 2B
Bill Mueller, 3B
Kenny Lofton, OF
Russ Ortiz, P
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This team that was one game away from a world title has undergone a major overhaul in the offseason. Gone are Jeff Kent, David Bell, Bill Mueller, and Reggie Sanders, replaced by Edgardo Alfonzo, Ray Durham, Jose Cruz, and others. Dusty Baker has left for Chicago, and was replaced by Felipe Alou.
Many are expecting San Francisco to again return to their lofty perch from 2002, but they will struggle to win their own division. Damian Moss replaces Russ Ortiz, and while Ortiz was the clear #1 in San Francisco last year, Moss suffered dramatic control struggles, and labored through many of his 2002 outings. He may someday be a #1, but not this year, and not on this team.
| Rotation |
The aforementioned Moss will start, as will Jason Schmidt, soft-tossing control monger Kirk Rueter, Livan Hernandez, and either Ryan Jensen or Kurt Ainsworth. This shapes up to be a decent rotation, but not the best in the division. Jensen's ability to throw strikes and limit opponents' offensive production will be paramount if he earns the #5 spot.
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| Middle Relief |
Joe Nathan, Ainsworth or Jensen, Tim Worrell, Chad Zerbe, and Felix Rodriguez will make up the Giants' bullpen corps. Rodriguez throws serious heat, but tends to pitch fat in the strike zone. Major league hitters are geared up to hit fastballs, and without his ability to move the ball around, and/or adding a quality change of pace, Rodriguez is very vulnerable at times.
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| Closer |
Robb Nen is still a top-10 NL closer, but blew a larger number of saves last year. Nen does not appear to be in danger of losing his job, but some more early-season meltdowns may inch Rodriguez closer to being the man in the ninth.
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| Infield |
Benito Santiago will do the catching, while J.T. Snow, Neifi Perez (though I still do not understand why), Rich Aurilia, and Edgardo Alfonzo will round out the infield. Perez will likely not hit much, and the starting second baseman will likely be someone different by June 1.
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| Outfield |
Barry Bonds, Marquis Grissom, and Ray Durham will play the outfield. The Giants may be better off with Durham in center and Grissom in right, especially with Durham's athleticism, but Durham playing right appears to be the direction in which the Giants are heading. If you recall what the Diamondbacks did a few years back with playing Tony Womack in right field, this appears to be the same thing.
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| Bench Depth |
This might present a problem, as Damon Minor and Pedro Feliz are the main power threats off the bench, and both have proven to be inconsistent at best in their young careers. Marvin Benard is the first outfielder off the bench, and he has proven to be steady, if not flashy.
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Post-season moves: B
Team grade: B
Prediction: Third in division (86-76)
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| Arizona Diamondbacks
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| Finished 1st in division, 2nd in league, 5th overall |
| Marquee Players for 2003 |
P Randy Johnson (24-5, 2.32 ERA)
P Curt Schilling (23-7, 3.23 ERA)
OF Luis Gonzalez (.288-28-103)
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| Good Additions | Bad Additions | Notable Losses |
P Elmer Dessens
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Mike Fetters, P
Damian Miller, C
Erubiel Durazo, 1B
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Arizona appears to be much like a fine wine. This ballclub only grows better with age. They still have two of the top five pitchers in the league in Johnson and Schilling, and the addition of Elmer Dessens gives them another viable starter to add in the roto. This team has jettisoned a number of their veterans, however (Jay Bell, Mike Morgan, the attempted Matt Williams trade) and added some decent young talent in an attempt to get a bit younger.
The Diamondbacks appear to have the most talent in the somewhat down NL West, and should be near the top of the division again. I like the Diamondbacks to repeat, but not without a challenge.
| Rotation |
Johnson and Schilling go without saying. Both of these men are absolutely dominant, and provide as solid of a 1-2 punch as has been seen in this league, the early playoff exit to St. Louis in 2002 notwithstanding. Elmer Dessens serves as a more-than-capable number three, while the steady Miguel Batista and young gun John Patterson round out the starting five. Patterson is one to watch for 2003, as his quality pitch selection, combined with learning from Unit and Schilling, could lead Patterson to an 11-13 win season.
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| Middle Relief |
Sidewheeling Mike Koplove and Mike Myers provide nasty looks from the right and left sides, respectively. Both of these men move the ball around extremely well, and are deadly effective. The surgically-repaired Matt Mantei will be tested, and could become a closer again if his arm holds up. Bret Prinz and Greg Swindell likely round out the bullpen.
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| Closer |
Another sidearmer, Byung-Hyun Kim, should again man the closing duties in Arizona. Kim is a relatively effective pitcher, but if he displays the all-too-frequent tendency to give up gopher balls late in games, Prinz or Mantei could get looks here.
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| Infield |
Chad Moeller is a less than awe-inspiring option behind the plate. He replaces Damian Miller as much the same kind of catcher. Highly-regarded prospect Lyle Overbay takes over for Durazo at first, and should he struggle, Mark Grace has returned to Arizona for another year. All-Star Junior Spivey, Tony Womack, Craig Counsell, and Matt Williams are the other infield options.
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| Outfield |
Luis Gonzalez should be up for another wonderful season in left, while Steve Finley again patrols center, and Dave Dellucci and Danny Bautista should share right field. This outfield is underrated, and should produce fairly well offensively.
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| Bench Depth |
The losers of the infield competition will serve as valuable veteran presences on the bench, as will Quinton McCracken and Felix Jose. This bench is steady, but not overwhelming.
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Post-season moves: C
Team grade: A
Prediction: First in division (91-71)
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File last modified May 15, 2011
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