*Photo from the New York Post*
Wrapping up the 2021 previews, it's time to look at one of the best divisions in baseball, the loaded NL West.
*Photo from the Wall Street Journal*
Los Angeles Dodgers
2020 record: 43-17
The Dodgers were absolutely loaded last year, winning their first world series since 1988. Despite losing some talent this offseason, they are still loaded, and arguably better then last year. Corey Knebel was traded for at the beginning of the offseason, and Blake Treinen was re-signed. Tommy Kahnle was signed, even though he won't be contributing this season. Justin Turner was also brought back, and they signed reigning NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer on a 3 year deal. This year is the Dodgers best shot at another title, but not if the team right behind them has anything to say about it.
*Photo from Call to the Pen*
San Diego Padres
2020 record: 37-23
Wow. Just wow. The Padres saw the Dodgers, the team that has always tormented them, win the world series, which must have provoked the sleeping giant. Everything they could've upgraded, they upgraded. First came Blake Snell and Yu Darvish for the rotation. Then came Ha-Seong Kim for the infield, as well as Jurickson Profar returning. Then came a trade for starter Joe Musgrove. Mark Melancon and Keone Kela were added to the bullpen, and, oh yeah, Fernando Tatis got paid. Like, really paid. If it weren't for the Dodgers I'd be giving them the world series right now.
*Photo from USA Today*
Arizona Diamondbacks
2020 record: 25-35
The D-Backs are a hard team to gauge. When they sell off pieces, they go on a run and nearly make the playoffs. When they add to the team to try and capitalize on said momentum, they fall flat on their face. This winter, they didn't do much of anything, with Chris Devenski and Tyler Clippard being the big additions. At least Madison Bumgarner looks refreshed, and Zac Gallen is really good. It's either going to be a painfully long season, or a rather good one.
*Photo from Fansided*
San Francisco Giants
2020 record: 29-31
The Giants almost made the playoffs, but missed out by one game in 2020. This offseason, they added some veterans. First came Anthony Desclafani and Alex Wood for the rotation. Curt Casali was then signed as a backup catcher. A good middle infield and middle order bat Tommy LaStella was brought in on a rather good deal. Lastly came Jake McGee for the bullpen. Oh, and Buster Posey is back to lead the catchers again, that's always good.
*Photo from Forbes*
Colorado Rockies
2020 record: 26-34
The Rockies had possibly the worst offseason a team could ever have. Nolan Arenado, the face of the team, was sent to the Cardinals, along with the Rockies paying a significant portion of his contract, for mere pennies in return. Plus, they signed absolutely no one this offseason. Not one single major league contract was given out. Yikes. Trevor Story, only one year left until you can leave too. Colorado is on a major, major downswing. At least Daniel Bard is a feel good story.
Division assessment:
The Dodgers and Padres are for real. They are easily the two best teams in the division, and maybe the NL as a whole. The Giants are in an interesting position, as the rebuild is showing good signs. The D-Backs are either gonna be good or really bad, and the Rockies, well, that's just painful. Watch the Dodgers and Padres, and that's about it.
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