MLB: NL West Preseason Division Predictions
By Matt Meffe
The NL West is shaping up to be another two-team race. The question remains: which team will top the standings? Will there be any surprise contenders?
The AL West is an incredibly tight division. An argument can be made for three of the five contending teams in that division winning it. However, the NL West is also closer than it seems. The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off an incredible 2016 campaign. Despite an injury-plagued roster which included ace Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers miraculously clinched the NL West, making it all the way to the NLCS. In the offseason, the Dodgers regained some key players, re-signing Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, Rich Hill and Chase Utley. The team also acquired Logan Forsythe from the Rays and signed former Giants closer Sergio Romo. The Dodgers certainly have the talent to repeat as division champions, but they do have stiff competition.
The Giants and Rockies are also legitimate threats to the Dodgers, and an argument can be made for both teams winning the NL West. The Giants still have a plethora of veterans all across the lineup and pitching staff. The team addressed their closer problem from last year by signing Mark Melancon to a four-year, $62 million contract. The Rockies, meanwhile, have perhaps the best lineup in the NL West, and one of the best in the NL in general. Former All-Stars include outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon, and infielders Nolan Arenado, Ian Desmond and DJ LeMahieu. The team also has former Gold Glove winner Gerardo Parra. The Rockies also added some bullpen help in the form of Greg Holland and Mike Dunn; the latter signed a three-year deal back in December.
While the AL West seems like a tight race, the NL West may also be relatively close. Similar to the AL West, this division has three legitimate teams ready to battle for a division crown.