NL WEST PREVIEW

... SANTA CRUZ SEQUOIAS ... (82-80 in S8)

PAYROLL: $88.6M
KEY ADDS: NONE
KEY LOSSES: Kory Buckley

Santa Cruz made hardly any moves at all. None whatsoever. So, we like them to finish first in the West? Well yeah, but not by much. This team is pretty good, headlined by possibly the best young catcher in the game in Valerio Mendoza. SCZ needs big seasons from Pedro Rios and Jerry Strong to keep this prediction true. It's no secret that SCZ's strength is the pitching staff. SP's Mario Tallet and Danny Lukasiewicz will lead the way. Otis Long will have to have a great season as closer for success to come to this team.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Did other teams in the division pass them by, considering Santa Cruz made no moves in the offseason?

PREDICTION: NL WEST CHAMPS



... LOS ANGELES BLUE BOMBERS ... (74-88 in S8)

PAYROLL: $86.3M
KEY ADDS: Gerry Dixon, John Wang, Alex Johnson
KEY LOSSES: Douglas Fryman, Fausto Navarre

Los Angeles is another team that's been on the rise the last couple of seasons. Picking up Gerry Dixon will mean wonders for this offense. He's just the help that guys like Andres Tatis and Kennie Fasano crave. Starting pitching could be the lone weakness on this team. Wang will help, but they need others to contribute. The bullpen looks solid with Bob Henley and Dan May as the headliners.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Is the acquisition of John Wang enough to help out the rotation?

PREDICTION: 2nd NL WEST



... SAN DIEGO PADRES ... (76-86 in S8)

PAYROLL: $66.7M
KEY ADDS: Nick Donovan, Lawrence Brantley, Dicky Rhodes, James Katou
KEY LOSSES: Luis Sanchez, Brendan Johnson, Wally Whitehead, Arthur Welch, Hal Bynum

A lot of moves made, that's for sure. Is it enough to move them up the standings? They signed Katou for a truck load of cash. They got Donovan and Rhodes from Monterrey. They were able to get some prospects in return for Hal Bynum. The main question is, is it enough? Tony Padilla looks to have a big year. Lenny Thames could struggle this season, but ultimately is a huge talent. With the loss of Bynum, I don't see a true ace on the staff. Donovan will be great, but how will he be used to effectively maximize his talents? The offense will be better, but we're not sold on their pitching.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Who will step up to become the SD ace in the starting rotation?

PREDICTION: 3rd NL WEST



... ARIZONA BARKLEYS ... (84-78 in S8)

PAYROLL: $86.4M
KEY ADDS: Donaldo Martinez, Felipe Navarro, Ivan Sosa, Wes Lake
KEY LOSSES: Jumbo Simmons

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the leader of this club is. Mr. Everything (and possible pending FA after the season) Nicholas Lanier will dominate again this year. That's as much of a guarantee as you can find. Harry Rowe signed a 4 year extension to remain in Arizona. Donaldo Martinez should contribute as well to the Arizona offense. Pitching wise, it's quite obvious that the bullpen is the team's strength. Guys like Jacque Doyle and Tex Phelps will perform well when put in their proper situation. However, starting pitching could be a concern. Will Efrain Patterson be their ace again? As he gets up there in years, we would have to think his talents would diminish eventually. Walt Young is a possibility, but his lack of stamina prevents him from being a true ace.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Will Arizona stay pat with their current pitching rotation, or will they make a move later in the season to bring in a legit ace?

PREDICTION: 4th NL WEST