National League West: Predicting the Division Winner

Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/

**NOTE** This was written on August 22nd

WEST:
San Diego               74-49
San Francisco         69-56
Colorado                62-60
LA Dodgers           63-62
Arizona                  49-75

Like most of the other races around the majors, the NL West is a pretty clear cut case. There was a time when each division seemed like it was the one that would have everybody watching, but that time has come and gone for most--the West is no exception, in either league as a matter of fact.

With a 6 game deficit in late August, the Giants (69-56) are seeming like an afterthought in the division. Their fans can still cheer though with that special sense of pride of knowing that their team may not be entirely out of it, of course thanks to that all important Wild Card spot. But, as I stated in my NL East article, I expect Atlanta to pull away with the Card, leaving San Fran without a playoff berth for the seventh straight season.

With Colorado (62-60), the LA Dodgers (63-62), and Arizona (49-75) well behind San Francisco, the Padres (74-49) can coast to an easy finish. As they deservedly should, considering they haven't reaped the glory of a divisional pennant since 2006.

Winners of 11 of their last 14, San Diego is leaving no reason for doubters.They hold the best record in the National League and also became the first NL team to reach 70 wins this season. They also currently reside as the only NL team with a win percentage above .600. And with the rest of the West holding identical 4-6 records in their last ten, a miraculous comeback clincher doesn't look like it's in the cards.

All season long, San Diego has looked like a team on a mission, and that will make seeing their playoff run that much more exciting. The regular season is all but finished here, leaving the Padres ready to compete for their first ever World Series title when those Autumn breezes begin to chill the air.