Mesa, Ariz. – The maturation of kids and the addition of Hall of Fame aces have conspired to turn the National League West into “American Idol” with gloves and bats.
Every team believes it can win. It is surprised – no shocked – if someone goes Simon Cowell and suggests it won’t. Five teams, one dream? Goodbye parody, hello parity.
“I would be an idiot if I didn’t pick us to win it,” Rockies starter Josh Fogg said. “We are capable of doing it. We have a quiet confidence.”
That the Rockies think so highly of their chances reflects the division. Last season, 12 games separated last-place Colorado from the champion San Diego Padres.
Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes said Wednesday he expects a sequel.
“I think it will be another congested race,” Byrnes said. “All five have a shot.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers, however, are expected to have better aim. On white paper and because of green paper – their $114.5 million payroll is twice that of the Rockies – Los Angeles ranks as a prohibitive favorite. Their rotation includes three pitchers – Jason Schmidt, Brad Penny and Derek Lowe – who have started All-Star Games.
Seeking more offense, Los Angeles, which tied San Diego with 88-74 records last season, added outfielders Juan Pierre and Luis Gonzalez, while counting on a big season from second baseman Jeff Kent in his walk year.
“Our veteran pitching, if anything, gives us an edge. I think that’s what would set us apart in a close division,” Gonzalez said. “It’s nice to know people are picking you, but it doesn’t mean anything when you take the field.”
San Diego general manager Kevin Towers predicted the NL West would have its first 90-game winner since 2004. The Padres welcomed aboard Greg Maddux, David Wells and second baseman Marcus Giles over the winter. April will be crucial, that first month the equivalent of a tax audit in years past.
“If we could just get off to a good start for once,” Towers said. “It would make a big difference.”
Added Wells: “I like us. I would love to see this team go all the way and bring a championship to San Diego.”
In many ways the Diamondbacks are the most fascinating contenders, their roster a paradox. Their lineup is spangled with tantalizing homegrown kids – Stephen Drew, Chris Young, Conor Jackson – while their rotation is armed with four veteran pitchers capable of throwing 200-plus innings, namely reigning Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb and ageless Randy Johnson.
“Each team has improved itself so the question is have we improved ourselves enough to win (the division)? And we think we have,” Arizona managing general partner Ken Kendrick told reporters.
Optimism is not a stranger in San Francisco, not with a healthy and leaner Barry Bonds stalking the all-time home run record and Barry Zito – the $126 million man – anchoring the pitching staff. The problem is age: Will they be the Giants of old or just the old Giants?
“I wouldn’t have signed here,” Giants center fielder Dave Roberts said, “if I didn’t think we could go to the playoffs.”
In this division, no one tempers expectations. In the end, injuries – baseball’s version of cracking voices – will decide who wears the crown and whose rose-colored glasses require a new prescription.
“You have to think you can win it,” Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis said. “Why else do you play?”
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
