What up, Ball Boys and Girls? The CBA talks ended, free agency is happening as you read this, fantasy baseball drafts are going, springtime, and baseball. It's all so fresh.
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Standings:
LA Dodgers- 100-62, Last season 106-56 and 2nd place
SD Padres- 95-67 Last season 79-83 and 3rd place
SF Giants- 90-72 Last season 107-55 and 1st place
Colorado Rockies- 70-92 Last season 74-87 and 4th
Arizona D-Backs- 55-107 Last season 52-110 and 5th
Let's give a warm welcome out west to the following players who will take the Diamond for their new teams. (Note these are players who will have an impact on their squad going into the new season)
Welcome to the NL West:
Manager- Bob Melvin to the Padres.
Dodgers: Daniel Hudson(RP), Chris Taylor(UTL/Ext), LHP Clayton Kershaw(SP, Ext), Hanser Alberto(UTL), Jimmy Nelson(RHRP), Freddie Freeman(1B),
Padres: Nick Martinez(RP), Luis Garcia(RP), Robert Suarez(RP),
Giants: Anthony DeSclafani(SP), Alex Wood(SP), Alex Cobb(SP), Brandon Belt((QO)1B), LHP Carlos Rodon(SP), Carlos Martinez(RHRP), Joc Pederson(OF), Matthew Boyd(LHP),
Rockies: Daniel Bard(RP), Kris Bryant(3B),
D-Backs: Mark Melancon(RP), Ian Kennedy(RHRP), Zach Davies(RHRP)
It's time to say goodbye to some players whose impact will be missed by their previous teams.
Goodbye:
Dodgers: Max Scherzer(SP), Corey Knebel(RP), Corey Seager(SS), Joe Kelly(RHRP), Kenley Jansen(RP), Albert Pujols(1B/DH)
Padres: Adam Frazier(2B), Mark Melancon(RP), Tommy Pham(OF)
Giants: Kevin Gausman(SP),
Rockies: Jon Gray(SP), Trevor Story(SS),
D-Backs: None of note.
Each team in this division has stars, and let's figure out who the most likely MVP candidates are from each team going into the season. These are the guys who will create the most fireworks for their teams.
MVP Award Candidates:
Dodgers: Mookie Betts(OF)
Padres: Manny Machado(3B)
Giants: Brandon Crawford(SS)
Rockies: Kris Bryant(3B)
D-Backs: Ketel Marte(2B)
Now that we looked at the most prestigious batter's award, let's look at the most prestigious pitching Award and candidates from each team in the NLW.
Cy Young Candidates:
Dodgers: Walker Buehler/Julio Urias
Padres: Joe Musgrove
Giants: Carlos Rodon
Rockies: Kyle Freeland
D-Backs: Madison Bumgarner
Please keep your eyes glued on the below players because they are ready to show out during the 2022 season. Just trust me.
Break Out Player:
Dodgers: Zach McKinstry(OF)
Padres: Ha-Seong Kim(INF)
Giants: Joey Bart(C)
Rockies: Alan Trejo(INF)
D-Backs: Stuart Fairchild(OF)
Everyone in the MLB has to overcome adversity at some point and time in their career. For these guys, that point in their careers is 2022
Comeback Player Candidates:
Dodgers: Cody Bellinger(OF)
Padres: Austin Nola(C)
Giants: Mike Yastrzemski(OF)
Rockies: Charlie Blackmon(OF)
D-Backs: Ketel Marte(2B)
You might have heard of these guys; you might not have. After impressive 2021 from these young guns, we got a sample of what is to come. Keep them on your radars going into 2022
Rookie of the Year Candidates:
Dodgers: None of note.
Padres: Luis Campusano(C)
Giants: Joey Bart(C)
Rockies: Alan Trejo(2B)
D-Backs: Geraldo Perdomo(SS)
Manager of the Year:
If the Padres turn it around the way we all expect with Bob Melvin at the helm, I got Melvin bringing it home for the Padres.
2022 Prediction:
The Dodgers, The Padres, and Giants are another 3-team race for the NL West crown. Each of these teams will make the playoffs, and each will be going at each other as if its game 7 of the NLCS. The Rockies will compete with their couple stars and be a headache; overall not much competition. The D-Backs have a STACKED veteran pen that will help but will not do much offensively as a team.
Overall, it's a 3-team race for 1st and then 2nd and 3rd, which will come down to the end baring and meltdowns from the clubs. The NL West is going to be one exciting race!