2013 National League Western Division predictions.

1- San Francisco- The Giants have won the World Series 2 of the past 3 seasons. They have one of the best starting pitching staffs in baseball and a fine all-around team. I can’t go against the Giants until someone steps up to knock them off. I don’t see anyone in the western division doing it this year. The Giants will continue to chug along underrated and underappreciated as they win another division title and contend for their 3rd World Series in 4 years.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are young and upcoming. Most are picking the Dodgers to either win the division or finish second and make the playoffs but I don’t think so. I think the Diamondbacks-who lack the big names and the high salaries will out perform the overrated Dodgers and challenge for a playoff spot.

3- Los Angeles Dodgers. After they made the trade last summer with the Red Sox a lot of the so-called experts were reporting that the Dodgers had just bought the World Championship. They didn’t. I do not like how this team has been put together. Its kind of like recent Red Sox teams and the current Yankees. Getting a bunch of big names together does not necessarily mean success. The Dodgers will continue to under perform. Don Mattingly will be fired at mid-season and the 2013 Los Angeles Dodgers will be the most disappointing team in the sport.

4. Colorado Rockies

5- San Diego Padres

toss a coin between the Rockies and the Padres. I will go with the Rockies for 4th and Padres for 5th. Neither team will come close to .500. Long seasons for both ballclubs.