Dback thoughts

[abomb]

So two weeks into the season and the Dbacks are playing some great baseball. Despite shaky pitching performances, the team continues to rally and have a different hero every night.

I really hope it lasts. RJ's return should be a nice addition as well.

I think my biggest concern is the lack of a proven, high HR, high RBI guy in the middle of the lineup. Do you guys think we have a player that will hit even 25+ HRs this year?

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I think my biggest concern is the lack of a proven, high HR, high RBI guy in the middle of the lineup. Do you guys think we have a player that will hit even 25+ HRs this year?

Yes and he hasn't even played a game yet this season... That being Carlos Quentin. If he returns back w/in the next couple weeks and performs at the same rate he did last season, he will amass between 25-30 HRs and 85-90 RBI. It's contingent on where Melvin hits him in the line-up, but he's the best pure pull hitter the Dbacks have on the roster. What's amazing is that not only have they gotten off to this awesome start w/out RJ, but minus Quentin as well.....

 

[devilfan02]

So two weeks into the season and the Dbacks are playing some great baseball. Despite shaky pitching performances, the team continues to rally and have a different hero every night.

I really hope it lasts. RJ's return should be a nice addition as well.

I think my biggest concern is the lack of a proven, high HR, high RBI guy in the middle of the lineup. Do you guys think we have a player that will hit even 25+ HRs this year?

I'm not concerened with not having a true power hitter. We have a team composed of OBP guys which means timely hitting is key. I'd rather focus on small ball and moving guys around the bases then worry about the long ball. I think Byrnes will hit 25+ homers again this year and I'm hoping Tracy can get close to that number.

This team needs to keep doing what their doing. Get on base, steal your occasional bag, sound base running, timely hits. Our pitchers have struggled a bit but have managed to dig out of early holes. I like the way this young team has responded to challenges in the first 2 weeks of the season

 

[abomb]

Yes and he hasn't even played a game yet this season... That being Carlos Quentin. If he returns back w/in the next couple weeks and performs at the same rate he did last season, he will amass between 25-30 HRs and 85-90 RBI. It's contingent on where Melvin hits him in the line-up, but he's the best pure pull hitter the Dbacks have on the roster. What's amazing is that not only have they gotten off to this awesome start w/out RJ, but minus Quentin as well.....

Yeah, I had forgotten about him, mostly because I really fear the injury he had might be worse than expected.

 

[devilfan02]

Yeah, I had forgotten about him, mostly because I really fear the injury he had might be worse than expected.

Counsell had the same injury last year and he ended up being fine. Obviously Q is more of a power guy compard to Counsell but I still think that with good rehab his shoulder will be just fine. A labrum tear is a very serious injury but he isnt a pitcher and it's in his non-throwing arm. As long as they continue to strengthen the muscles in his shoulder, he should be perfectly healthy.

All that being said, lets hope he doesn't pull a Richie Sexson and further aggravate it.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Yeah, I had forgotten about him, mostly because I really fear the injury he had might be worse than expected.

I've honestly been concerned about that as well... It's based upon how he swings the bat... his angling and force he uses... I just hope the injury doesn't affect his swing because in the process he might be compromising some of his power... Perhaps though I'm being overly concerned over virtually nothing.

In terms of who will be removed from the roster once Quentin is reactivated, that obviously will be Barden. Hairston will remain on the roster since he's out-of-options and will perform spot-duty in all the 3 OF spots, Callaspo will rove the IF to give Tracy, Hudson, and Drew some time off. Barden doesn't serve any purpose on the roster at this time. I was shocked when he has been employed in any PH duty since he's a rookie and really used to pressure situations.

The odd man out may be DaVannon, but there hasn't been any word of his recent return. I think what ultimately happens with Hairston is that his trade value is increasing some and he might be dealt for a minor league reliever.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Yeah, I had forgotten about him, mostly because I really fear the injury he had might be worse than expected.

He's played in a couple rehab games so far without any problems. He'll probably be back within the week.