2008 MLB Preview: NL West

On the infield, the jig-saw is a little less puzzling and the offense is a little more prevalent: Adrian Gonzalez posted his first 30 homer/100 RBI season, and also showed some flash fielding the ball. Khalil Greene proved what he can do when he stays healthy, posting a 27/97 season, as well as some highlight-reel fodder with his play at shortstop, and Kevin Kouzmanoff overcame a rough first half to finish the season strongly with 18 homers, 74 RBI, and a .275 average. Granted his defensive play isn’t that of legend, but unless he suddenly turns into Russ Adams overnight, that should improve with experience.

The new face on the infield however, is at second base in Tadahito Iguchi. Iguchi’s offensive numbers dropped off in 2007, however that could be attributed to the fact that he was seeing less time in Chicago, and was then faced with a mid-season move to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he posted near-halves of his season totals (90 games played for the Sox, 45 for the Phillies; 6 homers in Chi-town, 3 in Philly, 31 RBI in the Windy City, and 12 RBI in the City of Brotherly love…ok I’m done). However, Iguchi did hit at a .304 clip in his first NL stint, so it’ll be interesting to see if that late-season success transfers over the NL West and whether Matt Antonelli will eventually supplant him as the Padres’ second baseman.

Then behind the plate, the platoon of Josh Bard and Michael Barrett returns. Both catchers have some flair offensively, but are also adept at playing the defensive side of the position, despite not having great numbers throwing out base runners (which is due, in large part, to the pitching staff).

But at least we’ve got the NL Triple Crown winner in Jake Peavy!! 19 wins, a 2.54 ERA and 240 strikeouts proved to be a very successful season for Peavs, who ended up taking home the NL Cy Young award as well as the honor of the crown, finishing one win away from the MLB Pitching Triple Crown.

Following him will be Chris Young and Greg Maddux. Maddux proved that being born in 1966 is still a good thing, although he missed out on pitching in at least 200 innings for the second time since 1988—but I guess since he’s got 347 career wins we can forgive him eh (Note: Over 40—300 wins or not, I’m wary of him breaking down this year)? Meanwhile, Young will look to capture his pre-All Star break magic when he went 8-3 with a 2.00 ERA, rather than the 1-5 4.80 injury-riddled post-All Star Break…malfunction, for lack of a better word.

And then we’ve got Randy Wolf and Mark Prior rounding out the staff—which wouldn’t worry me if it was 2003, but both are coming off of injury, and extended non-throwing periods in 2007 (Prior saw no time last season and Wolf missed the second half). Granted Justin Germano did a passable job last season (7-10, 4.46 ERA) but unless Prior and Wolf can offer the Padres something in the way of production, I don’t know how much I trust a patchwork rotation for the second consecutive year.

The bullpen will see a lot of new faces this season, but perhaps some new roles too. It all depends on what happens with Trevor Hoffman.

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