* – indicates new to team
AVG – Batting Average
ERA – Earned Run Average
HR – Home Runs
RBI – Runs Batted In
SV – Saves
1. San Francisco Giants
With their stellar pitching intact, hard to imagine they don’t win the West.
2. Colorado Rockies
A healthy Tulowitzki will go a long way in getting them back in contention.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Don Mattingly takes over with a lot of talent at his disposal.
4. San Diego Padres
There was a lot of upheaval on the roster, but their pitching will carry them.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
Kirk Gibson is in charge and he will command a young, but talented team.
Player to Watch: LF Carlos Gonzalez Colorado Rockies
He led the National League in batting (.336). Was a threat for the triple crown most of the year. He was in the running for the NL MVP award as well. What’s more to expect from the man they call ‘CarGo’? Well, for one they have him locked up for another 7 years in the Mile High City. He was given an opportunity to show his immense talents full time last year and it paid off. He is a five tool talent that was putting up MVP like numbers without star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki protecting him in the lineup. Also he played all over the outfield. He never once complained about not having a set position, but this year manager Jim Tracy has him penciled in the three hole in the lineup. CarGo will be the everyday left fielder entering this season and the Rockies expect him to continue to get better.
Best Acquistion: INF/OF Ty Wigginton Colorado Rockies
Not to say that Colorado had a lack of depth last season. They just didn’t get a lot of production from key players on the bench. Jason Giambi, Melvin Mora and Clint Barmes were let go and as a result the Rockies went after the best bat who could play multiple positions. Wigginton is on the up and up at this point of his career. He’s hit at least 20 HRs four of the last five seasons. His average hasn’t been higher than .285, which was back in 2008. The one thing in his favor is his versatility. He can play both corner infield positions as well as second base. If need be he can play either corner outfield positions, but is better in left. The Rockies hope they hit a home run (pardon the pun) in getting Wigginton. The Rockies will need him to provide a balance from the right side in their left-handed heavy lineup i.e, Ian Stewart and Todd Helton.
New Kid on the Block: 1B Brandon Belt San Francisco Giants
There has been a lot of talk and rightfully so about the Giants veterans. So many of them can play multiple positions if need be and many were clutch in their World Series run last year. However, the argument could be made that when NL Rookie of the Year C Buster Posey was called up, that was the turning point in the Giants season. That could happen again when Brandon Belt is called up. It’s no longer a matter of if, but when he’s called up. Belt is projected as a first baseman, but has played in the outfield to give him a better chance of playing right away. Easily the best hitter in their farm system (.352 career average). He’s ready to step in and contribute. The Giants will have to wait until May/June to call him up due to the veteran presence on their roster. Don’t be surprised to see Brandon Belt make the same noise that Posey made last year.
Giants Lineup
1. CF Andres Torres
.268 AVG 16 HR 63 RBI
2. 2B Freddy Sanchez
.292 AVG 7 HR 47 RBI
3. C Buster Posey
.305 AVG 18 HR 67 RBI
4. 1B Aubrey Huff
.290 AVG 26 HR 86 RBI
5. 3B Pablo Sandoval
.268 AVG 13 HR 63 RBI
6. LF Pat Burrell
.252 AVG 20 HR 64 RBI
7. SS Miguel Tejada*
.269 AVG 15 HR 71 RBI
8. RF Cody Ross
.269 AVG 14 HR 65 RBI
The Giants basically have the same lineup intact that brought them their first World Series title since moving to San Francisco back in 1958. Torres and Sanchez are the catalysts that have to get on base to make the noise for the middle of the order. The Giants were next to last in baseball in stolen bases, but Torres is among the best even though he totaled only 26 last year. Sanchez suffered through some nagging injuries last year. With the Giants depth they should be able to keep Sanchez healthy and fresh. He’s still among the best contact hitters at his position. Posey and Huff are the big bats. Posey in a full season could easily hit 20+ HR and drive in 100 runs. Huff led the team in the power categories last year and was rewarded with a two year deal. He should be able to continue that upward trend. Sandoval is the key. The Giants let Juan Uribe and Edgar Renteria go in large part because they believe Sandoval can return to his 2009 form. If he does it will make life easier for Burrell and Tejada. Both are past their prime, but both can still hit the mistake pitch for a home run. Ross was the hero of the NLCS against the Phillies. It surprised everyone because when he was acquired off waivers from Florida, he was considered the teams fourth outfielder at best. Opponents can’t overlook him at the bottom of the order.
Bench
INF/OF Mark DeRosa
.194 AVG 1 HR 10 RBI
OF Aaron Rowand
.230 AVG 11 HR 34 RBI
INF Mike Fontenot
.283 AVG 1 HR 25 RBI
Mark DeRosa is probably better suited to be the super utility man for the Giants. Last year he was slated to be the everyday left fielder, but a wrist injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. This year with Burrell and Ross holding down the corner outfield positions and Sandoval making a comeback at third, DeRosa doesn’t have a starting spot. The good thing is he can play those positions plus second and first base too. He will get his chances to play and it will greatly benefit the Giants if he’s healthy all year. Rowand is the odd man out as the everyday center fielder. He has lost a step defensively and since signing with the Giants in 2008 his batting average has dropped every year. He will get playing time, but not enough to justify his 12 million dollar salary. Fontenot was a scrappy hitter down the stretch for the Giants and in the playoffs. He plays adequate defense and is a great pinch hitting option for manager Bruce Bochy.
Rotation
1. Tim Lincecum
16-10 3.43 ERA
2. Matt Cain
13-11 3.14 ERA
3. Jonathan Sanchez
13-9 3.07 ERA
4. Madison Bumgarner
7-6 3.00 ERA
5. Barry Zito
9-14 4.15 ERA
This is the strength and the reason the Giants won the World Series. Lincecum was proof positive of why he was the winner of back-to-back NL Cy Young awards in 2008 and 2009 during the postseason. He couldn’t be stopped. A 4-1 record with 43 strikeouts to only 9 walks. The experience factor went out the window with him as the staff ace. Cain was just as good if not better going 2-0 in three starts giving up no earned runs. He’s been an underrated pitcher since the arrival of Lincecum, but after his postseason performance, everyone knows who he is now. Sanchez was inconsistent at times for the Giants, but when he’s in control of his pitches, it’s hard to make contact. People forget he did pitch a no-hitter back in 2009. Bumgarner was exactly what the Giants were expecting from him when they drafted him 10th overall in 2007. His performance in his one World Series start against the formidable Texas Rangers lineup was spectacular. Pitching 8 innings and giving up only 3 hits. Zito has become an after thought, but can still rack up the strikeouts. Back-to-back seasons of at least 150 strikeouts isn’t a sign of regression in my eyes. Being the fifth starter might be better for him at this point in his career.
Setup
Sergio Romo
5-3 2.18 ERA
Closer
Brian Wilson
48 SV 1.81 ERA
The bullpen was just as good as the rotation was for the Giants last year. Wilson led baseball in saves and was perfect in postseason with 6 saves. He might start the season on the DL due to a strained ribcage. If that’s the case the Giants have capable candidates in Romo, Jeremy Affeldt and Santiago Casilla. Romo and Affeldt were stellar in setting up Wilson during the postseason. Casilla was dominant down the stretch in his middle relief role. Lefty specialist Javier Lopez was a fantastic addition at the trade deadline. He was even better for the Giants in the postseason. The bullpen should be fine without Wilson for the first few games, but in the long term they need him to hold down the ninth inning.
Rockies Lineup
1. CF Dexter Fowler
.260 AVG 6 HR 36 RBI
2. 2B Jose Lopez*
.239 AVG 10 HR 58 RBI
3. LF Carlos Gonzalez
.336 AVG 34 HR 117 RBI
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
.315 AVG 27 HR 95 RBI
5. 1B Todd Helton
.256 AVG 8 HR 37 RBI
6. 3B Ian Stewart
.256 AVG 18 RH 61 RBI
7. C Chris Iannetta
.197 AVG 9 HR 27 RBI
8. RF Seth Smtih
.246 AVG 17 HR 52 RBI
This is still a potent lineup from top to bottom. Fowler and Lopez are potentially great table setters. Fowler and his speed are a constant threat for the opposing defenses. Lopez makes good contact, but is inconsistent at times. With Gonzalez and Tulowitzki backing him up, look for Lopez to have a productive year. Gonzalez should continue his upward trend for the next decade as his potential continues to grow. Tulowitzki as with most stars has to stay healthy and play at least 140 games for Colorado to make a run at the division title and NL Wild Card spot. If Tulo’ can play a good majority of the season, look for MVP type numbers. Helton is on the down side of his career, but he can still hit for contact in this lineup. Stewart still has the potential for a 30+ HR season, but that window is starting to close. He will have to improve on his patience at the plate (career .332 OBP). Iannetta, besides Tulowitzki, is the key. He is better than the .197 average of last year. Injuries have been a factor in his development, but he is a great hitter and is improving his defensive play. Smith will be in a platoon in right field. He will be given every opportunity to play thanks to his quick swing and his tremendous stats against right handed pitching.
Bench
OF Ryan Spilborghs
.279 AVG 10 HR 39 RBI
INF/OF Ty Wigginton*
.248 AVG 22 HR 76 RBI
INF/OF Eric Young Jr.
.244 AVG 0 HR 8 RBI
Easily the strength of the Rockies is their versatility. Spilborghs can play all three outfield positions, but will be mostly in a platoon with Smith in right. Spilborghs has deceptive speed, but above average power. Wigginton will find a spot in the Rockies left handed heavy lineup. He can give Helton plenty of days off and help keep Stewart fresh when a left-hander is on the mound. Should Lopez struggle, Wigginton can even play second base. EY Jr. is a speed demon, but will struggle to find a consistent starting position. The likely spot is at second or center field. Unless there are injuries, Young will have to be a pinch run/hit specialist.
Rotation
1. Ubaldo Jimenez
19-8 2.88 ERA
2. Jorge De La Rosa
8-7 4.22 ERA
3. Jhoulys Chacin
9-11 3.28 ERA
4. Aaron Cook
6-8 5.08 ERA
5. Jason Hammel
10-9 4.81 ERA
Jimenez was off to a fast start last season. Everything was going right for him. His stellar start included a no-hitter and a start in the All-Star game. However, he hit a brick wall down the stretch, but managed to finish with a 19 win season and record 214 strikeouts. His high walk total of 92 is a bit of a concern. De La Rosa was re-signed for another three years. It’s a sign that Colorado wants to have a sense of familiarity in their rotation. The injury affected De La Rosa last year, but he should return to his 2009 form (16-9 4.38 ERA). Chacin was a pleasant surprise. Initially used out of the bullpen he was given an opportunity to start and was above average. In a full season he could approach 200 strikeouts and 15 wins. Cook and Hammel have to be the stable pieces at the back end. Cook is better than his 5.08 ERA and Hammel will need to improve his control. He gave up a team high 201 hits which resulted in his 4.81 ERA.
Setup
Rafael Betancourt
5-1 3.61 ERA
Closer
Huston Street
20 SV 3.61 ERA
This is the Rockies starters’ fall back option. With Street being healthy to start the season, Colorado should start out of the gate with a winning record. Street can save 40 games easily every year he plays. Betancourt is one of the most underrated setup men in the game today. Their depth with Matt Belisle and former Houston Astros closer Matt Lindstrom should help lessen the blow if Street should be hurt for a time this year. Franklin Morales had a disappointing year, but there’s no denying his potential and with the added depth it will give him another year to fine tune his craft. Manager Jim Tracy likes having options for his bullpen. The 2011 season has given him plenty to play with.
Dodgers Lineup
1. SS Rafael Furcal
.300 AVG 8 RH 43 RBI
2. 3B Casey Blake
.248 AVG 17 HR 64 RBI
3. RF Andre Ethier
.292 AVG 23 HR 82 RBI
4. CF Matt Kemp
.249 AVG 28 HR 89 RBI
5. 1B James Loney
.267 AVG 10 HR 88 RBI
6. 2B Juan Uribe*
.248 AVG 24 HR 85 RBI
7. LF Jay Gibbons
.280 AVG 5 HR 17 RBI
8. C Rod Barajas
.240 AVG 17 HR 47 RBI
There’s a lot that has to change for the Dodgers this year. First, they need a healthy season from Furcal. He’s no longer in his prime, but he is a consistent hitter and great in the leadoff spot. Blake is a bit banged up and might be on the DL to start the season. It would be a blow to their lineup which has had Blake in their lineup for at least 140 games the last two seasons. Ethier was on a tear until a hand injury slowed him down. He should get back on track this year and be the .300-30 HR-100 RBI player he’s capable of being. Kemp is better than the .249 average he batted last year. He did play in every game for the Dodgers, but he has to play to his potential and lower the strikeout total (170). Loney is strictly a gap hitter which works in pitcher friendly Dodger Stadium. He will need to pick up the power void left by the departed Manny Ramirez. Uribe is coming off a career year in home runs and runs batted in. He will have to duplicate those type of numbers for his three year contract. Gibbons played well in a September call-up last year and will be given an opportunity to platoon in left field. Barajas played well after being acquired from the Mets last August (.297-5 HR- 13 RBI in 25 games). Over the course of an entire year at Dodger Stadium is another story.
Bench
OF Marcus Thames*
.288 AVG 12 HR 33 RBI
INF Jamey Carroll
.291 AVG 0 HR 23 RBI
OF Tony Gwynn Jr.*
.204 AVG 3 HR 20 RBI
Thames will be in the platoon with Gibbons in left field. Tremendous power and a decent arm. He can also play first base if needed for the Dodgers. Carroll was great in spot starts, pinch hitting and pinch running situations for the Dodgers last year. That’s been his strength throughout his career. LA should expect the same from Carroll. Gwynn Jr. is an interesting acquisition. His average is a bit misleading. He’s better than that. His strength is defensively where he can track down a fly ball with the best of them. He’ll be utilized a lot in pinch run situations by manager Don Mattingly.
Rotation
1. Clayton Kershaw
13-10 2.91 ERA
2. Chad Billingsley
12-11 3.57 ERA
3. Ted Lilly
10-12 3.62 ERA
4. Hiroki Kuroda
11-13 3.39 ERA
5. Jon Garland
14-12 3.47 ERA
Kershaw is without a doubt the ace of this staff. He pitched more than 200 innings for the first time in his career. He’s also had an ERA of under 3.00 for the second consecutive year. This year should see him post at least 15 wins and another 200+ strikeout season. Billingsley is a solid number two. The last few years he’s gotten out to strong starts, but has slowed down into September. It would be wise for the Dodgers to ease him into the season and not overwork him early this time around. Lilly was a fantastic addition at the trade deadline going 7-4 with a 3.52 ERA in Dodger blue. Surprisingly he decided to stay in LA for less money and will help stabilize the middle of their rotation. Kuroda put up solid numbers as the third starter last year. As the fourth starter those numbers are spectacular. Garland was a great offseason addition. He might start the season on the DL. As will Vicente Padilla, who brings the Dodgers rotation to six members if necessary. Garland’s injury should only keep him out for the first few starts. When he comes back the Dodgers depth in the rotation is only matched by the division rival Giants.
Setup
Hong-Chi Kuo
3-2 1.20 ERA
Closer
Jonathan Broxton
22 SV 4.04 ERA
The key to the Dodgers success starts and ends with Broxton in the ninth inning. He will be given another chance to hold down the job, but he will be on an even shorter leash with Don Mattingly. Former manager Joe Torre gave him ample time last year after the All-Star break. Even Torre had to make a change. Kuo was starting to show signs of being overworked last year. He still managed to post a 1.20 ERA and save 12 games. He will be given the first opportunity to close if Broxton should falter. As long as Broxton stays on point, with Kuo the Dodgers signed another good setup man in Matt Guerrier. He eats up innings and can occasionally save a game or two. The hard throwing Kenley Jansen looks to be the closer of the future as long as he keeps his control in check. There’s good depth, but it’s all on Broxton’s right arm.
Padres Lineup
1. SS Jason Bartlett*
.254 AVG 4 HR 47 RBI
2. 2B Orlando Hudson*
.268 AVG 6 HR 37 RBI
3. 3B Chase Headley
.264 AVG 11 HR 58 RBI
4. LF Ryan Ludwick
.251 AVG 17 HR 69 RBI
5. 1B Brad Hawpe*
.245 AVG 9 HR 44 RBI
6. RF Will Venable
.245 AVG 13 HR 51 RBI
7. C Nick Hundley
.249 AVG 8 HR 43 RBI
8. CF Cameron Maybin*
.234 AVG 8 HR 28 RBI
San Diego traded away their best hitter in Adrian Gonzalez. In fact, they have totally revamped their lineup. However, in doing so they’ve put an emphasis on two things. Speed and defense. With the acquisitions of Bartlett and Hudson up the middle. The Padres have two of the best defensive players at their respective positions. Both are good contact hitters and can start rallies for the offense. Headley aside from Gonzalez was their most consistent hitter. Not a lot is expected from the Padres offense this year, which bodes well for another productive year from Headley. Ludwick and Hawpe individually or together won’t replace Gonzalez, but they both can hit for power. Ludwick will be counted on to be the run producer as well. A daunting task for a player that’s played at the bottom of most lineups. Venable has 20-20 potential. Petco Park prevents the 20 home runs from happening, but he can hit. He just needs to be more consistent. Hundley is an adequate defender and had his best offensive season of his career last year. Maybin will be getting a third chance at sticking with a major league club. Detroit parted ways with him in the Miguel Cabrera trade to Florida. The Marlins didn’t have a spot for him and the result is being the starting center fielder in San Diego. Maybin has a lot to offer in the speed category and on defense. He won’t be thrusted into the leadoff spot until his bat is up to speed.
Bench
INF Jorge Cantu*
.256 AVG 11 HR 56 RBI
OF Chris Denorfia
.271 AVG 9 HR 36 RBI
INF Everth Cabrera
.208 AVG 1 HR 22 RBI
Cantu figures to get plenty of playing time all over the infield. The most likely position will be in a platoon with Hawpe at first base. Cantu is a RBI machine. He drove in 95 and 100 for the Marlins in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Denorfia is a scrappy player. Makes good contact and is an above average defender in all the outfield spots. Cabrera is no longer the starter at shortstop. He’s a good defender, but his bat is what will keep him from playing in a lot of games.
Rotation
1. Mat Latos
14-10 2.92 ERA
2. Clayton Richard
14-9 3.75 ERA
3. Aaron Harang*
6-7 5.32 ERA
4. Tim Stauffer
6-5 1.85 ERA
5. Cory Luebke
1-1 4.08 ERA
Manager Bud Black has built a good staff at the top with Latos and Richard. Latos was homegrown in their system and Richard was part of the Jake Peavy deal with the Chicago White Sox. Latos showed signs of fatigue down the stretch last year. There shouldn’t be any problems in his second full season, but San Diego will keep an eye on that. Richard showed no signs of fatigue and he should be ready and able to be the Padres number two starter. Jon Garland and Kevin Correia left via free agency and in their place will be Harang and Stauffer. Harang should have a resurgence to his career playing in Petco as opposed to the hitter friendly Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Stauffer was spectacular, but that was mostly in relief. He only started 7 of his 32 games. Luebke will be given the first shot at a starting spot. If he should falter they do have another lefty in Wade LeBlanc and righthander Dustin Moseley to pitch in.
Setup
Mike Adams
4-1 1.76 ERA
Closer
Heath Bell
47 SV 1.93 ERA
San Diego’s pride and joy has been their bullpen since manager Bud Black’s arrival. Last year was their best year by far. There are a lot of working parts to this bullpen, but one thing is for sure. The closer is Heath Bell. He’s entering the final year of his contract and the rumors will swirl whether the Padres will trade him or not. If San Diego does start out with a winning record though, it will be hard to justify dealing him. Adams is being overlooked as an elite setup man. His numbers have been stellar in his three seasons in San Diego. Luke Gregerson and Joe Thatcher are perfect in middle relief. Chad Qualls was a great pickup for the sixth and seventh inning job. The Padres strength is in their pitching. It will become apparent this season.
Diamondbacks Lineup
1. SS Stephen Drew
.278 AVG 15 HR 61 RBI
2. 2B Kelly Johnson
.284 AVG 26 HR 71 RBI
3. RF Justin Upton
.273 AVG 17 HR 69 RBI
4. 1B Russell Branyan*
.237 AVG 25 HR 57 RBI
5. CF Chris Young
.257 AVG 27 HR 91 RBI
6. C Miguel Montero
.266 AVG 9 HR 43 RBI
7. 3B Melvin Mora*
.278 AVG 7 HR 45 RBI
8. LF Xavier Nady*
.256 AVG 6 HR 33 RBI
The only sure thing about Arizona’s lineup is at the top. Drew and Johnson had great seasons. Johnson especially. Both will be counted on to set the table for the rest of the lineup which will need all the help they can get. Upton had a down year. Look for him to renew his 30+ HR potential and improve his batting average with Don Baylor hired as the new hitting coach. Branyan was a non-roster invite to spring training. He will most likely win the starting job at first due to their lack of reliable options in the minors. Young had a nice bounce back year in 2010. Arizona hopes he continues that upward trend into what was promised to be a great career. Montero is starting to come alive with his bat. His defense is a bit behind, but there will be plenty of room for improvement with the signing of veteran Henry Blanco who is one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Mora and Nady are two veterans who will see plenty of playing time at their respective positions. Mora had an okay year in Colorado as the backup third baseman. Nady is a scrappy hitter who has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Both play the game the right way, which is what manager Kirk Gibson is looking for from his veterans this year.
Bench
INF Geoff Blum*
.267 AVG 2 HR 22 RBI
INF/OF Willie Bloomquist*
.267 AVG 3 HR 17 RBI
OF Gerardo Parra
.261 AVG 3 HR 30 RBI
Blum and Bloomquist are exactly what Gibson is looking for to fill in his bench. Both are tough, no nonsense players who give it their all and will play anywhere on the field when called upon. Blum is one of the best pinch hitters in the game and is above average defensively. Bloomquist was once considered to be an everyday player in Seattle, but injuries have relegated him to a utility role. He hasn’t shied away from it. His career is extended thanks to the move. A good contact hitter who can steal the occasional base. Parra is the fourth outfielder for Arizona. Makes good contact and has deceptive speed, but isn’t the best base stealer. Gibson has a good group, but there will be growing pains.
Rotation
1. Joe Saunders
9-17 4.47 ERA
2. Daniel Hudson
8-2 2.45 ERA
3. Ian Kennedy
9-10 3.80 ERA
4. Zach Duke*
8-15 5.72 ERA
5. Armando Galarraga*
4-9 4.49 ERA
Arizona would love to see some improvement from some on the starting staff. Saunders for one. He had his worst season as a professional. After being acquired for ace Dan Haren from the Angels, he did improve his ERA (4.62 to 4.25) and his strikeout to walk ratio (64-45 to 50-19). However, he wasn’t able to stop giving up hits. In only 13 starts for Arizona he gave 97 hits in 82.2 innings pitched. That has to change. Hudson was the lone bright spot. Once he arrived from the Chicago White Sox in a trade for Edwin Jackson, he took flight. His stellar record and ERA went well with an impressive strikeout to walk ratio (70-16). Kennedy also was stellar. His record doesn’t say it, but he nearly pitched 200 innings and struck out 168 batters. Duke and Galarraga are looking for second chances. Duke will miss the first few weeks of the season, but has good stuff to stick in the rotation. Galarraga is most famous for nearly throwing a no-hitter last year, but aside from that he hasn’t found a way to stay in the majors for an entire season. Barry Enright will probably be in the rotation for the injured Duke. Enright has above average stuff to get batters out. Not a wow factor.
Setup
Juan Gutierrez
0-6 5.08 ERA
Closer
J.J. Putz*
3 SV 2.83 ERA
There are a lot of options at the Diamondbacks disposal for the 2011 bullpen. The only sure thing is who their closer is. That man is J.J. Putz. He hasn’t been a full time closer since 2008, but that doesn’t mean he can’t close games. The Diamondbacks would love to see him approach the 30 save plateau for them. Gutierrez was the closer for part of the season recording 15 saves, but he wasn’t effective for most of the season. He figures to be a better setup man along with two new additions David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio. Both were acquired from Baltimore for 3B Mark Reynolds. Hernandez is a hard throwing righthander who will be in the mix for the setup job. Mickolio is a 6′ 9″ monster on the mound, but might need some seasoning first. Aaron Heilman figures to see some time in the bullpen as well. If not he could win a spot start once in a while. Arizona figures to have a work in progress leading up to Putz in the ninth.
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