buy or sell nl west

Buy or Sell - NL WEST

Sorry for the delay folks - between a couple of ball games, a concert,

a new job, and some unbelievable family issues (really, they are

unbelievable), I've not been able to sit down and work on this. I'll

try harder, though!

The NL West is an odd beast where parity within the division rules

(all teams are within 5.0 games of first). But with even competition,

there is no decisively better team, nor is there a particularly good

team (all are .500ish teams), which makes for excitingly boring

playoff race - if such a thing is possible. To put it frankly, I don't

see any NL West team as capable of winning the World Series, or even

making it that far.

San Diego: Buy

Needs: San Diego has gotten decent pitching from most of their

rotation, with the notable exception of Jake Peavy. They need him to

turn it around in the 2nd half. The Padres need an infusion of power

in the infield, including 3b (there have been whispers of interest in

Mike Lowell and Shea Hillenbrand before the latter was picked up by

rival SF). Giles has had pedestrian power numbers, and as a result,

the OF could use a boost in power from an outside source.

Chips: Peavy has made it into whispers, though he is extremely

unlikely to be moved because of his age, talent, and contract.

Reliever Linebrink has been talked about as someone they could dangle

to add a bat, and has probably become expendable with the acquisition

of Scott Williamson from the Cubs. Klesko will be available upon his

return from the DL.

San Francisco: Buyer

Needs: This team needs someone to protect Bonds in the lineup,

provided Bonds is still between the lines and not behind bars. The

starters aren't great, but the offense makes it hard for any pitcher

to win. This team's window is closing after this season, with Schmidt

and Bonds free agents and a very old squad with little depth in the

ill-tended system. They could use some added mobility in the OF, as

well as more power from the CFer. The Giants could use a little more

depth in the bullpen, like everyone else, especially with the troubles

of Benitez. The team helped itself by acquiring Shea Hillenbrand from

the Blue Jays for pitcher Accardo.

Chips: Schmidt is their biggest chip and San Francisco should take the

best deal on the table for him, rather than settle for a draft pick if

he leaves. Chances are he'll still be a Giant after the deadline

passes, though. The Giants have a solid young catcher, Alfonzo, who

has performed well in limited time (5 HR in 99 ABs)

Los Angeles: Buyer

Needs: Furcal has not lived up to his lofty 2005 season, but there

aren't many replacements on the market. The Dodgers haven't gotten any

power out of their 3b since Bill Mueller went down, but Garciaparra

has played like his old self at 1b and drastically outperformed his

2004 and 2005 seasons. Lofton could be upgraded should anyone hit the

market (LA can afford just about anyone). The Dodgers have endured

injuries in the rotation and the bullpen (namely, Gagne), and could

use help in either department.

Chips: Los Angeles has the farm system to acquire just about anyone if

the seller is looking for young talent. Andy LaRoche, Joel Gonzalez,

Chad Billingsley (currently on the team) and Russell Martin (on MLB

team) are several prospects prospective sellers will ask for in

exchange for top talent. The out-of-grace Odalis Perez has also been

shopped to pitching-hungry teams

Arizona: Hold

Needs: Arizona jumped out of the gates looking like a young contender,

but either inexperience or clubhouse dramatics (ahem, Jason Grimsley)

have slowed them as of late. Arizona has possibly the best feeder

system in the bigs and has several young players learning on the big

stage. They don't really have a need for the time being, just a need

for players to get some experience under their belts.

Chips: Again, the Dbacks really aren't sellers because their team is

so young. Luis Gonzalez has had some issues with ownership and could

be had if a team is willing to take on his contract. Shawn Green is

another veteran outfielder on the market that could help an ailing

contender (LAA, NYY, DET?). The DBacks will not move any of their

young talent and would be wise to hang onto a veteran or two to teach

the youngsters.

Colorado: Seller

Needs: The Rockies need a better campaign from their SS than they have

seen this year - Barmes was much better in his rookie year before

injuring himself in shady circumstances. Many of their young players

are playing exceptionally well, but the power numbers have yet to

develop in most of them. The Rockies need help at catcher.

Chips: Any of their rotation members could be moved (Jennings,

Francis, Cook, Fogg, Kim) to a contender needing a #3-#5 starter.

Because Helton is an immovable contract, prospect Ryan Shealy should

be moved to a team who can play him, especially since he's getting

older and has torn up every level of MiLB and deserves to be in the

bigs. There has been talk between the Red Sox and Rockies revolving

around a bullpen arm for Shealy, who the Sox have been interested in

since last year's ill-fated Shoppach for Shealy swap. Ray King has