The biggest storyline out of the trade market ran right through the heart of Petco Park. The San Diego Padres have seemingly rebuilt most of their roster over the last five months or so. Acquiring Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, and Craig Kimbrel (just to name a few) is not your average offseason. After clearing up a big chunk of the bullpen struggles and getting some help for a struggling offense, there isn't too many reasons to not believe in them. Winning the division? Ehh, maybe. They're in a division jam-packed with talent, but I feel they've stepped up their game tremendously and that they will give the Dodgers and Giants and run for their money.
The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't improved much over the offseason. They've lost Ramirez, Kemp, and Dee Gordon. They really haven't gained much to show for it. They did pick up Jimmy Rollins from Philly, but you and I both know that he's just one man.. not three. Honestly, it's hard to not favor the team that's home to the best pitcher in baseball. But I also think that LA is going to miss Kemp, Gordon, and Ramirez more than they are planning on. The Dodgers will be good, but I don't think that winning the division will comes as easy for them as it has in the past.
The Arizona Diamondbacks had a pretty solid offseason. After coming off of a year where they suffered the worst record in the game, they went out and made a splash is the International Free Agent Market. They signed Cuban slugging infielder Yasmany Tomas to a deal. He's starting the season in the Minor Leagues, but he'll be ready if they're looking for a offensive punch down the stretch. Also, they will have their heart and soul back.. better known as Paul Goldschmidt. He was hurt not too long after the All Star break last season and was then shut down. Are they capable of winning the division crown this season? In my mind, no. There's a always a hope though, and anything can happen in this crazy game.
The Colorado Rockies are one of the most underrated teams in baseball in my opinion. They have one of the best defensive third baseman in Nolan Arenado. Coors Field is home to a couple of the best in the game, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzales. Like I said I think they're underrated, but I understand why. I don't know what you think, but it seems to me like Gonzales and Tulowitzki are hurt all of the time. It's not good for the Rockies, their fans, or baseball in general. It's no fun to watch players go down, but especially not if they're All Star caliber. If they can limit their disabled list stints, then the Rockies will be A-OK and have a nice "underdog" season.
The defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants have started the season out with some very disappointing news. One of their starters, Matt Cain, has already hit the disabled list to start the season. Jake Peavy has been dealing with some discomfort as well, but he hasn't been placed on the DL. Hunter Pence is also riding the DL with an arm injury he went through early in Spring Training. Their offseason probably didn't go as most had hoped either. Arguably once the most popular Giants' player is now playing his home games up at Fenway. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval, better known as Panda, signed a contract with the Redsox and left a fan base full of crazy people in panda hats. Whether anyone will admit it or not they are going to miss Sandoval, both on and off of the field. They'll be a nice team, like usual, but right now I bet their fan base is really a-hurtin'.
So, who's going to be atop the of this division come the Postseason? Who knows!
Josey Curtis
Twitter: @Curtis_Josey
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