The Arizona Diamondbacks finished a disappointing 2009 season with a record of 70-92 and in last place in the NL West—this after having posted winning records in each of the two prior seasons.
They should be considerably improved in 2010, if only because they have added veteran leadership and should get bounce back years from a couple of key performers.
Some pundits have speculated they could win the division this season—to that suggestion I have to wonder aloud what they are smoking. This team is still at least a couple of high caliber players away from competing for a title.
Key additions
RHP Bob Howry, 2B Kelly Johnson, LHP Ian Kennedy, and 1B Adam LaRoche
Key subtractions
OF Eric Byrnes, LHP Doug Davis, RHP Max Scherzer, and LHP Daniel Schlereth
Key Performer, 2010
Brandon Webb
Starting Rotation
Big changes have been made in the Diamondbacks rotation for 2010. Dan Haren returns and Brandon Webb will (hopefully) be healthy; otherwise, they have completely turned over the starting staff.
In come Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, and Billy Buckner to replace Doug Davis, Jon Garland, and fireballer Max Scherzer. Whether the changes will bear fruit remains to be seen—but it says here that dealing Scherzer was a BIG mistake.
Jackson should provide a solid No. 3 for the rotation, but it remains to be seen whether Kennedy and/or Buckner can prove worthy of the high expectations that have been heaped on them by their clubs.
Bullpen
The bullpen is below average, at best—it could potentially be horrible. Chad Qualls will be the closer, at least to start the season. Bob Howry will be the setup man, with highly touted Aaron Heilman pitching the seventh innings. Clay Zavada pitched well last season and could be the difference between a decent ‘pen and a complete disaster.
As with Scherzer, the question must be asked: Why in the world were they motivated to trade a young stud like Schlereth?
Lineup
The day to day lineup is young and still largely unproven, and to the extent some have had the chance to "prove" themselves, they have shown deficiencies. The club scored 720 runs last year—20th in the major leagues.
1B Adam LaRoche is streaky. 3B Mark Reynolds has enormous power and an even bigger hole in his swing. SS Stephen Drew and 2B Kelly Johnson have tons of unrealized potential and need to recover from poor 2009 campaigns.
The outfield has considerable potential. RF Justin Upton is one of the best young performers in the game and just signed a big contract, but it remains to be seen how he will respond to his newfound riches. CF Chris Young is looking to improve on a disastrous 2009 season in which he hit just .212. LF Conor Jackson is a good but not great bat.
C Miguel Montero finally broke out after seeming like a bust. He put up excellent numbers and should continue to improve.
Outlook
The longtime knock on the organization was that it was too young to be a legitimate competitor, but the boys are now turned into men. It’s time to put up or shut up.
I think they will be a bit better this year, but personally, when considering the long term, I liked the look of the ‘09 team a lot more than I like the ‘10 squad. Why oh why did they trade Scherzer and Schlereth?
SOX1Forecast: fourth place, 74-88
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