West
- Dodgers – 93-69: They stole the Giants’ set-up man in Sergio Romo, re-signed Jansen and Turner and Hill, and traded for Forsythe. Once Urias is brought up from extended Spring Training, he could bring LA to the next level. Ryu and McCarthy are now healthy as well.
- Rockies – 86-76: Hiring Bud Black was probably the best move in Rockies history. They are deep everywhere. The Rotation is set and deliciously young. The X-factor is off course Greg Holland and the bullpen leading up to him. Even with Ian Desmond out for a while, there is plenty of offense to go around. But, they are still a year away.
- Giants – 85-77: Its an odd numbered year. Wil Smith is out for the year with Tommy John surgery, so that leaves only Derek Law to set up Mark Melancon on a high level. Hunter Pence has been injury riddled for the past 2 seasons. Joe Panik had a disappointing 2016 after his breakout 2015 campaign. However, Bruce Bochey and his wonderful pitching rotation can make a run at the division.
- D-backs – 76-86: Again, the uncertainty of Patrick Corbin and Shelby Miller. The lineup has some nice pieces, but with a weak bullpen, no long-time solidified starting catcher, and somewhat a rookie manager, Arizona is just not ready to compete.
- Padres – 62-100: Still a ways away from competing. Absolute worst starting rotation in the majors. Have a great up and coming closer in Brandon Maurer, and potential Rookie of the Year in Hunter Renfroe.
Central
- Cubbies – 94-68: No Dexter Fowler, but Kyle Schwarber is leading off. No Chapman, no problem, Wade Davis is now the closer. Other than those changes everything is the same. Yes, sometimes its hard to get motivated again after finally winning it all, but the Cubs should have no problem with that as Cubs fans are the most passionate in the sport, and want to be the next great franchise.
- Red Birds – 92-70: Adding Dexter Fowler in the middle of Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty is going to be dynamic. Sure, the arrival of Alex Reyes was going to be intriguing, but the rotation is still stocked full that includes a healthy Lance Lynn.
- Buckos – 81-81: Josh Bell did not have a good Spring Training. There is no timetable for third baseman Kang’s return. The X-factor is the starting rotation depending on Tallion and Glasnow filling in behind Cole. They did not make that significant move during the off season as always, so they are stuck in same boat yet again.
- Reds – 68-94: May look like a bunch of muskrats, but there is a lot of hidden talent. Amir Garrett could be the next Reds franchise ace. Have some other nice pitching pieces as well in Rookie Davis, Raisel Iglesias, and Scott Feldman. With Brandon Phillips gone, once top prospect, Jose Peraza, will take over at 2nd base.
- Brew-Crew – 62-100: Aside from Ryan Braun and Orlando Arcia, one has to dig deep to find a positive in this team.
East
- Mets – 90-72: This will be the season when the starting rotation stays healthy and flourishes. No promise of stellar defense, but the lineup is deep. Familia is only suspended for 15 games and he will have Addison Reed as his set up man. The bullpen is what is going to set them apart from the Nationals.
- Nats – 89-73: Same team, but no definitive closer. There is no way Daniel Murphy is going to have another MVP caliber season. Jayson Werth is getting older every day. But they are still elite with Dusty Baker at the helm.
- Braves – 82-80: Swanson is ready to take the rookie of the year crown. He has a tremendous defensive mentor to his left at 2nd base in Brandon Phillips. They have a total of 4 gold gloves in the outfield. There will also be more production out of the starting rotation this year with 4 solid starters.
- Phillies – 73-89: They may not have the offense the Marlins have, but its the national league. The Phillies have some hidden gems in that rotation. They also have a up and coming closer in Jeanmar Gomez.
- The Fish – 69-93: The loss of Jose Fernandez will significantly hurt their rotation production. However, the addition of Brad Ziegler to the bullpen will help. Ever since the injury in 2015, Giancarlo Stanton has not been the same.
