Not So Fast, My Prognosticating Friends!

In the July 5th, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine is a look at how Chris Bahr, Ryan Fagan and Stan McNeal see the races heating up.

My only concern is that of the National League West. It's the only division I am interested in because our San Francisco Giants have something to say about who wins the West or who wins the Wild Card.

If you have the time to look back at how I thought the 2010 season would go, in the West, you will see that I didn't disrespect the San Diego Padres. Due in large part to how they finished the 2009 season. Evidently, the experts didn't glean anything from how the young Pads finished last season. And in this article, even though they've been leading the division for most of the year, the Padres get no love whatsoever.

SAN DIEGO PADRES: Top Target: Corey Hart (of the Brewers)
Will the rotation hold up? It has been one of the National League's best, BUT the workloads of the youngsters, will be monitored.
Look out for... Mat Latos. Second-baseman David Eckstein says, "He goes out there like, 'I'm going to come after you with my good stuff; if you can hit it, good for you.'"

Predicted finish for San Diego: Third in NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers: Top Target: Cliff Lee (of the Mariners. Lee was sent to Texas a few weeks prior to the July 31 trade deadline.)
Do they have enough power? The Dodgers have one of the N.L.'s most balanced offenses but can't afford for Manny Ramirez to falter.

Look out for... Vicente Padilla. Catcher, Brad Ausmus says, "He was our opening day starter and was hurt most of the first half. If he pitches well in the second half, that bodes well."

Predicted finish for Los Angeles: N.L. West Champions

San Francisco Giants

Top target: David DeJesus (of Kansas City. DeJesus was injured shortly after this article hit the presses. As of August 5th, he is still on the disabled list.)

Which needs more help, the bullpen or the offense? 1B/C Buster Posey and OF Pat Burrell have improved the offense. Now the relief corps needs a boost. (Dead on. They acquired Ramon Ramirez (RHP) from Boston and Javier Lopez (LHP) from the Pirates. Both are relief pitchers.)

Note: To get Lopez the Giants sent Joe Martinez (RHP) and John Bowker (0F). To acquire Ramirez the Giants sent Daniel Turpin (RHP) of the Richmond Flying Squirrels to the Portland Sea Dogs.

Look out for... Buster Posey. Reliever Jeremy Affeldt says: "Buster has a good 2-strike approach and hits well with runners in scoring position."

Predicted Finish: 4th in the NL West.

I would also like to add the importance of Pablo Sandoval. It's time for the Panda to come out of hibernation.

(thanks for the food for thought from the Sporting News. Don't know about how accurate they will be but the article drew a response from yours truly.)

Kevin Marquez