The National League West has changed. Dynamic moves by the Padres and Dodgers dramatically altered the landscape.
How well the Rockies compete in the division will determine their early-season fate, which could determine the long-term future of the franchise. If the Rockies play well and stay in contention, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez could stick around this summer. If the Rockies get off to a slow start and fall out of contention, the trade talk will get hot in a hurry.
Of the Rockies’ first 37 games, 29 are against NL West teams. Here is a sneak peek at what they’re up against:
• The defending division champion Dodgers traded some flashy talent to create better team chemistry and better defense. Old-timer Jimmy Rollins, the former Phillies star, now mans shortstop. Howie Kendrick, a former Angel, has taken over at second base.
If outfielder Yasiel Puig rebounds, watch out. The Cuban phenom was an all-star in 2014 (.296/.382/.480, 37 doubles), but he actually was a disappointment.
Puig hit just five home runs in his final 100 games last season after hitting 11 in the first 48 games.
And, oh yes, the Dodgers still have a couple of pitchers named Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.
• San Diego hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2006, the longest drought in the division. But now, led by new general manager A.J. Preller, the Padres actually have a prayer.
Preller cranked up the burner during the Hot Stove season to wake up baseball’s most anemic offense. Preller made moves that brought in Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks.
I’m not as sold on the Padres’ resurgence as some of the national media, but Upton should provide an offensive boost. He hit .270/.342/.491 in 2014 with 29 homers, 34 doubles and 102 RBIs for the Braves last season. Kemp, a former Dodger, has had as many injury issues as CarGo.
• The defending World Series champion Giants were relatively silent during the winter. When third baseman Pablo Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox, there was speculation the Giants would use the savings to make a big splash in free agency. They didn’t.
They re-signed Jake Peavy, Ryan Vogelsong and Sergio Romo while adding Nori Aoki to their outfield, but that was about it.
A huge question for the Giants is the health of starter Matt Cain. The veteran didn’t pitch after July 9 last season because of an injury. He underwent surgery in August to remove bone chips from his elbow. He also had ankle surgery in September.
If the 30-year-old pitches like he used to, the champs will be tough enough.
• The Diamondbacks were even worse than the Rockies last season, finishing with 98 losses. They also have as many issues as the Rockies, starting with their rotation.
But they do have a new player worth watching: Yasmany Tomas, the newest Cuban import. Arizona signed the 24-year-old to a six-year, $68.5 million contract. He is projected as a third baseman or left fielder. He has had a so-so spring, and there’s a possibility he could begin the season in the minors, but he represents the future in Arizona.
Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or
