The National League West is by far the worst division in baseball. I am going to share with you what I think each team needs to do before the trade deadline.
Arizona Diamondbacks: They got out to a smoking hott start in April and have fallen off ever since. Their young guns such as Justin Upton, Chris Young and company have slowed down considerably with the bat. Also pitchers Micah Owings and Randy Johnson performed well early on and have struggled since. They need to add a bat and a middle of the rotation pitchers. I have been hearing rumors that the Diamondbacks have had some discussions about Barry Bonds. Another name floating out there is Mark Teixeira. The Diamondbacks defenitely have the talent to get Teix. As for a pitcher somebody like Jared Washburn would be a good fit and since the Mariners are going to have a fire sale they could probably get him at a good price.
Los Angeles Dodgers: If you have seen any games this year in which the Dodgers were playing chances are they did not score very many runs. They have had considerable trouble hitting the ball and scoring runs but somehow are still in the National League West race. The Dodgers have had a slew of injuries to Rafael Furcal, Andruw Jones, Nomar Garciaparra, and Brad Penny. Those are just to name a few. There was rumors that the Dodgers were going to acquire CC Sabathia but the Owner Frank McCourt nixed the deal. There is no question the Dodgers need a bat but unless they find a bat at the shortstop position I am not sure where the Dodgers would put him. There has been rumor the Dodgers are interested in names like Jack Wilson and David Eckstein but that is not much of an upgrade.
San Francisco Giants: The biggest suprise of the National League West by far. Every baseball analyst picked them to finish in last place. The Giants have had great pitching from Tim Lincecum, Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain and terrible pitching from Barry Zito. The Giants are mix of young players such as Fred Lewis, Emmanuel Burriss, and Travis Denker with some good veterans like Aaron Rowand, Randy Winn, and Bengie Molina. The Giants have been overachieving with their current team but I do not think this is their year. So if I was Brian Sabean I would try to get even younger. They have done a nice job of that but with Omar Vizquel, Rich Aurillia, and Ray Durham having solid years and could really contribute to a contending team down the stretch. They should trade off these veterans to get some good young talent.
Colorado Rockies: Have been the second biggest suprise in the west behind the Giants only because they have been terrible thus far. The Rockies have underachieved due to the lack of pitching and the handful of injuries suffered. I think the Rockies should be buyers before the deadline. Why not go for it again. By far the Rockies have the best offense in the West when healthy by great lengths. With a healthy Matt Holiday, Brad Hawpe, Garrett Atkins and Troy Tulowitski. If they can get Tulo going after his second stint from the DL this year and upgrade their pitching before the deadline the Rockies could make another historic run. They are the most dangerous team in the National League West.
San Diego Padres: The Padres had the best pitching staff coming into the season but with a lack of offense the pitching staff has struggled. The Padres have also had their own fair share of injuries to Peavy and Young. The Padres have some good prospects up right now starting with Chase Headley and Josh Banks. I think the Padres have some good veterans that can be moved to a contender such as Brian Giles, Randy Wolf, and Greg Maddux. All 3 of those guys could net the Padres some solid prospects that are close to coming to the big leagues.
All in all the National West consist of 3 buyers and 2 sellers. With the Rockies being the most dangerous team of all. It will be very interesting to see what happends in the National League West. Whatever team gets hott after the All-Star Break will win the West.
