Foul Balls MLB Preview: NL West

As the end of spring training draws near, I figure it's about time I got off my ass and started with the Foul Balls 2008 season previews. Each day I'll preview a separate division followed by individual previews for the White Sox and Cubs. Expect expert analysis bad jokes.

Today we look at the National League West, which is baseball's toughest and most competitive.

2007 Finish

1. Arizona Diamondbacks 90-72
2. Colorado Rockies 90-73 (wild card)
3. San Diego Padres 89-74
4. Los Angeles Dodgers 82-80
5. San Francisco Giants 71-91

2008 Predictions

1. Arizona Diamondbacks - The Diamondbacks surprised a lot of people by winning the NL West last year, and then going on to sweeping the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs. It won't be easy to repeat in the toughest division in baseball, but thanks to the addition of Dan Haren and another year of growth for young starts like Chris Young, Stephen Drew, and Justin Upton I think they've got what it takes to get it done. There aren't many rotations in the National League that can match up with Brandon Webb, Haren, and a healthy Randy Johnson. The only concern could be the back of the bullpen as Brandon Lyon tries to replace Jose Valverde. INTERESTING FACT: Do you remember DBag DBack Eric Byrnes and his bulldog retrieving home runs during last year's home run derby? Did you know that when he's not drowning his bulldog, Eric forces him to fight other bulldogs for surfboards? You do now.
2. San Diego Padres - The Padres were a bad call away from the playoffs last season, and odds are when this season ends they'll be one of the teams in the hunt for a playoff spot again. Their offense is horrible, which should be expected in gargantuan PetCo Park, but their pitching is as solid as ever. Jake Peavy is the best pitcher on a staff that also includes Chris Young, Greg Maddux, and yes, Mark Prior. You just know Prior is going to win 20 games for San Diego this season now that he's free from the shackles of Cubdom. INTERESTING FACT: Former Cub Michael Barrett has promised to piss off three times as many teammates this season.
3. Colorado Rockies - The defending NL champion Rockies had a great run at the end of last season, that culminated in an ass whipping by the Red Sox in the World Series. Of course, it took a huge winning streak and that previously mentioned bad call in a one-game playoff against San Diego to get there. Something tells me that the Rockies won't catch the same breaks this season. Though with Matt Holliday, Troy Tulowitzki, and Todd Helton in the lineup, there's still plenty of reason to watch what should be the division's best offense. INTERESTING FACT: The Rockies didn't re-sign 2nd baseman Kaz Matsui in the offseason because his religious beliefs didn't follow the teams strict Christian upbringing.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers - The last two years I've picked the Dodgers to win this division, I even had them going to the World Series last year, and they've let me down both times. I've finally learned my lesson, and I'm placing them where they belong this season. The addition of Andruw Jones will finally provide the Dodgers with the power bat they've long needed, but the rest of the offense leaves something to be desired. Except for catcher Russell Martin, who's awesome in every way. INTERESTING FACT: The Dodgers scored twice as many runs during innings 4-7 last year than they did in all other innings combined. The only logical explanation for it is that those are the only innings in which there are fans in the seats.
5. San Francisco Giants - Now that Barry Bonds is gone, there really isn't any reason to watch the Giants. They sucked with him, and they're going to suck without him. Barry Zito has seemingly lost anything that helped him earn his ridiculous contract last season, and after him, it's a lot of talented but unproven youngsters. Also, given the size of PacBell's outfield, Aaron Rowand won't have nearly as many chances to run into a wall this season. Though I guess that's made up for by the fact the right field wall is made of brick. INTERESTING FACT: Without Barry Bonds in the clubhouse, every single member of the Giants will now have their own locker for the first time in 15 years, as Barry always took up 6 lockers for himself. There will also be a lot more room thanks to the lack of media attention since there's no reason to give a shit about this team anymore.

Foul Balls All-Division Team

• Russell Martin-LAD-C
• Adrian Gonzalez-SD-1B
• Orlando Hudson-ARI-2B
• Garrett Atkins-COL-3B
• Troy Tulowitzki-COL-SS
• Matt Holliday-COL-LF
• Chris Young-ARI-CF
• Juston Upton-ARI-RF
• Brandon Webb-ARI-SP
• Trevor Hoffman-SD-CP

Youngsters to Watch

• James Loney-LAD-1B
• Andre Ethier-LAD-OF
• Chase Headley-SD-3B
• Franklin Morales-COL-SP
• Chris Young-ARI-OF
• Justin Upton-ARI-OF

Guys Who Will Disappoint

• Nomar Garciaparra-LAD-3B
• Juan Pierre-LAD-OF
• Brian Giles-SD-OF
• Barry Zito-SF-SP
• Jeff Francis-COL-SP
• Randy Johnson-ARI-SP

On Monday, we'll cover the NL Central.