DC 2010 MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks

2009 Record: 70-92

Significant Acquisitions: 1B Adam LaRoche, 2B Kelly Johnson, RHP Edwin Jackson, RHP Ian Kennedy, RHP Bob Howry, RHP Aaron Heilman, RHP Rodrigo Lopez

Significant Losses: UTIL Chad Tracy, OF Eric Byrnes, 1B Tony Clark, LHP Doug Davis, RHP Max Scherzer, RHP Yusmeiro Petit, LHP Doug Slaten

Lineup:

SS - Stephen Drew
LF - Conor Jackson
RF - Justin Upton
C - Miguel Montero
3B - Mark Reynolds
1B - Adam LaRoche
CF - Chris Young
2B - Kelly Johnson

The D'Backs have one of the most talented outfielders in the game in rightfielder Justin Upton. He was fantastic last season with a .300/.366/.532 line and 26 homeruns and is only 22 years old. Yet, I can't say I am sold on the rest of this lineup. Chris Young has a lot of talent, but he hasn't reached his potential yet. He could be a 30/30 guys someday, but right now he his average is killing him. Drew was decent last season but has yet to really fulfill his immense potential at shortstop; Arizona is hoping for a .290-.300 hitter with 20-25 homerun power, right now he's a .260 hitter with 10-15 homerun power. Mark Reynolds had a hell of a year last year, but overall it is a decent lineup, but nothing that I would be too scared of (other then Upton, and maybe Reynolds).

Pitching:
SP - Brandon Webb
SP - Dan Haren
SP - Edwin Jackson
SP - Ian Kennedy
SP - Billy Buckner
CL - Chad Qualls

Webb was one of the best pitchers in baseball before shoulder surgery knocked him out for all but one start last season. If he can bounce back this team will be relevant, it is really that simple. Haren is a hell of a pitcher, so if Webb is healthy that makes a deadly duo. I am a big Edwin Jackson fan, and really think he could take his game to the next level in the NL. Ian Kennedy never worked out in NY, but maybe the change of scenery will help him out. Chad Qualls is being given another chance to close out ballgames for the Diamondbacks after 24 saves last season, but to be honest I don't trust him (too inconsistent) and I could totally seeing him losing his job at some point this season.

Overall:
I like their rotation a lot, and I think the Diamondbacks will bounce back this year. They need their young guys to keep progressing, and they also need Webb to stay healthy. This team is close to being a really dangerous team, but they are still at least a year away.

2010 Predicted record: 83-79