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Call to the Pen Christmas Lists: The National League West

By Sarah Maninger

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after allowing a sixth inning home run to Mookie Betts (not pictured) #50 of the Boston Red Sox in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after allowing a sixth inning home run to Mookie Betts (not pictured) #50 of the Boston Red Sox in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 07: A general view of Coors Field before the start of Game Three of the National League Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Colorado Rockies on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 07: A general view of Coors Field before the start of Game Three of the National League Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Colorado Rockies on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

The Arizona Diamondbacks

At first glance, the D-Backs seem to be in rebuilding mode, after trading Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals. They are rebuilding, but have the chance to still stay competitive despite it. So, that’s what tops the D-Backs’ Christmas list; being able to influence the division race while rebuilding.

It’s possible that Zack Greinke still gets traded, but is only three years into a massive 6 year/$206.5 million dollar contract. There are still teams out there that could use a strong starter like Greinke, but the contract is going to play a role in any trade he’s discussed in.

Arizona played absolutely stellar baseball in 2017 and the first half of 2018, but have since entered a rebuild that hopes to be quick, and successful.

The Colorado Rockies

The Dodgers are the clear favorites to win the NL West again this season, but the Colorado Rockies are going to challenge them.

The addition of Daniel Murphy is huge, giving the Rockies an edge at first base. What the Rockies really need this season is a strong enough team, even more so than what they have now, to challenge the Dodgers. Like this past season, it’s extremely possible that one of the wild card teams will be from the West.

The Rockies need to strengthen any flaws that could potentially be exposed during the season, whether it be trading for a starter, reliever, or outfield bat.

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