Since their Game Seven victory in the 2001 World Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks have yet to look back. Thus far this spring, the Diamondbacks have compiled a stellar 21-8 mark with opening day less than a week away.
Still, winning the division is not a foregone conclusion for Arizona, as it could face stiff competition - from both baseball's biggest overachievers, the San Francisco Giants, or baseball's biggest underachievers in recent years, the LA Dodgers. If the past few seasons is any indication, the race for the crown in the NL West will be a wild contest not decided until well into September.
Contenders:
Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. Arizona's roster is built for the playoffs. With Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson, the Diamondbacks have two of baseball's premier pitchers. It is probably the most dominating starting pitching tandem of our generation. But while this 1-2 punch is perfectly suited for a short playoff series, a well-balanced, solid five-man rotation is far more valuable for the 162-game regular season.
The three men behind Schilling and Johnson have had successful seasons in the past, but the durability of their talent is in question. Rick Helling went 12-11 with a 5.17 era for the Texas Rangers last year. Helling does have a 20-win season under his belt, but in the past two seasons he has given a new definition to the term mediocre. Brian Anderson, who was 3-9 with Arizona last season, is the fourth starter, while Todd Stottlemyre, who missed all of the 2001 season due to injury, will round out the rotation.
And while Arizona's lineup lacks pop, manager Bob Brenly loves to hit and run. Luis Gonzalez is Arizona's best hitter, while the offense also relies heavily on Mark Grace and Steve Finley.
The Giants are among the division's leaders every single year. This can arguably be attributed to their possessing the game's best manager, Dusty Baker, and the game's best all-around player, Barry Bonds. Bonds is coming off one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of baseball, and while the Giants don't expect him to duplicate any of his grand offensive totals, they do expect more out of Jeff Kent, who had a sub-par 2001. The Giants also added Reggie Sanders to their outfield, which could provide some more power hitting.
San Francisco also boasts a solid starting rotation led by Livan Hernandez, who has lost significant weight this offseason, and Jason Schmidt, who was unhittable down the stretch last season.
The Giants also have Kirk Rueter, one of the best-kept secrets in the NL over the past five years, rounding out the rotation. Additionally, they also posses what might be the NL's best bullpen. Robb Nen will close, while Frankie Rodriguez and Jay Witasick, two of the hardest throwers in baseball, will setup.
On the Bubble:
Los Angeles Dodgers. With an aging roster, it could be a tough road for the 2002 Los Angeles Dodgers. First baseman Eric Karros is almost a decade removed from his rookie of the year award, while second Baseman Mark Grudzielanek has been disappointing since he was obtained from the Montreal Expos.The Dodgers may be disillusioned with centerfielder Tom Goodwin, and are considering platooning him with the ancient Marquis Grissom. Shawn Green is a bona fide superstar, and the Dodgers have two young studs in third baseman Adrian Beltre and catcher Paul Lo Duca.
The pitching staff is anchored by Kevin Brown, who, though injury prone, has the best stuff in the major leagues. Hideo Nomo returns to LA after a stint in Boston, and the staff also features the talented Omar Daal and Andy Ashby. While the starters could be productive, LA has no real closer, and while the team could realize its potential and compete for the division, it most likely will finish around .500.
Young Gun:
Sean Burroughs. Few have been hyped like San Diego's young third baseman, who first appeared on the national scene in 1993 as a 12-year old, pudgy slugger who led his California little league team to a national championship. Manager Bruce Bochy has moved two of his top players out of position to accommodate the 21-year old rookie, switching Phil Nevin from third to first, and Ryan Klesko from first to right. Burroughs has shed all of his extra weight, and is a physical specimen who plays solid defense with a great throwing arm, and an amazing stroke that could find him a career all-star.Prediction:
The Giants and Diamondbacks battle all season for the top spot, with the Giants eventually winning out. San Diego, with its young pitching, finishes on a high note above .500. The Dodgers start strong and flounder late, and the Rockies bring up the rear.
