West World

The resurgent Diamondbacks and Rockies made things interesting in the National League West

- Jerry Crasnick

Spring prognosticators had two appealing darkhorse options in the National League West. Some baseball insiders liked the Diamondbacks, with their dangerous lineup and potentially strong rotation. Others were intrigued by the Rockies, with their dangerous lineup and remodeled bullpen.

Everything worked out nicely when the Rockies rolled out of spring training at 16-10 and the D-backs completed the opening month at 16-11.

The Dodgers and Giants have lulled the division into a state of mind-numbing predictability in recent years, but the West has a refreshingly jumbled feel to it this season. The new reality was manifested at the trade deadline, when executives in Arizona and Colorado cut deals and made statements.

D-backs general manager Mike Hazen threw the first punch on July 18, acquiring outfielder J.D. Martinez from the Tigers for a trio of prospects. Martinez, a pending free agent, slotted right into the middle of the Arizona batting order that featured perennial MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt and all star third baseman Jake Lamb.