Post by Rockies GM (Harris) on Dec 23, 2010 1:08:16 GMT -5
Christmas Power Rankings #1- NL West
1.) Colorado Rockies
Grade: A
Key Additions: Robinson Cano, Ryan Zimmerman, Victor Martinez, Adam Wainwright, Phil Hughes
Key Losses: Carlos Gonzalez, Tyler Matzek, Ubaldo Jimenez
Analysis: Trying to be as unbiased as possible, I think this team slightly edges out the Giants for the best team in the NL West. This team has a stacked lineup, a solid, but not great pitching staff, and good bullpen that lacks a closer, and a pretty good farm system. Overall, I think this team has a good chance at being a top 5 team this year and for years to come. Troy Tulowitzki is an absolute monster, and Harris is the best GM of all time. Just had to throw that in there. Unbiased of course
2.) San Francisco Giants
Grade: B+
Key Additions: Gordon Beckham, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Aubrey Huff
Key Losses: Prospects
Analysis: The Giants did a good job keeping their core together. They didn't give up much to obtain very good pieces in Beckham, Oswalt, and Hamels. This team should dominate in everything other than hitting. Although they are not a weak hitting team, they are not an elite hitting group, and the pitching will be what wins them championships. Good job to keep Posey and treat him as a god.
3.) Los Angeles Dodgers
Grade: B
Key Additions: Drew Stubbs, Alex Rios, Adrian Beltre
Key Loses: Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Chad Billingsly
Analysis: This team has some really nice pieces, but I believe it lacks the necessary pieces to win a championship. I believe this pitching staff will struggle many weeks to contend with other great staffs of the NL. It probably was not a great idea to deal Kershaw, because it is hard to find full value for a young stud pitcher like him. I like some of these free agent signings such as Beltre. Solid job by the Dodgers.
4.) San Diego Padres
Grade: C+
Key Additions: Chris Carpenter, Matt Holliday, Howie Kendrick
Key Loses: Matt Latos
Analysis: This team could probably have made a lot more of it's value by dealing Gonzo and Heath Bell. For a team that lacks pieces, it probably would have been a good idea to deal 2 expiring contracts for big value. This team also could have been more active in Free Agency, but instead, they failed to show why they are a better team in the NL. Latos, like Kershaw is a hard piece to get full value on, because of his price, and age, and protection years remaining. Hopefully we could see some aggressiveness from this team in the future.
5.) Arizona Diamondbacks
Grade: D
Key Additions: Corey Hart, Nick Markakis, Jonathan Sanchez
Key loses: Justin Upton, Chris B. Young, Dan Hudson, Mark Reynolds
Analysis: Not a big fan of what this team did. They traded some nice players with team friendly contracts, and they did not really participate in free agency. Because of this, this team lacks depth and should struggle to win every week. This rotation is 1 man deep, and there is very little in the Bullpen. The lineup is good, but I don't think it compares with some NL power house teams. Overall, this team needs to start making improvements to keep up in the NL.