Spring Training 2011: Bold MLB Predictions, NL West Style
Today's agenda takes us to the NL West, where I will take a look at what the reigning World Series champs will have to do in order to repeat their playoff push, and what some of the other teams will do that may surprise us. It's day two of our trip around Major League Baseball, and there are some big predictions that come with today's teams.
Friday we will move to the AL Central, and talk about some teams that can make great strides in the 2011 season. Look for the next article then, and feel free to comment on things you agree or disagree about with our NL West predictions.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 5
Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy will be All-Stars
Daniel who and Ian what? These two kids have the opportunity to make a big splash in the National League this season. Both are reportedly coming into Opening Day healthy, and will be the best two pitchers on the D'Backs team (sorry, Joe Saunders). Both of these players will have good strikeout totals to anchor this staff, along with the possibility of earning 15-plus wins.
The future is starting to look up a little bit in Arizona. They got rid of Mark Reynolds, their resident king of strikeouts, and finally got a closer they can count on in J.J. Putz. If players like Justin Upton and Chris Young can have strong years, and Kelly Johnson can put up numbers even similar to what he did last year, fans should not sleep on the Diamondbacks. In the end, I do not think Arizona has enough pieces to make the playoffs, but do not be surprised if they make a run.
Colorado Rockies
2 of 5
Chris Iannetta Will Finally Contribute
It's finally here. Rockies fans have heard year after year that Chris Iannetta would be a catcher they could depend on, and year after year he has underperformed. After a trip to the minors last year, Iannetta saw his numbers start to stabilize and really blossomed from that experience. I think he takes that little bit of tough love and breaks through in a big way this season.
What to expect numbers-wise from Iannetta? I would not be surprised if he went over the 20-25 home run mark at Coors Field, and knocked in 70-80 RBI with Gonzalez, Tulo, and Fowler hitting ahead of him. Look for him to either bat cleanup or in the five-hole and produce solid numbers throughout the year. He has the chance to finish as a top-five fantasy catcher if he continues to work hard and improve day in and day out
Los Angeles Dodgers
3 of 5
Jonathan Broxton Returns to Form
After last year's debacle, losing his confidence and being taken out of the closer's role, I think it is time for him to bounce back with full force and be the dominant player he was in 2009. The Dodgers can hopefully stay away from the injury bug this year, which will give him a chance to close and pitch in meaningful games on a more regular basis.
The Dodgers will most likely not be able to blow teams out, so this will give Broxton a lot of chances to close games. I would expect anywhere from 35-40 saves and a sub-2.00 ERA. With Kenley Jansen breathing down his neck, I think he will turn his second half woes into a motivation and come out strong during the 2011 campaign.
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San Diego Padres
4 of 5
Adrian Gonzalez, You Will Be Missed
Even with some strong pickups in the offseason, there is no replacing a guy like Adrian Gonzalez on this team. He was such a presence on and off the field, and someone who commanded respect from his teammates and his competitors. I think the team will look to rebuild within the next year or two, but it will experience some growing pains in the 2011 season.
Even though it is shaping up to be a tough year, there are some bright spots for the Padres. Mat Latos has proven that he has the capabilities to be a No. 1 starter on any team, and pitching in PETCO Park will only help his chances for a low ERA and high win total. Cameron Maybin is someone who can turn heads and really have a big year. If players like Jason Bartlett and Ryan Ludwick can resurrect their career in sunny San Diego, maybe the turnaround will come sooner than we think.
San Francisco Giants
5 of 5
They're Going Back To The World Series
They may not be the "popular" pick to make it to the big dance because of the star-studded cast in Philadelphia, but they are my pick. Even with the losses of Edgar Renteria and Juan Uribe, they have the unique combination of veteran leadership and the charisma that comes from young players making an impact in the league. Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner will continue to shine with the Giants, and the midseason arrival of 1B Brandon Belt will help propel them into the World Series.
The Big Question: Do they repeat as champions? Although I think they have a chance, I do not see them as the best team in baseball. They will make things interesting and you can never rule anything out when you have a starting three of Lincecum, Cain, and Sanchez (with Bumgarner as your No. 4 starter). Look for them to be back in the World Series and push the series to seven games.
So if they don't win the World Series, who does? Check back on Friday to see if it is one of the teams out of the AL Central.
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