How Trades Could Shake up the National League West

The National League West is one of baseball’s most exciting divisions. Last year’s World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants, are currently on the short end of a tough race with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The San Diego Padres, who pushed to make their team competitive this offseason, have woken up mid-season to find their dreams turned to nightmares. There’s a lot going on, and as a result, the landscape of the division is likely to change dramatically in the days leading up to the trade deadline.

Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what you can expect to see.

Arizona Diamondbacks

In a division where every other team seems to be on the verge of a bunch of blockbuster trades, the Diamondbacks are a little less interested in shock and awe. Still, they’re likely to make a move or two as the deadline approaches. Arizona has relievers available, including RHP Brad Ziegler, who earned props for his effective work in the closer’s role during Addison Reed’s injury. The Diamondbacks are insisting on being wooed (they claim they’ll have to be overwhelmed to consider trading Ziegler), but at 44-50 in a division this tough, they may want to let themselves be convinced.

Colorado Rockies

Colorado is dead last in the division and is ready to make some valuable trades. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez should be available, among others. In a somewhat troubling development for the Rockies, though, Tulowitzki has publicly voiced his desire to stay put. Tulowitzki doesn’t have a no-trade clause, but the team has said in the past that they’d take his feelings into consideration. Plus, any team getting him now has to worry about an instant morale problem with the trade. That’s messy. Still, fans can expect several recognizable Rockies to be shipped out before the deadline.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have an outfielder problem but in a unique way. Instead of being short on outfielders, the Dodgers find themselves with too many. Carl Crawford is back from injury, making him the latest addition to the Dodgers’ most crowded spot. Andre Ethier, Joc Pederson, and Yasiel Puig are the starters, and none of them looks like they’ll be dethroned easily by a trade coming in. Kiké Hernandez, Alex Guerrero, and Scott Van Slyke will keep company with Crawford on the bench.

All of those extra bodies could help the Dodgers swing a trade for a player who could improve the roster. Another great pitcher could be an option, and the Dodgers are allegedly very interested in Detroit pitcher David Price. Cole Hamels is a possibility, as well. If the Dodgers can trade outfielders for pitching, their team will be frighteningly complete.

San Diego Padres

The Padres off-season spending spree has not translated into results on the field. The most exciting Padres roster in years is 44-52 right now. That means the Padres are likely to be sellers at the deadline, and not many players are untouchable. Justin Upton is a huge chip, but will cost offense-hungry teams a pretty penny. Will Venable is also an option for teams seeking outfielders. The Padres relief pitchers are available, too, including Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit. Starting pitchers James Shields and Ian Kennedy? You guessed it; trade bait as well. It’s starting to look like a fire sale in San Diego.

San Francisco Giants

Last year’s World Series champions reached the postseason as a Wild Card team, and that will be their best chance this year, too. They’ll need a trade or two to get over the top, so the Giants are sure to be buyers at the trade deadline. The Giants are looking to upgrade at third base, and they’d like a new bat on the bench as well. They will also be in play for a pitcher. Johnny Cueto or Mike Leake could be a solution there, depending on what the Reds want back. A few smart moves could make all the difference, so expect the Giants to be active at the deadline.

[Image via fansided.com]