Colorodo Rockies Over 81.5 (-110)
Colorado to win the NL West +625
After the additions of Scutaro and Cuddyer, there is an argument that they
now have the best lineup in the NL, and I would say it is definitely the best in
the division. After losing Ubaldo (who was awful for them last year), their
pitching staff is full of no names and a 49 year old, but actually isn't quite
as terrible as it seems. Chacin should be good if he gets his stuff together.
Pomeranz (who should get ~170 innings) and Nicasio both have a ton of potential.
They have both had solid springs, and have shown solid K/BB ratios in the
minors. With those 3, their pitching staff could end up being "average" which
would be good enough to get them into the playoffs. I see the Rockies winning
~86 games and a tight three way race (between them, Arizona, and SF) and because
of that there is also value on them winning the division.
Toronto Over 82.5 (-120)
Toronto showed great signs last year and should improve this year in
hitting and pitching. With Lawrie now a permanent member of the lineup and
everyone healthy right now, you can make a legitimate case that they have the
strongest lineup in the division. Also Ricky Romero should get some help in the
rotation this year. If Morrow even halfway lives up to his peripheral stats, he
should have a decent year, and Henderson Alvarez has the profile to be a solid
3rd option. The rest of their rotation is blech, but Hutchinson will be a solid
callup later in the year. Their bullpen is also improved after picking up Santos
(who has elite closer ability if he can keep his walks down) and Cordero. Add
everything up, and even though they are playing in the toughest division, I have
them winning 87+ games and having an outside shot at winning the
division.
Colorado to win the NL West +625
After the additions of Scutaro and Cuddyer, there is an argument that they
now have the best lineup in the NL, and I would say it is definitely the best in
the division. After losing Ubaldo (who was awful for them last year), their
pitching staff is full of no names and a 49 year old, but actually isn't quite
as terrible as it seems. Chacin should be good if he gets his stuff together.
Pomeranz (who should get ~170 innings) and Nicasio both have a ton of potential.
They have both had solid springs, and have shown solid K/BB ratios in the
minors. With those 3, their pitching staff could end up being "average" which
would be good enough to get them into the playoffs. I see the Rockies winning
~86 games and a tight three way race (between them, Arizona, and SF) and because
of that there is also value on them winning the division.
Toronto Over 82.5 (-120)
Toronto showed great signs last year and should improve this year in
hitting and pitching. With Lawrie now a permanent member of the lineup and
everyone healthy right now, you can make a legitimate case that they have the
strongest lineup in the division. Also Ricky Romero should get some help in the
rotation this year. If Morrow even halfway lives up to his peripheral stats, he
should have a decent year, and Henderson Alvarez has the profile to be a solid
3rd option. The rest of their rotation is blech, but Hutchinson will be a solid
callup later in the year. Their bullpen is also improved after picking up Santos
(who has elite closer ability if he can keep his walks down) and Cordero. Add
everything up, and even though they are playing in the toughest division, I have
them winning 87+ games and having an outside shot at winning the
division.