2012 National League West Predictions


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The NL West has been one of the more difficult divisions to predict, and that was definitely the case in 2011. The favorites coming into the season were the San Francisco Giants, who had just won the 2010 World Series. Others were claiming that it was going to be the Rockies who would overtake San Francisco in the division. As we all know, the Arizona Diamondbacks came out of nowhere to win the division with a 94-68 overall record. It was an impressive turnaround for Arizona, who finished last in the division the previous year with just 65 wins. In 2012 it looks like it will be the Giants and Diamondbacks fighting for the top spot, but nothing is certain in the NL West.

Here is a quick look at where I have each team finishing in the NL West, plus I’ve included each teams odds to win the division this year. If you are interested in finding out where I have all 30 teams projected to finish, check out my 2012 MLB predictions.

1. San Francisco Giants (+130) – The loss of catcher Buster Posey really put a damper on the Giants chances of repeating as World Series Champs. The starting rotation was one of the best in baseball, but San Francisco ultimately couldn’t score enough runs to get back to the playoffs. With the return of Posey and second baseman Freddy Sanchez, plus the additions of Angel Pagan and Melky Cabrera, I look for the Giants to take back the top spot in the division.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks (+200) – The Diamondbacks worst-to-first finish in the division was no fluke. Arizona has one of the more potent offensives in the game and a very underrated starting rotation. The Diamondbacks went out and added Jason Kubel to strengthen the outfield and traded for starter Trevor Cahill, who has already won 40 games at the age of 23.  The pieces are in place for Arizona to contend for a long time in this division, but I think they will struggle to match their success from last year.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers (+550) – The Dodgers have one of the best pitchers in Clayton Kershaw and one of the games best hitters in Matt Kemp, unfortunately they don’t have a whole lot of talent around them. Offensively they could get a spark from shortstop Dee Gordon, but overall their are just too many players who have not lived up to their potential. The starting rotation desperately needs Chad Billingsley to have that breakout season everyone is waiting for, but even then I’m not sold on Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano at the back of the rotation. I think the Dodgers will be up and down all seasons because of their lack of offense, which will keep them from really make a charge at the division title.

4. Colorado Rockies (+700) -  The Rockies really disappointed last year, especially the starting rotation. Ubaldo Jimenez was so bad early in the year that the Rockies traded him to Cleveland. Offensively this team has the potential to be one of the best in the National League with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and left fielder Carlos Gonzalez leading the way. They also added in outfielder Michael Cuddyer and second baseman Marco Scutaro and are expecting a breakout season from center fielder Dexter Fowler. Will they get enough pitching to contend in the West? They have added in Jeremy Guthrie, Guillermo Moscoso, Tyler Chatwood, and Drew Pomeranz to team up with ace Jhoulys Chacin. If a couple of those guys step up in 2012, the Rockies could make a surprise push in the NL West.

5. San Diego Padres (+1500) – The Padres went out and added slugging left fielder Carlos Quentin to give their offense a little more punch in the middle of the lineup. It’s a sign that San Diego is trying to add some more established players, but not enough to seriously compete in this division. They also traded away one of their best starters in Mat Latos. San Diego has surprised in previous years, but I really think this team is going to struggle to win games in 2012.

MLB Predictions by Team

American League
Tampa Bay Rays Baltimore Orioles Toronto Blue Jays New York Yankees
Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Kansas City Royals Minnesota Twins
Texas Rangers Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians
Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Angels
National League
Washington Nationals Atlanta Braves New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies
Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers Houston Astros Pittsburgh Pirates
Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies San Francisco Giants San Diego Padres
Miami Marlins St. Louis Cardinals Los Angeles Dodgers Chicago Cubs
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