Fansided

2016 MLB season: NL West preview

By Jason Parker

Oct 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the New York Mets during the second inning in game four of the NLDS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the New York Mets during the second inning in game four of the NLDS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Mar 6, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) flies out in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) flies out in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Diamondbacks

Last season, the Diamondbacks surprised many by how badly they did despite having a lineup that should have at least had them in the Wild Card conversation. In 2016, Arizona will have some new arms that should help things out and get them back in the playoff discussion.

Projected lineup
2B Jean Segura
CF A.J. Pollock
1B Paul Goldschmidt
LF David Peralta
C Welington Castillo
3B Jake Lamb
RF Socrates Brito
SS Nick Ahmed

Arizona has a 2-3-4 spot in their order that rivals some of the top teams in not just the NL West, but all of baseball. Goldschmidt is an MVP caliber player who will be called on again to be the clue for this Diamondbacks team.

Projected rotation
RHP Zack Greinke
RHP Shelby Miller
LHP Patrick Corbin
RHP Rubby De La Rosa
LHP Robbie Ray

Arizona focused on their pitching staff in the offseason and it paid off in a big way. Getting both Greinke and Miller into their rotation (and Tyler Clippard to their bullpen) doesn’t exactly make them the Dodgers, but they won’t be hanging out in the cellar this season. A late playoff push is probably the most you will get from them this season, but the future is bright in the desert.

Projected record: 83-79

Next: Colorado Rockies

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks