The Giants won the pennant! The Giants won the pennant! We all know what happened last season, but there’s a new twist on things in the National League West this year.
The Dodgers made payroll! The Dodgers made payroll!
For all the interesting on-field developments that have played out, the shaky financial state of the league’s most storied franchise has overshadowed every other April storyline within the West.
But enough about Frank McCourt’s lawyers. Let’s talk about his ballplayers. Here’s a capsule look at the month that was in the NL West, starting with the first-place Rockies, with statistics through Friday.
Colorado
What went right: The Rockies’ record speaks for itself. They’ve had a cluster of big hits, including seven three-run homers, and their bullpen (2.71 ERA) has been lights out.
What went wrong: Ubaldo Jimenez finished 5-0 with an 0.79 ERA in April 2010 — he finished this April winless with a 6.75 ERA.
Bottom line: Finally, we’ll get the answer to the question: What happens if the Rockies get off to a fast start?
Los Angeles
What went right: Matt Kemp (.373-6-19) and Andre Ethier (a record 25-game hitting streak in April) seem to have matured, giving the Dodgers the best 3-4 tandem in the division in the first month.
What went wrong: Mr. McCourt, Mr. Frank McCourt. Please pick up a white courtesy telephone. MLB’s lawyers need to have a word with you.
Bottom line: If anything, the players figure to circle the wagons amid all the turmoil. The Dodgers should be .500-plus and hang in the race indefinitely.
San Francisco
What went right: The Panda’s 38-pound weight loss did wonders as Pablo Sandoval returned to his old ways (.313-5-14) at the plate. Now for the fine print: The Giants are 11th in the league in hitting and 14th in runs.
What went wrong: Sandoval’s broken wrist is a huge blow to a struggling lineup. Then there’s the matter of the Giants’ defense. Collectively, they may have less range than any other team in the majors. Miguel Tejada (.210) hasn’t been the answer at shortstop.
Bottom line: If their starting pitching stays healthy, they’ll probably continue to grind out enough wins to stay in the hunt.
Arizona
What went right: There’s been less boom-or-bust in the lineup with Mark Reynolds gone. Nine NL teams have struck out more than the D-backs, who’ve broken every strikeout record in the book in recent years.
What went wrong: Their pitching ranked last in the league in 2010 and ranks 14th this year with a 4.88 ERA. Daniel Hudson is finding life more difficult his second time around the league.
Bottom line: Losing Brandon Webb to arm trouble at the height of his career figured to set the franchise back for years, and it has.
San Diego
What went right: Heath Bell (1-0, 0.90) is nailing every save opportunity he gets. Question is, is it if or when the Padres will deal him?
What went wrong: What, you think the Rockies’ hitters are struggling? The Padres, whose 72 runs are barely half of the Cardinals’ 141, are hitting .210 and have been shut out seven times. Three of those seven came in a seven-game homestand, when they scored 10 runs.
Bottom line: Where have you gone, Adrian Gonzalez? Padres Nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
