Lefty
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http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6401254
Diamondbacks
2006 record: 76-86.
Key player: Randy Johnson.
There is a lot not to like about the Diamondbacks, who lack a proven leadoff man, proficient cleanup hitter and veteran clubhouse presence. The team's most experienced position player, left fielder Eric Byrnes, has only five years of major-league service. It is quite possible that the D-Backs will be just too young.
Here's the thing, though: The Arizona kids are among the game's most talented, and the starting rotation, led by NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb, is not only experienced, but also accomplished. Johnson, right-hander Livan Hernandez and lefty Doug Davis alone should make the team more competitive.
The D-Backs ranked seventh in the league in runs last season. Outfielders Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green are gone, but club officials believe the offense will be just as productive with center fielder Chris Young and right fielder Carlos Quentin becoming regulars and Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero replacing Johnny Estrada at catcher.
Young, Quentin and Byrnes will significantly improve the outfield defense. Shortstop Stephen Drew and second baseman Orlando Hudson are strong two-way players. If third baseman Chad Tracy rebounds from a disappointing '06, the lineup might truly click.
Late-inning relief is a question; the trade of right-hander Luis Vizcaino creates a void in the setup role, and Jose Valverde is hardly a sure thing as the closer. Tony Pena must prove a viable successor to Vizcaino and ideally, a possible successor to Valverde. But the Diamondbacks should have enough arms — including several young arms — to sort it all out.
On paper, the Dodgers and Padres are the best of the NL West, but they're not nearly as dominant as the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East. The D-Backs could leap forward if two or more of their young position players emerge as potential stars — and if Johnson can revive himself in his return to the NL.
Diamondbacks
2006 record: 76-86.
Key player: Randy Johnson.
There is a lot not to like about the Diamondbacks, who lack a proven leadoff man, proficient cleanup hitter and veteran clubhouse presence. The team's most experienced position player, left fielder Eric Byrnes, has only five years of major-league service. It is quite possible that the D-Backs will be just too young.
Here's the thing, though: The Arizona kids are among the game's most talented, and the starting rotation, led by NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb, is not only experienced, but also accomplished. Johnson, right-hander Livan Hernandez and lefty Doug Davis alone should make the team more competitive.
The D-Backs ranked seventh in the league in runs last season. Outfielders Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green are gone, but club officials believe the offense will be just as productive with center fielder Chris Young and right fielder Carlos Quentin becoming regulars and Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero replacing Johnny Estrada at catcher.
Young, Quentin and Byrnes will significantly improve the outfield defense. Shortstop Stephen Drew and second baseman Orlando Hudson are strong two-way players. If third baseman Chad Tracy rebounds from a disappointing '06, the lineup might truly click.
Late-inning relief is a question; the trade of right-hander Luis Vizcaino creates a void in the setup role, and Jose Valverde is hardly a sure thing as the closer. Tony Pena must prove a viable successor to Vizcaino and ideally, a possible successor to Valverde. But the Diamondbacks should have enough arms — including several young arms — to sort it all out.
On paper, the Dodgers and Padres are the best of the NL West, but they're not nearly as dominant as the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East. The D-Backs could leap forward if two or more of their young position players emerge as potential stars — and if Johnson can revive himself in his return to the NL.
