1985 NL West Preview

Los Angeles Dodgers (79-85)

The Dodgers started the 1984 season strong, but ended up falling off in August and September during a rash of games against the Giants and the Padres, falling from first in the division to out of the playoffs all together. They had a quiet 84/85 offseason.

Key Losses C Lamar Moody

Their starting Catcher from 1984 had an above average season, and is a notable absence, but his former backup Dusty Pynes should be a relatively equivalent replacement 3B Dan Epps

A good bench guy for them last year, Epps is another notable departure, but like Moody isn't someone that will make or break this team. Important Additions CL Miguel Rodriguez Rodriguez is a nice reliever, and helps shore up a point of weakness for them last year SP Bobby Baciak Baciak is a league average pitcher - literally, his Career FIP- is exactly 100. Given how weak the Dodgers pitching was last year, that should be a welcome improvement.

Players to Watch

SP Antonio Jimenez

The former #11 prospect had a down year last year, but the talent is clearly there. He looks primed for a break out season to take his place as one of the best pitchers in baseball.

C Dusty Pynes

He's been one of the best backup catchers in the league for the last 2 years. Now that its his turn to start, can he keep producing?

CF Kyle Pearson

The #3 pick in last years draft will likely get the call this year. A RoTY candidate if everything comes together.

1985 Prediction Every other team in this division got better, they overperformed their Pythagorean Record & predictions and they didn't really improve in the offseason. Rodriguez is a nice reliever that had a great season last year, but if he's the biggest improvement you made your team has likely regressed. 71-91, 4th Place in the NL West.

Colorado Rockies (48-114)

A much improved Rockies team will make huge strides this year- but will still fall short of the playoffs.

Key Losses

1B/3B/DH Trent Young

The best hitter on the team last year, and arguably the best in franchise history, Young is a sizable loss. However, given that it is likely his walk year, giving some other younger faces a chance to prove themselves makes a ton of sense for the rebuilding organization 2B/SS John Masi

Masi is a stud of an IF, but his injury history has already raised concerns. A notable loss, but one they can easily replace w/ Lindsey.

SP McCall/DeVoe/Roche

3 Rotation staples of the Rockies for the last several years all departed after down years. Given the other SP acquired, this likely won't be a hard felt loss Important Additions SP Dave Flores Widely considered one of the best Pitchers in baseball at the age of 24, Flores is a potential Superstar that will improve the rotation immensely once he gets back from Tommy John. SP Mike Shiver Shiver is a control artist that has been one of the better pitchers in Baseball over the last 3 seasons, accumulating 15.0 WAR in that time. With his extension, he'll be a part of the Colorado rotation for years to come SP Charles Pearson Pearson has been a consistent #2 type guy his entire career, and his profile matches Coors Field very nicely. Great pickup for the Rockies 1B Eddie Jenner He put up great numbers in limited plate appearances last year. Now that he's not stuck behind the best first baseman in the game its time to see what he can do in a full season

CL Karl Kingree

Kingree was elite last year, but that was his first truly elite season. If he can keep it up he'll be one of the steals of the offseason

Players to Watch

IF Brian Lindsey The #1 pick in last years draft, the #1 Position Player prospect in Baseball, and the #3 prospect overall, Lindsey is an exciting player who looks primed to turn into a future mega-star. Will his rookie season have growing pains or will he impress right out of the gate?

C David Brundidge

He started off the 1984 season as one of the best catchers in the game, but fell off during the 2nd half of the season. As a good defender, if he can hit like he did pre all-star break, then he'll be one of the best Catchers in the game, if not the best.

RP David Ehman & Bob Kral

Ehman and Kral are both left handed relief prospects with Closer upside. One or even both breaking out would be a massive boon for the Colorado Bullpen.

1985 Prediction The Rockies projected 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, CF, DH, SP2, SP3, SP4, CL, SU1, and SU2 weren't on the roster last year. The SP1, C & RF weren't on the roster the entire year either. Between Trades, FA Signings, Prospect Callups and Rule 5, this team has an entire new look. 75-87, 3rd in the NL West

San Diego Padres (92-70)

The Padres had a breakout season last year, improving by 20 games to make the Wild Card and finish with the 2nd best record in the NL. Even with few significant changes, they're poised to make another postseason run.

Key Losses SP Jacob Zeitz

Zeitz was a good SP in limited starts last year. Him leaving isn't a huge deal but will hurt their depth

RP T.J. Fontenot.

"Fontenot Good" - Tony

Important Additions

SP Rich Ludington

A good SP who will provide quality innings, he's a nice little upgrade for the back of San Diego's rotation

3B Justin Klebes

A great bounce back candidate after his time in Oakland, Klebes could make waves this year if he gets enough PA's.

1B Brent Wagner

Another great bounce back candidate, if Wagner returns to form he'll be a solid contributor for San Diego. Players to Watch

LF Mike Jones Mike Jones.

SP Jose Gonzalez

A dark horse Cy Young candidate, particularly if he improves on last years breakout performance. 1985 Prediction The Padres grabbed some solid buy low options, but not the big splash that they were expected to make through out the offseason. They didn't get worse, but the rest of the division got better, notably the Rockies. The Giants also benefit a ton from the DH. 87-75, miss the NL WC by 1 game.

San Francisco Giants (95-67)

The Giants have won the NL West for 12 straight seasons. That's it that's the blurb

Key Losses SP Alberto Cruz

A good young pitcher, he will be missed. However, the guy they got back will more than make up for him.

Important Additions

SP Derrick Holt The rich get richer, as one of the best pitchers in baseball joins one of the best rotations in baseball. The premium they had to pay to get him will come back to hurt them in the future, but until then, they have one of the best pitchers in the game during his prime. Can't be to upset about that.

1B Jessie Weisberg

After 9 long seasons, a member of the most controversial trade in RLB history returns to the team that traded him. Even at 41 years old, he's still a useful piece. IF he can stay healthy. Players to Watch

DH David Summers

With the DH added, the young superstar is poised for a monster year.

LF Melvin Palacios A likely call up this year, the #1 OF prospect in the game could make a real impact on an already great team.

SS Antonio Perez

The 28 year old former 2 time MVP has put up the 2 worst seasons of his career in back to back years. This season will be quite telling to see if he can return to his former glory.

1985 Prediction The Giants only made major move, but it was a big one. The best team in the NL got better. On top of Holt, being able to move Summers to DH should be a big boost for them. 96-66, 1st in the NL West

GM Quotes (When asked how much they feel their team improved relative to the rest of the division) "I'm the best. Y'all are trash" - Anthony "Tony "Scammer ""Caterini" Caterini

"Enough" - Anthony "Danthony" Danthony (Dodgers Anthony) "I dunno we'll get 3rd now I guess" - Robert "Robtober" Graff No Comment - Kyle "Scammer" OOTPONLINELEAGUE