The race for the 2007 National League West ended just like the old adage—wildly.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies, winners of 23 of their last 24 before ultimately losing to the Red Sox in four games, face some tough questions going into 2008.
Can their pitching, who came up clutch in the playoffs before facing the Red Sox, sustain their success over 162 games?
There is no doubt about their hitting, with Matt Holliday anchoring an offense that saw at least five members with over 500 plate appearances with an average OPS of .911.
What does that mean in layman's terms? This team can flat out hit, not only at Coors Field, but away from it as well.
Unfortunately, hitting comes second to pitching, and the Rockies have only one pitcher with over 200 innings in 2007. That means a bullpen that has to carry the load.
I see the Rockies finishing third this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The team with the most upside, the most potential, has to be the Joe Torre led Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers have a young arsenal of hitters in James Loney, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier. Mix in steady veteran performers Jeff Kent, Rafael Furcal, and Nomar Garciaparra, and you've got the potential to finish far above the 82 win total of '07.
The Dodgers, like the Rockies, face several tough questions. First and foremost, can Jason Schmidt return from injury and produce like he did in '06? The Dodgers will need him to pitch close to 200 innings.
Will Hiroki Kuroda perform like Kei Igawa or Daisuke Matsuzaka? And, can newly acquired free agent Andruw Jones shake off the 2006 year that saw him hit 41 percentage points below his career average?
What happens to Juan Pierre, who led the team in at-bats and steals? Will Torre go with youth at third as Andy LaRoche looks to take the starting job from Los Angeles fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra?
Lastly, there's that old locker room chemistry thing. Joe Torre definitely has enough on his plate this year.
I see the Dodgers finishing a strong second, right around 90 wins.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants will have new locker room chemistry this year with the absence of Barry Bonds.
Long gone are the days of the long ball in San Francisco, as there will be fewer and fewer "splash hits" into McCovey Cove.
Bruce Bochy will go back to typical National League baseball and move runners over with speed and strategy.
Oh wait, let's not forget that the Giants surrounded Mr. Bonds with veteran players that could handle the distractions of a record home run chase. Although Barry's gone, those savvy veterans are still around.
Thirty year olds don't steal bases.
Look for the Giants to finish with fewer than 70 wins.
San Franciscans are hoping that the Niners turn it around soon.
San Diego Padres
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