Arizona Diamondbacks

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TEAM PREVIEW
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TEAM PREVIEW

The young nucleus of a Diamondbacks squad that appeared so promising just two years ago looked lethargic and lazy committing a second worst in the majors 124 errors. Mark Reynolds (44 HR, 102 RBI, .260) was the team’s most productive hitter but also broke his own major league record with 223 strikeouts. Center fielder Chris Young, who burst on the scene with 32 home runs and a .295 average as a 23-year-old rookie in 2007, was hitting .194 landing him a late season demotion to the minors in August. Young hit .263 down the stretch after returning from the minors to finish the season at .212 with 15 home runs and 42 RBI and hit three triples in one game at Colorado on September 6th.

Shortstop Stephen Drew was mired in season long slump that saw his numbers drop from 21 home runs with a .291 average in 2008 to 12 dingers at a .261 clip last year. The Diamondbacks have not given up on Drew just yet signing him to a $3.4 million one- year extension. Second baseman Felipe Lopez hit .301 in 85 games illustrated man Ryan Roberts (7 HR, 25 RBI, .279) took over when Lopez was traded to Milwaukee in July. Fan favorite Eric Byrnes was released by the team after suffering through a second straight miserable injury riddled season (8 HR, 21 RBI, .226).

The lone bright spot for the Diamondbacks was budding superstar Justin Upton, who hit an even .300, with 26 home runs and 86 RBI. Newly Acquired Adam LaRoche hit 24 home runs with three different teams last year and should move right into a starting spot at first base.

The Diamondbacks certainly would have fared better with the services of staff ace Brandon Webb who made only one start before undergoing shoulder surgery and did not throw another pitch until November. The Diamondbacks picked up the $8.5 million option on his contract for the season and hope to see a return to the form that saw him win a league leading 22 games in 2008 and the Cy Young award in 2006.

Dan Haren stepped up in his second season with the club going 14-10 with a 3.14 ERA with 223 strikeouts in 229 innings and was the Diamondbacks only starter with a winning record or wins in double figures. Doug Davis turned in a workman like 203 innings with a 4.12 ERA, probably deserved better than his 9-14 record and has since returned to Milwaukee as a free-agent. Jon Garland was a disappointing 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA in 162 innings before being dealt to the Dodgers at the end of August. Max Scherzer, 24, showed promise going 9-11 with a 44.12 ERA in 30 starts spanning 170 innings and was traded to Detroit in a three-team trade with the Yankees that brought starter Edwin Jackson (13-9, 3.52 214 IP) and Yankees prospect Ian Kennedy to the D-backs. Chad Qualls was an effective closer converting 24 of 29 save opportunities with a 3.63 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 52 innings.

A shored up pitching staff and a young lineup that needs to re- prove its worth could have the Diamondbacks back in the mix but the team needs to play up to its potential.

Arrivals: RHP, Edwin Jackson, RHP Ian Kennedy
Departures: LHP, Doug Davis, RHP Max Scherzer