1605
4
February 18, 2006^09:00am
Jaydawg^7
Who Will Win The N.L. West?
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Debate
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     The N.L. West isn't as pathetic as '05, but it's still the weakest in the league.  With all of the transactions by the Dodgers during the offseason, they have to be the favorite to win the pennant.  One thing you can definitely bet on is that they'll do better than (82-80), which was the record of last year's division winning Padres.  Here's their lineup---
               
            Furcal
            Lofton
            Drew
            Kent
            Nomar
            Cruz Jr./Werth
            Mueller
            Navarro

     Barring any significant injuries, I don't think any other team can compete with this lineup as it stands.  The Padres picked up a few aging veterans, such as Piazza and Vinny Castilla, who are way past their prime.  The re-signing of Trevor Hoffman doesn't help much, either.  They need some more young blood in their lineup.  The Giants made a good move in signing Matt Morris, but they'll only be competitive if Barry Bonds can stay healthy all year long, which is doubtful.