Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Jul 22, 2013 21:11:07 GMT -5
What's this, there's only four games left to play? That's right. It's crunch time for a lot of teams to either get into the post-season, lock up a bye, or tank a little farther for better draft position next season. Here's a (late) look at the National League's remaining four weeks of the season.
All records and placements are through Week 14 of the Base Knock Dynasty Baseball Regular Season. Key matchups are determined based on the team's need. If a rebuilding team is looking for a higher selection, a key game would be against another rebuilding team for draft position. But if a team is looking to make the post-season, a key game is determined if two top teams are playing each other.
The National League
National League Central Division
1. St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 12-3
Power Rankings: #7 - 4,534.2
It feels like the Cardinals have made that final step to becoming a true elite team in the National League. They've been consistently dominant all season long. After trailing Cincinnati for most of the way, with the Reds faltering the Cardinals have stayed strong and attained a game lead over the Reds. The rotation has been incredible as usual for St. Louis. Kershaw, Greinke, Liriano, and new-comer Ryu have been top-of-the-line talent on the hill. The surprise for the Cards has been the offense. Starlin Marte and Jose Altuve seem to steal a base every time they get to first. The Cardinals had a huge victory over Philadelphia last week and should be able to compete for one of the top two spots come Week 19.
Key Matchup: COL - Week 18
2. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 11-4
Power Rankings: #12 - 4,176.3
It's been quite the fall from last season, and that's saying something considering this team is 11-4 and has a legitimate shot at winning this division. Injuries have certainly played a part with ace Johnny Cueto and outfielders Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan missing much of the season. However, the Reds are still running full steam ahead and have a talented group of young players that have arrived alongside last year's NLCS champion veterans. Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson have both been terrific on the offensive end. In the rotation, despite Cueto's absence, the team acquired the young Shelby Miller, who's level elite talent is unquestionable. The Reds have a winnable three out of four last games. It wouldn't be a surprise to see them sneak back into the division's top spot before the season's end.
Key Matchup: SD - Week 17
3. Houston Astros
Record: 9-6
Power Rankings: #14 - 3,882.4
Unlike last season, Houston has struggled to stay afloat in this tough NL Central division. The team has lost key players to injuries in Brett Anderson and Jedd Gyorko. They still find themselves in a position to make the post-season in their tight race with Milwaukee for the last spot. Although Albert Pujols has struggled to hit like his usual self, the Astros young talent that always seems to come up has risen to the occasion to keep the team in the hunt. The rotation, with the burden of injuries, doesn't have the depth that we see in the elite teams in the league. Strasburg, as usual, has been terrific despite a losing record. The Astros are going to have to grind this one out with the Brewers. This could be the nail-biter come Week 19.
Key Matchup: COL - Week 17
4. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 9-6
Power Rankings: #18 - 3,448.4
Along with the Astros, the Brewers have also slipped into mediocrity in terms of points scored, but have managed to also be in a position to secure a wild card spot down the stretch. The Brewers have benefitted from the emergence of two new stud hitters in their lineup: Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez. Both have vastly exceeded expectations for the 2013 season and are part of the reason the Brewers find themselves in a position to secure their first playoff birth in franchise history. Yu Darvish's health down the stretch could determine if the Brewers sneak in or not. He's been out with an injury since the beginning of July, and in a weak Milwaukee rotation he can't be undervalued. It'll be a tough path, and now with Braun suspended for the season... the Brewers play Colorado, Atlanta, and San Diego all in their last four games.
Key Matchup: SD - Week 19
5. Chicago Cubs
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #23 - 2,924.1
Well, all you can say is if the Cubs keep winning they'll have their first winning season ever. After a slow start, the Cubs have caught fire as young talent has started to emerge from the minor leagues to this team a chance in ballgames. Matt Carpenter and Andrelton Simmons have both held their own and then some in the Chicago lineup that is severely lacking in point production. What's finally brought some success to Wrigley Field is the young pitching staff. Chris Sale is for real and has quickly become one of the top pitchers in the league, and A.J. Griffin and Andrew Cashner have also pitched well behind him. The post-season is out of reach at this point, but there are definitely signs of life for the future.
Key Matchup: LAD - Week 19
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 0-15
Power Rankings: #30 - 1,518
When you think of breaking records, you think positive. In the case of the Pirates who are a game away from breaking the record for most losses in a row, it may just be negative. The Pirates are rebuilding, there's no other way to put it. The team has by far scored the least amount of points this season and has looked to traded any players that have value for teams vying for a playoff spot. In return, Pittsburgh had nearly every pick in the first round of the Amateur Draft and now easily has the best farm system in the league. With the way things are looking, it wouldn't be surprising to see them with the top pick in next year's draft as well. At least the rebuilding process appears to be on track, because it's almost as sure a thing as the sun rising tomorrow morning that the Pirates will be winless in 2013.
Key Matchup: WAS - Week 17
Final Prediction:
1. Cardinals (15-4)
2. Reds (14-5)
3. Astros (12-7)
4. Brewers (11-8)
5. Cubs (7-12)
6. Pirates (0-19)
National League East Division
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 13-2
Power Rankings: #5 - 4,592.8
Two keys to success. Health and pitching. The Phillies have simply been incredible so far this season winning 13 of their first 15 games. The offense is as potent as ever, and it blows away any argument that would suggest it isn't the best in the league. Miguel Cabrera could be a back to back triple crown winner, Carlos Gonzalez has been one of the best hitters in baseball, and Troy Tulowitzki is back to his old form after a down year last season. The pitching could determine how far Philly goes. Gio Gonzalez and Jeremy Hellickson lead a very talented six-man group that can't afford to have any injuries. Speaking of the disabled list, make room for closer Andrew Bailey who's now done for the season. The offense has been great, but will it bring another championship to Philadelphia?
Key Matchup: Week 18 - ATL
2. Atlanta Braves
Record: 8-7
Power Rankings: #17 - 3,449
Yes, the Braves aren't holding a playoff spot right now. And yes, Atlanta isn't even in the top half of the power rankings. But one could point to the Braves GM as a possible GM of the Year candidate with the job he's done to turn things around out in the southeast. Regardless of whether or not the team makes the post-season, this is definitely a season that's a step in the right direction for the franchise. The Braves have a tough road ahead, however. They play three teams with winning records (PHI, STL, MIL) in their final four, and the Cubs are no longer an easy out either. Pat Corbin has been a nice surprise in the rotation this season, and young players have stepped up all over the field as well. The Braves sit a game out of the wild card race, but they're still in.
Key Matchup: Week 17 - MIL
3. Washington Nationals
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #19 - 3,418.9
This one seems to be a head-scratcher... but the only problem with the team from the capital was lack of movement in the off-season. The Nats lack depth, and injuries have slowed them down without those quality backups. Still, this team can look forward to next season with a very talented rotation to work with. Tim Lincecum is fresh off of his no-hitter. Madison Bumgarner, John Lackey, and Ervin Santana have all been terrific as well in a great rotation. The offense, while still above average, hasn't lived up to the hype. Josh Hamilton has had a down year after receiving the franchise tag last off-season for a big three year deal. The Nationals will need to upgrade in the off-season if they're make a serious go for the post-season in 2014.
Key Matchup: HOU - Week 18
4. New York Mets
Record: 3-12
Power Rankings: #26 - 2,409.7
Can we say we expected this? I guess. Most would say the Mets had luck on their side last season when they cruised to a 14-5 record and a playoff birth despite ranking in the middle of the pack in points scored. However, I don't think the Mets are this bad. Curtis Granderson has missed all of this season so far and hasn't returned in time to salvage this season. Josh Beckett and Johan Santana have also both been out for either all or most of this season. R.A. Dickey has underperformed. Aramis Ramirez hasn't been his usual self. Thank goodness for Chris Davis and his incredible season. He could be a cornerstone for this team for the future and the present if the Mets attempt to get back to the post-season next year. Injuries are tough, but the Mets collapse has a little more than team health to it.
Key Matchup: Week 18 - MIA
5. Miami Marlins
Record: 1-14
Power Rankings: #29 - 1,773.4
Another team in complete rebuild mode. This could be the most devoid of talent team in the entire league. Do they have anyone to put points up on the board? Oh wait. The phenom: Yasiel Puig. After pouring in 30+ million dollars into the untested talent this off-season, Puig is showing his worth as the "Mike Trout" like player of the 2013 season. But outside of Puig, there's a farm system that's rich with young talent. If the Marlins can draft well in the Amateur Draft, they should continue to have one of the best minor league systems in the league. This team is a ways out, maybe only closer than Pittsburgh at this point. But when all is said and done, you can still say, "We have Puig."
Key Matchup: Week 18 - NYM
Final Prediction:
1. Phillies (17-2)
2. Braves (9-10)
3. Nationals (8-11)
4. Mets (4-15)
5. Marlins (1-18)
National League West Division
1. Colorado Rockies
Record: 12-3
Power Rankings: #4 - 4,762.8
After going two entire seasons without leaving the first place position in the division once, the Rockies underwent a crisis mid-season amidst a three game losing streak that allowed the San Diego Padres to overtake them in the not-so wild west of Base Knock Dynasty Baseball. It was mainly attributed to key injuries to all-star Bryce Harper, ace David Price, and other injuries to key players throughout the season. Even with the injuries, the Rockies are still technically the fourth best team in baseball with the stud duo of David Wright and Evan Longoria leading the offense. In a very deep rotation, arms like Jeff Locke and Jorge De La Rosa could be the key to the usual deep playoff run for Colorado. It's going to be tough, and they'll have to hold off San Diego to get the first round bye, but a much deeper rotation this season could finally get the Rockies past the NLCS.
Key Matchup: Week 18 - STL
2. San Diego Padres
Record: 12-3
Power Rankings: #10 - 4,303.2
It's been quite the season for the suddenly elite San Diego Padres. After leading the division a few weeks ago, the team now finds themselves in a tie with Colorado with just four games to go for the division crown and possibly a first round playoff bye. Everth Cabrera and Nelson Cruz have been terrific on the offensive end. Newly acquired Dominic Brown could be the difference down the stretch and in the post-season. Along with most of the best teams in the league, the depth in the rotation for San Diego is simply sensational. Mike Minor has been terrific at the top of the rotation. Late returns by the Doc (Roy Halladay) and Brandon Beachy should give the team a boost at the end of the year. I suppose this also may be a wild west division. Texas and Los Angeles battle in the American League for the division crown, and Colorado and San Diego will be going down to the wire.
Key Matchup: Week 17 - CIN
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #20 - 3,305.1
Meet the first of the 6-9 teams at the bottom of the National League West Division. The Dodgers are a rebuilding team, with six wins. It's probably not ideal for a team with little shot of winning next season unless a massive overload occurs during the off-season. However, looking at the positives, there are some bright spots on this team that could be cornerstones for years to come. Dexter Fowler has emerged as a great outfielder after a few years of mediocrity in baseball. Justin Masterson has been in the mix the Cy Young award all season with his terrific pitching on the mound. There are a few names in the farm system that stand out; for instance, newly drafted Clint Frazier. The question is will the Dodgers be confident enough in their 6,7,8 wins that they get this season to try and push for the post-season in 2014.
Key Matchup: Week 19 - CHC
4. San Francisco Giants
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #21 - 3,272.1
Out of the three tied last place teams in this division, the Giants look like the team with the brightest immediate future. After a very slow start, the Giants exploded from the bottom of the division to attain their current position. While they've dealt young star Dominic Brown away, there are still some good players on their roster, and the team has some nice prospects. First of all, Matt Cain, Dan Haren, and Chris Tillman have all been solid this season, and Cain's numbers are slightly skewed from a bad starts and has been better than shown. On offense, Paul Goldschimdt is the league's next superstar bat to be coveted. If Josh Reddick can return to form, he, Goldy, and Victor Martinez could be a nice one-two-three punch in the lineup. San Fran has hope. Winning could come to the Bay Area soon.
Key Matchup: Week 16 - LAD
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #25 - 2,713.4
Yes, things have turned bad for the D'backs. But after a plethora of moves during the season, Arizona has transformed itself into a rebuilding project for the future. This year, the team has suffered from injuries to Colby Lewis and Ryan Vogelsong. Alfonso Soriano with his large contract (that is actually, finally coming to an end) is pretty much the only player scoring points for the team that is sure to sink to the bottom of the division for next season. Focusing on the good, Arizona had a large amount of draft picks in the opening rounds and throughout the draft to restock the farm system. The D'backs will likely be 6-13 with their incredibly difficult final four games of the season. The team plays San Diego, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati; all potential playoff teams. Here's to rebuilding and the potential for winning tomorrow instead of today!
Key Matchup: Week 18 - MIL
Final Prediction:
1. Rockies (16-3)
2. Padres (16-3)
3. Dodgers (8-11)
4. Giants (8-11)
5. D'backs (6-13)
All records and placements are through Week 14 of the Base Knock Dynasty Baseball Regular Season. Key matchups are determined based on the team's need. If a rebuilding team is looking for a higher selection, a key game would be against another rebuilding team for draft position. But if a team is looking to make the post-season, a key game is determined if two top teams are playing each other.
The National League
National League Central Division
1. St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 12-3
Power Rankings: #7 - 4,534.2
It feels like the Cardinals have made that final step to becoming a true elite team in the National League. They've been consistently dominant all season long. After trailing Cincinnati for most of the way, with the Reds faltering the Cardinals have stayed strong and attained a game lead over the Reds. The rotation has been incredible as usual for St. Louis. Kershaw, Greinke, Liriano, and new-comer Ryu have been top-of-the-line talent on the hill. The surprise for the Cards has been the offense. Starlin Marte and Jose Altuve seem to steal a base every time they get to first. The Cardinals had a huge victory over Philadelphia last week and should be able to compete for one of the top two spots come Week 19.
Key Matchup: COL - Week 18
2. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 11-4
Power Rankings: #12 - 4,176.3
It's been quite the fall from last season, and that's saying something considering this team is 11-4 and has a legitimate shot at winning this division. Injuries have certainly played a part with ace Johnny Cueto and outfielders Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan missing much of the season. However, the Reds are still running full steam ahead and have a talented group of young players that have arrived alongside last year's NLCS champion veterans. Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson have both been terrific on the offensive end. In the rotation, despite Cueto's absence, the team acquired the young Shelby Miller, who's level elite talent is unquestionable. The Reds have a winnable three out of four last games. It wouldn't be a surprise to see them sneak back into the division's top spot before the season's end.
Key Matchup: SD - Week 17
3. Houston Astros
Record: 9-6
Power Rankings: #14 - 3,882.4
Unlike last season, Houston has struggled to stay afloat in this tough NL Central division. The team has lost key players to injuries in Brett Anderson and Jedd Gyorko. They still find themselves in a position to make the post-season in their tight race with Milwaukee for the last spot. Although Albert Pujols has struggled to hit like his usual self, the Astros young talent that always seems to come up has risen to the occasion to keep the team in the hunt. The rotation, with the burden of injuries, doesn't have the depth that we see in the elite teams in the league. Strasburg, as usual, has been terrific despite a losing record. The Astros are going to have to grind this one out with the Brewers. This could be the nail-biter come Week 19.
Key Matchup: COL - Week 17
4. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 9-6
Power Rankings: #18 - 3,448.4
Along with the Astros, the Brewers have also slipped into mediocrity in terms of points scored, but have managed to also be in a position to secure a wild card spot down the stretch. The Brewers have benefitted from the emergence of two new stud hitters in their lineup: Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez. Both have vastly exceeded expectations for the 2013 season and are part of the reason the Brewers find themselves in a position to secure their first playoff birth in franchise history. Yu Darvish's health down the stretch could determine if the Brewers sneak in or not. He's been out with an injury since the beginning of July, and in a weak Milwaukee rotation he can't be undervalued. It'll be a tough path, and now with Braun suspended for the season... the Brewers play Colorado, Atlanta, and San Diego all in their last four games.
Key Matchup: SD - Week 19
5. Chicago Cubs
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #23 - 2,924.1
Well, all you can say is if the Cubs keep winning they'll have their first winning season ever. After a slow start, the Cubs have caught fire as young talent has started to emerge from the minor leagues to this team a chance in ballgames. Matt Carpenter and Andrelton Simmons have both held their own and then some in the Chicago lineup that is severely lacking in point production. What's finally brought some success to Wrigley Field is the young pitching staff. Chris Sale is for real and has quickly become one of the top pitchers in the league, and A.J. Griffin and Andrew Cashner have also pitched well behind him. The post-season is out of reach at this point, but there are definitely signs of life for the future.
Key Matchup: LAD - Week 19
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 0-15
Power Rankings: #30 - 1,518
When you think of breaking records, you think positive. In the case of the Pirates who are a game away from breaking the record for most losses in a row, it may just be negative. The Pirates are rebuilding, there's no other way to put it. The team has by far scored the least amount of points this season and has looked to traded any players that have value for teams vying for a playoff spot. In return, Pittsburgh had nearly every pick in the first round of the Amateur Draft and now easily has the best farm system in the league. With the way things are looking, it wouldn't be surprising to see them with the top pick in next year's draft as well. At least the rebuilding process appears to be on track, because it's almost as sure a thing as the sun rising tomorrow morning that the Pirates will be winless in 2013.
Key Matchup: WAS - Week 17
Final Prediction:
1. Cardinals (15-4)
2. Reds (14-5)
3. Astros (12-7)
4. Brewers (11-8)
5. Cubs (7-12)
6. Pirates (0-19)
National League East Division
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 13-2
Power Rankings: #5 - 4,592.8
Two keys to success. Health and pitching. The Phillies have simply been incredible so far this season winning 13 of their first 15 games. The offense is as potent as ever, and it blows away any argument that would suggest it isn't the best in the league. Miguel Cabrera could be a back to back triple crown winner, Carlos Gonzalez has been one of the best hitters in baseball, and Troy Tulowitzki is back to his old form after a down year last season. The pitching could determine how far Philly goes. Gio Gonzalez and Jeremy Hellickson lead a very talented six-man group that can't afford to have any injuries. Speaking of the disabled list, make room for closer Andrew Bailey who's now done for the season. The offense has been great, but will it bring another championship to Philadelphia?
Key Matchup: Week 18 - ATL
2. Atlanta Braves
Record: 8-7
Power Rankings: #17 - 3,449
Yes, the Braves aren't holding a playoff spot right now. And yes, Atlanta isn't even in the top half of the power rankings. But one could point to the Braves GM as a possible GM of the Year candidate with the job he's done to turn things around out in the southeast. Regardless of whether or not the team makes the post-season, this is definitely a season that's a step in the right direction for the franchise. The Braves have a tough road ahead, however. They play three teams with winning records (PHI, STL, MIL) in their final four, and the Cubs are no longer an easy out either. Pat Corbin has been a nice surprise in the rotation this season, and young players have stepped up all over the field as well. The Braves sit a game out of the wild card race, but they're still in.
Key Matchup: Week 17 - MIL
3. Washington Nationals
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #19 - 3,418.9
This one seems to be a head-scratcher... but the only problem with the team from the capital was lack of movement in the off-season. The Nats lack depth, and injuries have slowed them down without those quality backups. Still, this team can look forward to next season with a very talented rotation to work with. Tim Lincecum is fresh off of his no-hitter. Madison Bumgarner, John Lackey, and Ervin Santana have all been terrific as well in a great rotation. The offense, while still above average, hasn't lived up to the hype. Josh Hamilton has had a down year after receiving the franchise tag last off-season for a big three year deal. The Nationals will need to upgrade in the off-season if they're make a serious go for the post-season in 2014.
Key Matchup: HOU - Week 18
4. New York Mets
Record: 3-12
Power Rankings: #26 - 2,409.7
Can we say we expected this? I guess. Most would say the Mets had luck on their side last season when they cruised to a 14-5 record and a playoff birth despite ranking in the middle of the pack in points scored. However, I don't think the Mets are this bad. Curtis Granderson has missed all of this season so far and hasn't returned in time to salvage this season. Josh Beckett and Johan Santana have also both been out for either all or most of this season. R.A. Dickey has underperformed. Aramis Ramirez hasn't been his usual self. Thank goodness for Chris Davis and his incredible season. He could be a cornerstone for this team for the future and the present if the Mets attempt to get back to the post-season next year. Injuries are tough, but the Mets collapse has a little more than team health to it.
Key Matchup: Week 18 - MIA
5. Miami Marlins
Record: 1-14
Power Rankings: #29 - 1,773.4
Another team in complete rebuild mode. This could be the most devoid of talent team in the entire league. Do they have anyone to put points up on the board? Oh wait. The phenom: Yasiel Puig. After pouring in 30+ million dollars into the untested talent this off-season, Puig is showing his worth as the "Mike Trout" like player of the 2013 season. But outside of Puig, there's a farm system that's rich with young talent. If the Marlins can draft well in the Amateur Draft, they should continue to have one of the best minor league systems in the league. This team is a ways out, maybe only closer than Pittsburgh at this point. But when all is said and done, you can still say, "We have Puig."
Key Matchup: Week 18 - NYM
Final Prediction:
1. Phillies (17-2)
2. Braves (9-10)
3. Nationals (8-11)
4. Mets (4-15)
5. Marlins (1-18)
National League West Division
1. Colorado Rockies
Record: 12-3
Power Rankings: #4 - 4,762.8
After going two entire seasons without leaving the first place position in the division once, the Rockies underwent a crisis mid-season amidst a three game losing streak that allowed the San Diego Padres to overtake them in the not-so wild west of Base Knock Dynasty Baseball. It was mainly attributed to key injuries to all-star Bryce Harper, ace David Price, and other injuries to key players throughout the season. Even with the injuries, the Rockies are still technically the fourth best team in baseball with the stud duo of David Wright and Evan Longoria leading the offense. In a very deep rotation, arms like Jeff Locke and Jorge De La Rosa could be the key to the usual deep playoff run for Colorado. It's going to be tough, and they'll have to hold off San Diego to get the first round bye, but a much deeper rotation this season could finally get the Rockies past the NLCS.
Key Matchup: Week 18 - STL
2. San Diego Padres
Record: 12-3
Power Rankings: #10 - 4,303.2
It's been quite the season for the suddenly elite San Diego Padres. After leading the division a few weeks ago, the team now finds themselves in a tie with Colorado with just four games to go for the division crown and possibly a first round playoff bye. Everth Cabrera and Nelson Cruz have been terrific on the offensive end. Newly acquired Dominic Brown could be the difference down the stretch and in the post-season. Along with most of the best teams in the league, the depth in the rotation for San Diego is simply sensational. Mike Minor has been terrific at the top of the rotation. Late returns by the Doc (Roy Halladay) and Brandon Beachy should give the team a boost at the end of the year. I suppose this also may be a wild west division. Texas and Los Angeles battle in the American League for the division crown, and Colorado and San Diego will be going down to the wire.
Key Matchup: Week 17 - CIN
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #20 - 3,305.1
Meet the first of the 6-9 teams at the bottom of the National League West Division. The Dodgers are a rebuilding team, with six wins. It's probably not ideal for a team with little shot of winning next season unless a massive overload occurs during the off-season. However, looking at the positives, there are some bright spots on this team that could be cornerstones for years to come. Dexter Fowler has emerged as a great outfielder after a few years of mediocrity in baseball. Justin Masterson has been in the mix the Cy Young award all season with his terrific pitching on the mound. There are a few names in the farm system that stand out; for instance, newly drafted Clint Frazier. The question is will the Dodgers be confident enough in their 6,7,8 wins that they get this season to try and push for the post-season in 2014.
Key Matchup: Week 19 - CHC
4. San Francisco Giants
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #21 - 3,272.1
Out of the three tied last place teams in this division, the Giants look like the team with the brightest immediate future. After a very slow start, the Giants exploded from the bottom of the division to attain their current position. While they've dealt young star Dominic Brown away, there are still some good players on their roster, and the team has some nice prospects. First of all, Matt Cain, Dan Haren, and Chris Tillman have all been solid this season, and Cain's numbers are slightly skewed from a bad starts and has been better than shown. On offense, Paul Goldschimdt is the league's next superstar bat to be coveted. If Josh Reddick can return to form, he, Goldy, and Victor Martinez could be a nice one-two-three punch in the lineup. San Fran has hope. Winning could come to the Bay Area soon.
Key Matchup: Week 16 - LAD
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 6-9
Power Rankings: #25 - 2,713.4
Yes, things have turned bad for the D'backs. But after a plethora of moves during the season, Arizona has transformed itself into a rebuilding project for the future. This year, the team has suffered from injuries to Colby Lewis and Ryan Vogelsong. Alfonso Soriano with his large contract (that is actually, finally coming to an end) is pretty much the only player scoring points for the team that is sure to sink to the bottom of the division for next season. Focusing on the good, Arizona had a large amount of draft picks in the opening rounds and throughout the draft to restock the farm system. The D'backs will likely be 6-13 with their incredibly difficult final four games of the season. The team plays San Diego, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati; all potential playoff teams. Here's to rebuilding and the potential for winning tomorrow instead of today!
Key Matchup: Week 18 - MIL
Final Prediction:
1. Rockies (16-3)
2. Padres (16-3)
3. Dodgers (8-11)
4. Giants (8-11)
5. D'backs (6-13)