Lefty
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http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5576634
The club, seemingly lifeless last season, is making a habit of big comebacks. It features a stunningly effective late-inning relief combination - Luis Vizcaino to Brandon Lyon to Jose Valverde. And rookie first baseman Conor Jackson, one scout says, "has hit two of the hardest balls I've seen hit all year."
In spring training, the Diamondbacks talked about possibly promoting shortstop Stephen Drew at mid-season, but it might not be necessary. Drew is off to a hot start in Triple-A, but the D-Backs are getting strong defense from shortstop Craig Counsell and second baseman Orlando Hudson. The principal beneficiary is right-handed sinker-baller Brandon Webb, who is 4-0 with a 2.22 ERA and could win the Cy Young Award.
Another thing about the Diamondbacks: Their lineup is heavily left-handed, creating problems for the other N.L. West clubs, none of which features more than one left-handed starter.
The Padres' only lefty starter, Shawn Estes, is on the disabled list with a strained left elbow. The Giants' lefty, Noah Lowry, is expected back Monday after missing nearly a month with a strained side muscle. The Dodgers are considering dropping their sole lefty, Odalis Perez, from their rotation.
The Diamondbacks eventually figure to need rotation help — their starters don't work enough innings - but their budget-minded trades of third baseman Troy Glaus and right-hander Javier Vazquez created payroll flexibility for a mid-season acquisition.
"We've positioned ourselves to be able to be aggressive," G.M. Josh Byrnes says. "If the opportunity is there, we'll take a shot."
All five N.L. West teams stand a reasonable chance of winning the division. The Diamondbacks are one of those teams — and therefore, a contender.
The club, seemingly lifeless last season, is making a habit of big comebacks. It features a stunningly effective late-inning relief combination - Luis Vizcaino to Brandon Lyon to Jose Valverde. And rookie first baseman Conor Jackson, one scout says, "has hit two of the hardest balls I've seen hit all year."
In spring training, the Diamondbacks talked about possibly promoting shortstop Stephen Drew at mid-season, but it might not be necessary. Drew is off to a hot start in Triple-A, but the D-Backs are getting strong defense from shortstop Craig Counsell and second baseman Orlando Hudson. The principal beneficiary is right-handed sinker-baller Brandon Webb, who is 4-0 with a 2.22 ERA and could win the Cy Young Award.
Another thing about the Diamondbacks: Their lineup is heavily left-handed, creating problems for the other N.L. West clubs, none of which features more than one left-handed starter.
The Padres' only lefty starter, Shawn Estes, is on the disabled list with a strained left elbow. The Giants' lefty, Noah Lowry, is expected back Monday after missing nearly a month with a strained side muscle. The Dodgers are considering dropping their sole lefty, Odalis Perez, from their rotation.
The Diamondbacks eventually figure to need rotation help — their starters don't work enough innings - but their budget-minded trades of third baseman Troy Glaus and right-hander Javier Vazquez created payroll flexibility for a mid-season acquisition.
"We've positioned ourselves to be able to be aggressive," G.M. Josh Byrnes says. "If the opportunity is there, we'll take a shot."
All five N.L. West teams stand a reasonable chance of winning the division. The Diamondbacks are one of those teams — and therefore, a contender.
