Jan 09 2009
NL West Projections: Lineups, Rotations (Arizona Diamondbacks)
The Arizona Diamondbacks probably have been the least busiest team in the NL West. So far in the offseason, gone are free agents Randy Johnson (signed w/ Giants) and First Baseman/Outfielder Adam Dunn, Second Baseman/Shortstop David Eckstein, Second Baseman Orlando Hudson, Closer Brandon Lyon, and Reliever Juan Cruz. And the only signings the D-Backs have done is re-sign backup First Baseman Tony Clark, sign second baseman Felipe Lopez to fill the void there and sign Catcher Chris Snyder to an extension. The D-Backs still have one or two holes in the starting rotation and need some bullpen help and depth on their bench. The healthy return of Eric Byrnes to the outfield should help. So the D-Backs need to address their rotation, they have no closer set in stone yet with the loss of Lyon so signing someone with experience to help the bullpen out is a need. Other than that, there isn’t much the D-Backs can do with their limited funds, so I don’t see the D-Backs contending with just Haren and Webb at the top of their rotation. You can’t expect Webb to get 20 plus wins again in 2009. It’s just not very likely. Look for the Giants or Dodgers to be the favorites in the division with the Rockies as the dark horse in this division and the Padres and D-Backs in rebuild mode and looking for financial flexibility in the future.
Projected Lineup:
1 Stephen Drew SS .291 21HR 77RBI as the leadoff man for the D-Backs in 08′.
2 Chris Young CF Excellent defensive centerfielder with some pop in that bat. Hit 22HR and 85RBI in 08′.
3 Eric Byrnes LF His return should help this lineup out with his balance of power and speed.
4 Conor Jackson 1B This Cal Product is a beast and is a rising star. Hit .300 with 12HR and 75RBI in 08′.
5 Mark Reynolds 3B Hit only .239 but had 28HR and 97RBI.
6 Justin Upton RF This 21 year-old phenom has so much upside but needs to put it together. Hit .250 with 15HR and 42RBI in 08′.
7 Chris Snyder C hit .237 with 16HR and 64RBI in 08′
8 Felipe Lopez 2B Had a terrible 1st Half with the Nationals, but bounced back in the 2nd Half with the St. Louis Cardinals. Lopez hit .283Avg. with 6HR and 46RBI combined in 08′ and added 8 SB in 2008.
Projected Rotation:
SP1 Brandon Webb - CY Young Runner-Up notched 22 Wins in 08, best in the NL but he is the ace and workhorse of the staff.
SP2 Dan Haren- Could be an ace on most teams, solid #2.
SP3 Doug Davis- Good Story with his comeback, Average-type pitcher.
SP4 Max Scherzer- Great upside, top prospect, not yet proven.
SP5 Yusmeiro Petit- WHO?
CL Chad Qualls - D-Backs need some help if he is their set closer.
