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Nick Soulis · 07-15-2025, 12:19 AM

Season 8
National League West

1. 1969 San Francisco Giants
Record: 90-72
Manager: Clyde King
Ball Park: Candlestick Park
WAR Leader: Willie McCovey (8.1)

The 1969 Giants are a snapshot of pure baseball royalty in the final prime years of Willie Mays and Willie McCovey playing together. These sluggers anchor an offense that can change a game with one mighty swing, while Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal give the rotation championship-caliber bite. Their style mixes old-school fundamentals with classic ‘60s power — they’ll look to muscle past modern bullpens and outlast younger arms. If Mays stays healthy and the pitching stays sharp, the Giants could easily control the division with vintage swagger.

2. 2005 Houston Astros
Record: 89-73
Manager: Phil Garner
Ball Park: Minute Maid Park
WAR Leader: Roger Clemens (8.2)

The 2005 Astros come in with unfinished business. Fresh off a World Series loss in real life, this team brings a lethal combo of ageless aces and big bats. Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Roy Oswalt form one of the nastiest rotations in the tournament, giving them a legit shot every series. Craig Biggio’s spark, Lance Berkman’s switch-hitting thunder, and a veteran clubhouse make them dangerous in tight, late-season chases. If they get the run support they need, the Astros could be the ultimate buzzsaw for any offense-first team in the West.

3. 2013 San Diego Padres
Record: 76-86
Manager: Bud Black
Ball Park: Petco Park
WAR Leader: Chris Denorfia (4.2)

The 2013 Padres are the misfits of the division — overlooked, gritty, and itching to prove they belong on the same diamond as baseball royalty. This was a rebuilding Padres squad with Chase Headley and a young Everth Cabrera trying to provide sparks, while Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross gave the rotation an edge when healthy. Their season hinges on playing clean defense, stealing bags, and winning close games that the Giants or Astros might otherwise sleepwalk through. If they catch teams flat-footed, don’t be shocked if the Padres play spoiler and hang around late.

4. 2015 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 64-98
Manager: Bryan Price
Ball Park: Great American Ballpark
WAR Leader: Joey Votto (7.7)

For the 2015 Reds, it’s a matter of whether the stars align one more time. Joey Votto remains one of the most disciplined and dangerous hitters in baseball, while Todd Frazier’s power can carry them for stretches. The problem? A rotation that was in flux and a bullpen that can unravel under pressure. This Reds club has the sticks to slug with anyone, but they’ll need to turn Great American Ball Park’s home-run barrage into something sustainable on the road. If the pitching holds together just enough, this team could be a heartbreaker for the West’s big favorites.

07-15-2025, 12:19 AM	#90
Nick Soulis Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 4,258	Season 8 National League West 1. 1969 San Francisco Giants Record: 90-72 Manager: Clyde King Ball Park: Candlestick Park WAR Leader: Willie McCovey (8.1) The 1969 Giants are a snapshot of pure baseball royalty in the final prime years of Willie Mays and Willie McCovey playing together. These sluggers anchor an offense that can change a game with one mighty swing, while Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal give the rotation championship-caliber bite. Their style mixes old-school fundamentals with classic ‘60s power — they’ll look to muscle past modern bullpens and outlast younger arms. If Mays stays healthy and the pitching stays sharp, the Giants could easily control the division with vintage swagger. 2. 2005 Houston Astros Record: 89-73 Manager: Phil Garner Ball Park: Minute Maid Park WAR Leader: Roger Clemens (8.2) The 2005 Astros come in with unfinished business. Fresh off a World Series loss in real life, this team brings a lethal combo of ageless aces and big bats. Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Roy Oswalt form one of the nastiest rotations in the tournament, giving them a legit shot every series. Craig Biggio’s spark, Lance Berkman’s switch-hitting thunder, and a veteran clubhouse make them dangerous in tight, late-season chases. If they get the run support they need, the Astros could be the ultimate buzzsaw for any offense-first team in the West. 3. 2013 San Diego Padres Record: 76-86 Manager: Bud Black Ball Park: Petco Park WAR Leader: Chris Denorfia (4.2) The 2013 Padres are the misfits of the division — overlooked, gritty, and itching to prove they belong on the same diamond as baseball royalty. This was a rebuilding Padres squad with Chase Headley and a young Everth Cabrera trying to provide sparks, while Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross gave the rotation an edge when healthy. Their season hinges on playing clean defense, stealing bags, and winning close games that the Giants or Astros might otherwise sleepwalk through. If they catch teams flat-footed, don’t be shocked if the Padres play spoiler and hang around late. 4. 2015 Cincinnati Reds Record: 64-98 Manager: Bryan Price Ball Park: Great American Ballpark WAR Leader: Joey Votto (7.7) For the 2015 Reds, it’s a matter of whether the stars align one more time. Joey Votto remains one of the most disciplined and dangerous hitters in baseball, while Todd Frazier’s power can carry them for stretches. The problem? A rotation that was in flux and a bullpen that can unravel under pressure. This Reds club has the sticks to slug with anyone, but they’ll need to turn Great American Ball Park’s home-run barrage into something sustainable on the road. If the pitching holds together just enough, this team could be a heartbreaker for the West’s big favorites.