Heading into 2015, the NL West seemed like it could be a three-team race. However, it’s now looking like it could be just a two-team race. Here is how all five teams figure to finish the season based on their performance over the past three months and their potential future performance during the rest of the year.
5. Colorado Rockies
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 68-94
It was no secret that the Rockies weren't going to be very competitive this season. They have a very good offense, helped in part by playing half their games at Coors Field, but their starting pitching is abysmal. Especially if they have a fire sale at the trade deadline, Colorado is destined for the basement of the division.
Projected Record: 68-94
It was no secret that the Rockies weren't going to be very competitive this season. They have a very good offense, helped in part by playing half their games at Coors Field, but their starting pitching is abysmal. Especially if they have a fire sale at the trade deadline, Colorado is destined for the basement of the division.
4. San Diego Padres
Getty Images
Projected Record: 78-84
San Diego was supposed to be squarely in the division hunt this season, but it's clear their plethora of moves didn't do much. Justin Upton and James Shields have performed well, but that hasn't even helped the overall win-loss record. Unless they figure out something fast, they're not going to be as competitive as they once thought.
Projected Record: 78-84
San Diego was supposed to be squarely in the division hunt this season, but it's clear their plethora of moves didn't do much. Justin Upton and James Shields have performed well, but that hasn't even helped the overall win-loss record. Unless they figure out something fast, they're not going to be as competitive as they once thought.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 83-79
With A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt playing the best baseball of their lives, the D'Backs are more competitive than they thought they would be. Their rotation isn't deep enough to make them serious contenders, but it appears their confidence in themselves is enough to put them over .500 for the season.
Projected Record: 83-79
With A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt playing the best baseball of their lives, the D'Backs are more competitive than they thought they would be. Their rotation isn't deep enough to make them serious contenders, but it appears their confidence in themselves is enough to put them over .500 for the season.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 90-72
The Dodgers are going to be locked in to a division race with the rival Giants all season. Both teams are serious contenders and what each team does at the deadline will help determine the outcome of the division. Both have plenty of assets with which to acquire more talent, but the Giants may be willing to give up more. That means the Dodgers get the Wild Card and the Giants get the division.
Projected Record: 90-72
The Dodgers are going to be locked in to a division race with the rival Giants all season. Both teams are serious contenders and what each team does at the deadline will help determine the outcome of the division. Both have plenty of assets with which to acquire more talent, but the Giants may be willing to give up more. That means the Dodgers get the Wild Card and the Giants get the division.
1. San Francisco Giants
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 92-70
Finally San Francisco can win the division. However, they've done pretty well in the playoffs as a Wild Card, so maybe they don't care about that. The Giants are interested in Johnny Cueto, and if they're able to pair him with Madison Bumgarner, they could easily be the best team in the National League, much less the NL West.
Projected Record: 92-70
Finally San Francisco can win the division. However, they've done pretty well in the playoffs as a Wild Card, so maybe they don't care about that. The Giants are interested in Johnny Cueto, and if they're able to pair him with Madison Bumgarner, they could easily be the best team in the National League, much less the NL West.
