30 Teams, 30 Questions: Finally, Pt. 6

Finally, the end of the road is in sight. After a week or so of asking these questions about all the 30 MLB teams, we reach the National League West, home of the 2010 World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

To be perfectly honest, every team has more than just one question that needs to be answered. We’re all aware of that. Some teams have more questions than others, no doubt. Some teams have fewer for that matter. But as I wind up this series, I hope you’ve enjoyed having your mind rattled.

Well, let’s get to work…

Arizona Diamondbacks: Will the bullpen situation be better in 2010?

How could it be any worse? Generally speaking, the pen either lost a game of made a close game a blowout win for the opponent. The D-backs did bring in former Mariners closer J.J. Putz and pretty much handed him the closer’s role. As a Mariner, Putz was feared. After his trade to the Mets, no so much, but Putz did manage to carve some nice years with the White Sox. If he can re-kindle his Mariners days, the National League could be put in a bothersome spot.

Putz would inherit the role previously occupied by Juan Gutierrez. While he did manage 24 saves on a poor squad, that career 4.71 ERA and 1.38 WHIP won’t cut it (last season: 5.08 and 1.38). If Putz stumbles, Gutierrez will be the one reinserted in the role. And seriously do not forget Aaron Heilman. If he isn’t a starter (he’s in the mix for the #5 spot), his experience will help the pen.

Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since their WS win over the Yankees.

Colorado Rockies: Is CarGo a one year wonder?

Can’t say he will be. Gonzalez posted one of the best offensive seasons in team history in 2010. Some say he should have won the Hank Aaron. Some say he was slighted in the NL MVP vote. I say this kid can just flat out play baseball. While he didn’t pull in the Aaron or the MVP, he received a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and respect league-wide as pure hitter leading the NL in hits (197) and batting (.334).

The Rockies awarded Carlos Gonzalez with a nice little take for his one monster year in the form of a seven-year, $80 million dollar deal. Considering CarGo is only 25, this could turn out to be a deal the Rox brass will not regret making.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Will the ever changing financial situation place restraints on potential deals during the season?

I hope not. To me (as a Reds fan), baseball just doesn’t seem like baseball if the Dodgers aren’t relevant. Yes, i do miss not being in the same division with the Reds one-time rival in the old NL West.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti has said it’s business as usual. I’m not buying it. If that were so, why did we not hear of the DOdgers being in the mix for some of the higher profile free agents in the offseason? They got Juan Uribe from the rival Giants. They re-sgined Ted Lilly. What else? Marcus Thames. Tony Gwynn, Jr, Matt Guerrier. Jon Garland. Some substance, but not the bang you’d normally expect.

Then maybe Coletti is just waiting to see how things go before he pulls of a monster deal. Lurk in the shadows and pounce.

San Diego Padres: Will the pitching maintain the level they set in 2010?

There’s no reason to believe it can’t. right?

No will question the season Mat Latos (14-10, 2.92 ERA, 1.083 WHIP) authored last year. No one will argue that Heath Bell may now be the #2 closer in the NL. But Jon Garland went back to LA. Kevin Corriea left for Pittsburgh. Okay. Garland may be considered a bit of a loss, but Corriea. Enter Aaron Harang. He can replace what Corriea gave the Padres last season. Of that I have little doubt.

The wild card on this staff could be Tim Stauffer. Although he only posted seven starts last year, he was 3-2 with an impressive 1.83 ERA and 1.042 WHIP.

Can Latos and Clayton Richard improve on their 2010 seasons. If so, the Padres will be in the hunt for the NL West again in 2011.

San Francisco Giants: The hangover?

Every champ runs into it. That’s one reason why repeating is so difficult. Plus, this isn’t the easiest division with the offensive thunder of the Rockies and the pitching prowess of the Padres. Those two reams should keep the Giants sharp for this season.

It’s not like the roster underwent any major changes. Sure the WS MVP is gone (Edgar Renteria). So the “other” shortstop is gone (Juan Uribe). I feel the Giants actually upgraded at short in signing Miguel Tejada. You know what you have with the starters. You have one of the most dominant closers in the game. Mark DeRosa returns from a beyond nagging wrist injury.

I say the cards are still in the hands of the Giants. Just be careful how you play them.

Besides being a staff writer for Call to the Pen, Steve Engbloom is also the lead writer for Blog Red Machine, FanSided’s home for coverage of the Cincinnati Reds.