NL West preview

Sam Campisano, Sports Editor

Opening day is on the horizon, and over the course of spring training Wolf Tracks will be doing a division by division breakdown of all 30 MLB teams, continuing with the National League Central.

1. San Francisco Giants

The Giants addressed their most glaring need over the offseason, adding star closer Mark Melancon on a four-year deal. While the Giants didn’t add much offensively, their lineup remains capable, especially if Buster Posey can put up the MVP number’s he’s capable of. Combined with one of the best rotations in the National League,

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Uncharacteristically, there are some question marks in the Dodgers rotation. Clayton Kershaw is back healthy, but there are question marks behind him. Can Rich Hill have a repeat of his breakout season? Can Scott Kazmir stay healthy? If all goes right, the Dodgers could be the biggest threat to the Cubs in the National League. If things go wrong, their four-year streak of division championships will come to an end.

3. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are a popular pick to be a surprise team this season. They added Ian Desmond on a five-year deal, and franchise cornerstones Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez remain at the top of their game. The pitching remains a problem, however. The Rockies will continue to struggle if they can’t figure out how to pitch in the thin air of Coors Field.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks went for it last year, signing Zack Greinke and trading top prospect Dansby Swanson for Shelby Miller. It was a disaster. Greinke struggled and Miller had the worst season of his career. With little hope for success this season, the Diamondbacks look like they’re about to enter a prolonged rebuild after firing GM Dave Stewart and manager Chip Hale after last season.

But hey, at least they’re not the…

5. San Diego Padres

The Padres are the worst team in baseball. Going into the season, there’s no doubt about that. With a no-name lineup and a rotation fronted by a washed up 34-year- old, the Padres look well on their way to 100 losses.