Division Winner: San Francisco
Wild Card Contenders: None
In 2005, the San Diego Padres won the Bonds-less AL West with an 82-80 record. With the return of Bonds in 2006, look for the San Francisco Giants to capture the NL West crown. Bonds’ ability to hit the long ball, 45 home runs in 2004, and draw record breaking amounts of walks, 232 walks in 2004, should give the Giants enough offense to win 2005’s worst division. The addition of starting pitcher Matt Morris should stabilize an average pitching staff.
The Dodgers solid lineup and outstanding bullpen, which boasts Eric Gagne (45 saves in 2004), Danny Baez (41 saves in 2005) and Yhency Brazoban (21 Saves in 2005) should help the team hold on to enough close games and compete for the AL West crown. I don’t think anyone would be shocked if the Dodgers won the AL west in 2006.
The San Diego Padres have an outside chance of winning the division in 2006. If the Padres found a solid number two starter in 6’10“ right hander, Chris Young, and Jake Peavy continues to improve on his stellar 2005 season, the Padres could win a lot of low-scoring, close games that could propel them to the top of the AL West in 2006.
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