Dodgers: Post-Spring Training NL West Positional Power Rankings

Starting Pitching

1. Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw. That is all I have to say on this matter.

1. Diamondbacks

Reports have come out on Greinke’s velocity taking a dive but he has dealt with moving from a power pitcher in Kansas City to more of a finesse pitcher now. He uses his movement more so than his velocity to get batters out. Robbie Ray was terrific last season especially against the boys in blue. A healthy Patrick Corbin is very good as well. Taijuan Walker has all the tools he has just not been able to put them together consistently and Zack Godley is a formidable option as their fifth starter.

1. Rockies

The young staff moves up ahead of San Francisco because of that injury to MadBum and Jeff Samardzija. Either way, it was a coin toss between the two staffs but the Rockies enter the season healthy thus they get the nod. Jon Gray is a flamethrower who is the type of pitcher who succeeds in the friendliest of all ball parks Coors field. This team could have a sophomore slump after breaking out last season but, I believe in what they are doing out in Colorado.

1. Giants

Once again a freak accident lands the second best pitcher in this division on the shelf. At least this time it was on the field and Bumgarner will not be out as long as last season. Cueto is looking to bounce back this season as well as Samardzija but he will start the season off on the DL along with Madison. Ty Blach pitched well against the Dodgers but was underwhelming otherwise. This rotation when healthy and if their top 3 are on can be the second best in this division.

1. Padres

Clayton Richard is nearly ten years older than the next oldest guy in this rotation. He will be the top dog which isn’t saying much because he was bad last season. This young staff will have a lot to prove this season and will likely see some growing pains along the way, but that’s just the life a rebuilding team like the Padres.