2008 NL West Predictions

Well Padres Fans, it's two days before the chase for the NL West Pennant begins. After some due diligence on the ballclubs in the NL West. I predict the D'backs, followed by the Rockies, Padres/Dodgers or Dodgers/Padres, and Giants, in that specific order. Here's why...

D'backs young kids on the block, endured a struggle down the finish line and that experience alone will benefit them this year. Add to it, starting Pitchers Haren and Johnson, makes the snakes the favorites in the West. Rockies have great hitters and their pitchers must produce as they did during that stretch run to the finish last year. The key will be that young pitching staff as we all know the offense will always be there for the Rockies. People in LA, will find out if new Mgr Joe Torre is the final piece to their run at the NL West. The bums to the north have the talent to push forth to the 1st or 2nd slots in the division, only question is will they play consistent ball throughout the year. The Padres, well alot heavily weighs on the health of Jim Edmunds and a breakout year from Brian Giles. Hopefully, not too much pressure and strain is placed on the pitching staff as it was last year and why the pitching statistics were a bit higher in the second half. The Giants, well they got some young arms and that alone will keep them in some games.

Anyhow, it's going to be an exciting year at Petco Park. Hopefully, this September will be one to remember --"Taking a spin from Earth Wind & Fire song September"--