The NL West is going to be just as competitive as it has been the past few seasons. Let's check out who this division's power players are:
Catcher: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
Posey didn't have a bad 2013, but he will be looking to return closer to the numbers he put up in 2012, the year he was the NL MVP.
First Base: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
Goldschmidt was a finalist for NL MVP last season after having an incredibly efficient 2013 at the plate. He will look to pick up right where he left off.
Second Base: Martin Prado, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks can plug Prado into pretty much every fielding position. He's got a great eye at the plate, striking out only 53 times in over 600 at bats.
Third Base: Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
Sandoval has been seeing the ball great this Spring, hitting .303 after 30-plus at bats.
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ramirez finally looks healthy and comfortable in Los Angeles and is going to go on a tear in 2014 if he can stay on the field.
Left Field: Carl Crawford, Los Angeles Dodgers
Crawford will have to showcase his speed and experience along with staying healthy to try to improve on his 2013 season.
Center Field: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies
Gonzalez is easily one of the best overall players in the game. If he can be a 20/20 player this season, it will be the fifth consecutive season he's accomplished it.
Right Field: Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers
Puig was the most intriguing talent of 2013, virtually coming from off the radar to in the spotlight instantly. He has been criticized as being "out of shape" coming into Spring Training, but that isn't going to stop him from having a good 2014 season.
Rotation: Los Angeles Dodgers
The competition between the Dodgers and the Giants was the fact that Clayton Kershaw won the Cy Young for the NL last season. This doesn't take away from my support of them signing veteran Tim Hudson.
Bullpen: San Francisco Giants
Another stiff competition between the Dodgers and Giants that involves pitching. Sergio Romo is filling the closer role nicely in San Fran.
Honorable Mentions:
1B Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers
Gonzalez has been swinging the bat very well this Spring and is often under-appreciated for his contributions at the plate.
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
Tulowitzki looked good in 2013, hitting over .300, and will continue to do so if he can stay healthy.
Be sure to check out the rest of my power player previews by clicking on the divisions below:
