Baseball is back as players are reporting to spring training. The National League West teams look to be one of the top divisions, a preview of the NL West teams look like in 2020.
The National League West is home to the Dodgers, Padres, Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Giants. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses. On paper, it seems that the Dodgers have the advantage but never underestimate the other teams in the division.
Dodgers
One of the reasons the Dodgers have captured 7 straight division titles is because of their depth, especially in the infield. Their offense and infield made up of three past all-stars and potential stars. Their offense looks to be their strong suit this year. The bullpen besides Kenley Jensen could be in question. The Dodgers hope that Jensen can stay healthy this year as they will need him to lock down games.
Rockies
The Rockies are coming off an unproductive offseason, the drama that is following Nolan Arenado and the front office. They do have a line up that if healthy could be potent and their defense is good especially in the infield. Nolan Arenado with seven gold gloves and three silver sluggers leads the Rockies infield that underperformed last year. They have a young rotation backed by Jon Gray, German Marquez, and Kyle Freeland, who look to improve in 2020.
Padres
The Padres have built a lockdown style bullpen this offseason, they are contenders for the best bullpen in the NL West. Closer Kirby Yates is coming off a season where he had a 1.19 ERA, along with additions to Emilio Pagan and Drew Pomeranz. They have spent a lot of money on their infield with the underperforming of Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado. When they are performing well, it makes the Padres a dangerous team.
Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are an interesting team because they seem to have some potential but the result has yet to be there in the past. They found a way to sign Madison Bumgarner to a big deal and he becomes a big weapon in their rotation. Their offense and defense are strong suits for the Diamondbacks.
Giants
The Giants are at a cross period in their first season without Bruce Bochy and many changes to their roster. They seem to be rebuilding with many openings in rotation and bullpen. The loss of Madison Bumgarner could hurt too. Don’t sleep on them because they have the reputation of being an underdog team.
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