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Padres Editorial: NL West 2015-Ranking the First Basemen

By Mark "Wisco" Whelan

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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Last Word

The National League West is pretty loaded at first base, with Paul Goldschmidt standing atop the mountain of talent at the position within the division. His ability to hit for power, hit for average, run the bases, field his position, and make strong, accurate throws make him the rare five-tool first baseman, and could very well make him the best in all of baseball.

Adrian Gonzalez is not very far behind, with four of the five tools being at levels very near that of Goldschmidt. Adrian, however, runs like he’s dragging a piano behind him, and has fewer stolen bases in his 1500-game career, six, than Goldschmidt had by the Fourth of July last season.

Justin Morneau is taking full advantage of Coors Field, and has rejuvenated his career, which seemed to have been on a downward slide over the previous three years.  But he’s got to be careful, because Brandon Belt, if healthy, has the potential to overtake him this year, and to be the kind of hitter that can change ballgames with one swing of the bat.

And then there’s Yonder Alonso. He is currently outclassed by his position-mates in the NL West. But he’s our guy, and we’re going to root for him to succeed, to show the kind of potential he has shown in short bursts before last year. Go, Yonder!

Next: How Far Can Tyson Ross Go In 2015?

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