MLB Spring Training is officially underway. While many teams have greater World Series odds than others, everyone enters February with the same goal in mind.
However, a lot of questions are posed each and every year. For that, we continue this series with the three burning questions for the National League West.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Biggest pitching acquisition in the National League.?
The Diamondbacks signed former Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, one of the top free-agent pitchers on the open market. He is sure to have success since he stayed in the same division.
Who’s on second?
Ketel Marte will move from center field to second base. He’s coming off his best major league season, he hit 32 home runs and drove in 92 runs, while batting
.329.
Then who’s in center?
Just when everyone thought the Diamondbacks had made all the moves they were making. They traded with the Pirates to bring in two-time golf glove center fielder Starling Marte.
San Diego Padres
What do you get for $300 million in Year 2?
Last year’s biggest off-season signing was Manny Machado. He hit 32 home runs, but it didn’t translate into wins.
Can they win with younger pitching?
In a division that includes Bumgarner, Kershaw, and Price, this may be the biggest liability in the division.
Is this the best young infield in baseball?
Along with Machado, the Padres infield consists of shortstop Fernando Tatis, second baseman Jurickson Profar, and first baseman Eric Hosmer.
San Francisco Giants
Will they overcome losing Bumgarner?
Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija still headline the Giants’ pitching rotation. But Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly combined are no Bumgarner.
Is that Yastrzemski in the outfield?
Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of Red Sox legend Carl, had a solid rookie campaign last season. He hit 21 home runs and drove in 55 runs.
Did they forget something?
The one need that they failed to address in the offseason was bullpen help. If they can remain competitive they may make a deal at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The biggest deal, did anyone see it coming? After wide speculation with various teams, the Dodgers traded for Mookie Betts and David Price. That trade alone makes them World Series favorites.
Will that chip get the best of them?
More than any other team in baseball, the Dodgers have the biggest gripe with the Astros. The sign-stealing robbed them of a World Series championship.
Is Joc Pederson trade bait?
After the Betts deal became official, many thought Pederson would be dealt elsewhere. He still might if L.A. finds they lack somewhere, or suffer a critical injury.
Colorado Rockies
Oh, you’re still here?
Another widely rumored name that was going to be dealt all winter was third Nolan Arenado. But it looks like he’s staying in Colorado, for now.
Anyone looking for a Story?
Along with Arenado, shortstop Trevor Story could be added to the trade bait list. He may be in high demand as well.
Do you know these guys? This pitching staff isn’t filled with household names or names familiar outside of the Rockies. That puts them in a tough spot in this division.
Before the Betts deal, I was thinking this division was going to be a fight between the Diamondbacks and Padres. But after, this is the Dodgers division. With San Diego and Arizona fighting for a wild card spot.
