Dodgers: Post-Spring Training NL West Positional Power Rankings

Infield

1. Dodgers

Yes, Justin Turner is out but that shouldn’t be for too long. Even without Turner the Dodgers still have a compelling case to the top infield in this division. Cody Bellinger has looked surprisingly good this spring after a forgettable World Series, Corey Seager looks healthy again, Forsythe has his groove back and the Grandal and Barnes platooning are as good as it gets behind the plate. JT will be missed but LA is more than capable of being successful without him for a short period, and when he gets back that just solidifies this group as the best in the division.

1. Rockies

Nolan Arenado is the catalyst behind this team and especially this infield. He is one of the best all-around players in the MLB. To his left will be Trevor Story. I believe Story will bounce back from his sophomore slump and be a very good shortstop. His double play partner is one of the best, DJ Lemahieu. DJ has been very good over the last three season hitting over .300 with two all-star appearances and a gold glove. First base is very intriguing. Ian Desmond will start the season as their starter but I expect Ryan McMahon to work his way into that role and be very productive as a rookie. Chris Iannetta is an average catcher who will be able to help their young pitching staff. This Rockies infield is very good.

1. Giants

Very good infield up north in San Francisco. Starting with the leader of this team Buster Posey, who is a perennial All-Star and the best catcher in baseball. Evan Longoria will add some power to a team thirsty for it and he is also a stud defender. Brandon Crawford could be an all-star if he stays healthy and keeps his offense above average because he is an elite defender. Second baseman Joe Panik is nothing special but he gets the job done. Brandon Belt dealt with injuries last season and is looking to bounce back this season. A very solid all-around infield that could be better than the Rockies if everyone stays healthy and plays to their full potential, the problem is I don’t believe they can do that.

1. Diamondbacks

Paul Goldschmidt is always in contention for the NL MVP but somehow always comes up short. Nonetheless, he performs well enough to get that recognition and is in the discussion for the award. Jake Lamb was very good last season from the hot corner but I do expect some regression from him and a lot of the D-Backs thanks in part to the new humidor to be used in Chase Field. This will not suddenly make it a pitchers ballpark but we will see some numbers decrease. Shortstop is a question mark with Ahmed. Ketel Marte looked really good towards the end of the season at second base and Al Avila will be a welcomed veteran catcher on this team.

1. Padres

A Young team as a whole but this position group has a lot of veteran experience. It is not a bad infield, just not the same caliber as the rest of the division. Hosmer was a big signing for them and he is a tremendous player but could wind up being the third or fourth best first baseman in this division. Chase Headley is back in San Diego, but he is not as productive as he once was. Austin Hedges hit 18 bombs as a rookie catcher last season and could be good this year. Freddy Galvis had a good year last season and will help solidify this infield.