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Dodgers: NL West Position Rankings

By Anthony Perez

Jul 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of Dodger Stadium during the fifth inning between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of Dodger Stadium during the fifth inning between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) bats against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. The Giants won 11-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) bats against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. The Giants won 11-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

First base:

1. Paul Goldschmidt, ARI

Every year, you can basically pencil in Goldschmidt for a top 5 ranking in the MVP race, and 2017 will be no different. He looks to improve off of his 33 home runs and 95 RBI season and it wouldn’t be surprising if he does so. The rest of the division would probably be better off testing out the new intentional walk rule on him, especially the Dodgers who Goldschmidt has notoriously loved playing against throughout his career.

2. Brandon Belt, SF

Belt has been a model of consistency the past few years in San Francisco and takes the second spot in these rankings. Belt’s ability to draw walks (104) and spray the ball all over the field makes him a deadly hitter in the middle of the Giants lineup. The Giants’ lack of run producers in their lineup adds to his RBI numbers, which gives him the edge over the next guy. Belt is a more than capable defensive option a key member of the Giants’ roster.

3. Adrian Gonzalez, LAD

It makes me sad to see Gonzo decline as his career comes to a close. Nevertheless, he is the bread and butter man of the Dodgers and will do a fine job this year. I expect the power decline to continue, but also for him to drive in 85+ runs for the team. He may no longer be a .300 hitter, but his ability to drive in runs should still prove valuable for the Dodgers.

4. Wil Myers, SD

The once Rookie of the Year outfielder is now the primary first baseman for the Padres. He is their best hitter and will continue to post big power numbers with a low average and high strikeout rate. He’s nowhere near a good defensive first baseman and hasn’t been able to regain his Rookie of the Year form since being traded from the Rays.

5. Ian Desmond, COL

Newly acquired and former outfield Desmond finds a new home. He has a big power bat that could put up big numbers in Coors Field. But he’s not a natural first baseman, and his production at the plate is not meant for first base. He’ll start the season on the DL with a hand injury. Things are already going south with this signing. What was the plan here Colorado?

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