West
- Giants (92-70): Lack of depth for an injury prone lineup (Belt, Pagan, Blanco, Span), and poor bullpen (aside from Romo and Lopez). However, healthy, one of the best lineups in baseball, and arguably the 2nd best rotation in the game, along with Bochey running the show in an even numbered year.
- D-Backs (88-74): Unlike their division counterpart, Arizona has depth (lineup and bullpen). One of the most underrated bullpens on paper is going to be needed, as Greinke is the only for sure thing in the rotation. A.J. Pollock‘s injury news takes them from 92-88 wins, however, with a star studded coaching staff, the playoffs may be a for sure reality.
- Dodgers (81-81): Aside from Kenley Jansen, the bullpen looks like shit, and Kershaw is going to literally have to put the rotation on his back, however, Dave Roberts learned from Bud Black how to use the pitching staff well. Have plenty of depth for the lineup, but lots of question marks all around. Front office has been giving mixed signals all offseason.
- Rockies (78-84): Now have a pretty solid farm system with talented arms, who will all have legitimate major league tests during the season. Contingent on health, Colorado actually has a fantastic outfield, and a few solid relievers in the pen. If it wasn’t for Arenado, it would be 70 wins.
- Friars (65-97): Actually have 4 solid bats in the lineup, and it looked like the Padres were going in the right direction after Preller’s big moves last offseason. However, a year later, the wrong manager was hired in Green, and the front office doesn’t have the guts to completely rebuild, therefore, making San Diego the worst franchise in baseball.
Central
- Cubbies (94-68): Could single handedly turn the NL into a hitter’s league. When one looks at Chicago’s pitching staff on paper, it isn’t exciting, but a look into the statistics and what Maddon turned pitchers like Travis Wood into during the 2015 campaign is mind blowing. The only question is: how will the back end of the rotation hold up.
- Bucks (91-71): Best bullpen in baseball behind KC, solid at every position plus a decent bench, and a wise professor managing. However, yet another offseason of small moves, including SETTLING for players like Jon Jaso to fill out the roster, is only more evidence towards not having the guts (unlike the D-backs) to be aggressive in pursuit of huge talent to go along side McCutchen, so until then, the division title is still a mirage.
- Red Birds (88-74): Hayward is gone, Peralta is out until all-star break, Holliday is coming off an injury filled season, and Molina is getting old. While Gregory Polanco‘s potential breakout season could push the Buckos to the next offensive level, and the Cubs spell offense in their sleep, the Cards starting rotation alone won’t be enough. Despite having a lethal 5 star rotation, the bullpen is shallow, and the offense is just not going to be there, even with the possibility of Piscotty and Grichuk flying high.
- Reds (75-87): IF Devin Mesoraco could stay healthy for 140+ games, he could improve the pitching staff enough so that the Reds’ decent looking lineup can produce runs that matter. However, the NL Central could easily be witness to two less than 70 win squads.
- Brew-Crew (68-94): Just like the Reds, the catching position will have a big impact on the season. However, there are only two names worth mentioning in the Brewers’ lineup until Orlando Arcia is brought up from triple A. As for the pitching, not worth a word.
East
- Mets (95-67): Could be the second rotation in history to have four 20-game winners, however, that won’t be needed as the bullpen is anchored by flame throwing, Jeurys Familia. After the acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes at the trade deadline in 2015, the Mets offense ranked 3rd in productivity during the second half, lifting them to the Series. Cespedes is back, Conforto will see his first full season, and David Wright looks healthy and ready to go, meaning that if the Mets can produce runs at least close to the level of their 2nd half of 2015, then no wonder they are favorite among the eyes of many.
- Nats (89-73): If it wasn’t for the brilliant hiring of Dusty Baker, 89 wins might be a long shot. Clearly the Nats needed to hire a manager who can be a school yard teacher in the clubhouse, and after his first interaction with the club in Spring Training, Washington ended up at 19-4 for the pre-games. The bullpen leading up to Papelbon and the depth behind the starting lineup are big questions, but borrowing a healthy season, the Nats will make some noise.
- The Fish (87-75): With Don Mattingly penciling in the everyday lineup including a healthy Giancarlo Stanton, along with Barry Bonds as the hitting coach, the full potential of the Marlins’ offense will be seen. However, losing Carter Capps for the season will significantly hurt the bullpen, and the starting rotation consists of talent that hasn’t exactly been proven yet.
- Braves (75-87): Now just maybe a year and a half away from competing, the rebuild is looking good. A solid lineup ready for the 2016 campaign, but don’t expect the pitching staff to be top 25.
- Phillies (73-89): Maikel Franco could be one of those superstars on a bad team, but don’t forget the second half Philadelphia had in 2015. With an abundance of young talented almost major league ready prospects being moved up and down in 2016, flashes of greatness could be seen, as the Phillies could be competing as early as August 2017.
