Charlie Klein
Key Arrivals:
Edwin Jackson (SP)
Aaron Heilman (RP)
Ian Kennedy (SP)
Bob Howry (RP)
Kelly Johnson (2B)
Adam LaRoche (1B)
Key Departures:
Max Scherzer (SP)
Daniel Schlereth (RP)
Felipe Lopez (2B)
Jon Garland (SP)
Doug Davis (SP)
Eric Byrnes (OF)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are going to be one of the success stories of 2010. And I don't think that is too bold of a prediction to make. The D-backs were subject to managerial instability last season after Bob Melvin was fired after 29 games of the season. Melvin's dismissal was not popular within the clubhouse and new manager A.J. Hinch did not experience immediate success with his team. Many still question his age (35) and how he can be an authority figure for players that are older than him, but I think that in his second season in charge he will be more adept at handling the challenges of management.
I have big expectations for the Diamondbacks this season. A healthy Brandon Webb will be a major boost to their starting rotation. Prior to his injury, Webb was amongst the best pitchers in baseball and with free agency waiting for him at the end of the season, he will be eager to prove to the rest of the league that he is the Cy Young caliber pitcher he used to be. Add Webb to a rotation that also includes Dan Haren and Edwin Jackson, two all-stars last season, and you have one of the best 1-2-3's in the league.
Combine that rotation with the development of some of the better young talent in the National League, and one has a contender. Justin Upton will make it abundantly clear to the rest of baseball that he is better than his brother B.J. Upton is poised for a breakout season. Justin hit .300 last season with 26 homeruns and 86 RBIs. Upton is also a fantastic fielder. Mark Reynolds is probably the only 40+ homerun hitter that no one knows. Reynolds is also ready to take over the league in 2010 with his skills in the batter's box and on the hot corner at third base. Free agent signings Kelly Johnson and Adam LaRoche are decent upgrades over Felipe Lopez and Tony Clark.
I expect them to be big players in the NL Wild Card with a strong chance at winning it. Let's face it, this lineup is pretty damn good and the rotation is one of the best in the NL. Considering how far the NL East as a division has dropped off in the past few years, don't be surprised if the NL Wild Card comes out of the NL West.
Projected Starting Nine:
1. Chris Young (CF)
2. Stephen Drew (SS)
3. Justin Upton (RF)
4. Mark Reynolds (3B)
5. Adam LaRoche (1B)
6. Connor Jackson (LF)
7. Miguel Montero (C)
8. Kelly Johnson (2B)
9. Brandon Webb (P)
Projected Starting Rotation:
1. Brandon Webb
2. Dan Haren
3. Edwin Jackson
4. Ian Kennedy
5. Billy Buckner
Best Reliever: Bob Howry
Closer: Chad Qualls
Predicted Finish: 2nd in the NL West.
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