ESPN thinks the D'Backs could be a sleeper in the NL

[Lefty]

Nice article about Kirk Gibson and the Diamondbacks.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview07/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=2817038

 

[PHXSportsFan4]

Nice read. I definitly think we are going to suprise some people this year. This team has a very bright future ahead and I can't wait to see the new home uni's at the home opener

 

[HooverDam]

I will be highly surprised if the D'backs finish much over .500. They have an average (at best) bullpen, a huge question mark at closer, 2 starting pitchers who are older, no leadoff hitter, no power, and they will be leaning on a lot of youth (which will probably be rather inconsistent). I'm not expecting much this year, I'm just going to enjoy watching the young guys grow and learn, next year however, I think its reasonable to expect Arizona to contend for the division.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

I will be highly surprised if the D'backs finish much over .500. They have an average (at best) bullpen, a huge question mark at closer, 2 starting pitchers who are older, no leadoff hitter, no power, and they will be leaning on a lot of youth (which will probably be rather inconsistent). I'm not expecting much this year, I'm just going to enjoy watching the young guys grow and learn, next year however, I think its reasonable to expect Arizona to contend for the division.

Nice pointing out all the negatives. It is entirely possible that the D-Backs could have a very good rotation. If the lineup hits like last year, with minor improvement they could be alright. A team with a 83-78 won the World Series last year which just proves the parity in baseball. With good health and some luck the D-Backs have a legitmate chance to win the NL West. If Randy is really healthy, it could be exciting.

 

[devilalum]

I will be highly surprised if the D'backs finish much over .500. They have an average (at best) bullpen, a huge question mark at closer, 2 starting pitchers who are older, no leadoff hitter, no power, and they will be leaning on a lot of youth (which will probably be rather inconsistent). I'm not expecting much this year, I'm just going to enjoy watching the young guys grow and learn, next year however, I think its reasonable to expect Arizona to contend for the division.

WRONG!

You must be registered for see images

 

[Nasser22]

I don't expect much, but all these articles are starting to get me excited...I hope they don't turn into the Cardinals, all hype all the time.

 

[Lefty]

I will be highly surprised if the D'backs finish much over .500. They have an average (at best) bullpen, a huge question mark at closer, 2 starting pitchers who are older, no leadoff hitter, no power, and they will be leaning on a lot of youth (which will probably be rather inconsistent). I'm not expecting much this year, I'm just going to enjoy watching the young guys grow and learn, next year however, I think its reasonable to expect Arizona to contend for the division.

Disagree. I like the starters and I think Pena will really help the bullpen. The offense should be better than last year, as should the starting pitching staff. I can definitely see the Diamondbacks winning 84-88 games, and that should put them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

 

[HooverDam]

I want the D'backs to win just as bad as anyone, I'm just trying to be realistic.

I think a big problem the D'backs will have (and have had for the past few years) is the team has no identity. They aren't a power team, but they aren't a speed team either. Maybe they are a really good defensive team, with above average pitching, but what about scoring? I hope Drew, Young, Quentin, Harston, Callaspo, Montero, et al all have great, really consistent years, but I think if you are counting on that, its a bit of a long shot.

 

[BC867]

Now that the D'backs have a contrasting personality as Bench Coach in Kirk Gibson (vs. Bob Melvin and Jay Bell -- clones -- last season), there's a good chance this team will have a gleam in its eyes and a spark in its performance.

 

[Stallion]

On the radio yesterday Dan Patrick and Keith Oberman both picked the D-backs to win the West. Peter Gammons picked the Dodgers.

Both DP and KO liked our Young as the Rookie of the Year.

I don't want to get the expectations up either, but I think it'll be a fun year.

 

[Lefty]

Now that the D'backs have a contrasting personality as Bench Coach in Kirk Gibson (vs. Bob Melvin and Jay Bell -- clones -- last season), there's a good chance this team will have a gleam in its eyes and a spark in its performance.

Don't forget Chip Hale as the third base coach. Chip is in the mold of Gibson so Melvin will have two guys on his staff that are complete opposites of him.

 

[HooverDam]

Thats another thing, in a way, I don't want the team to do well because I want Melvin fired. He's awful. Maybe w/ Hale & Gibson things will be better, but I'd like to see Hale as the manager.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

I will be highly surprised if the D'backs finish much over .500. They have an average (at best) bullpen, a huge question mark at closer, 2 starting pitchers who are older, no leadoff hitter, no power, and they will be leaning on a lot of youth (which will probably be rather inconsistent). I'm not expecting much this year, I'm just going to enjoy watching the young guys grow and learn, next year however, I think its reasonable to expect Arizona to contend for the division.

As much as I want to think positively for this team, this year, with the glaring holes that HooverDam accentuated, I can't see this team winning the division. I wouldn't be too stunned if they wind up at around .500, but I'm not expecting more.

 

[Willie D]

On the radio yesterday Dan Patrick and Keith Oberman both picked the D-backs to win the West. Peter Gammons picked the Dodgers.

Both DP and KO liked our Young as the Rookie of the Year.

I don't want to get the expectations up either, but I think it'll be a fun year.

These picks are a sure-fire indication that neither the Dodgers nor the DB's will win the West.

The team certainly has the talent, but I agree there is no real identity to this team, from both the players' and fans' perspective. They should finish higher than they did last year, but they are still a year out in winning the division. Oh, btw, if Melvin should be canned, who's out there to replace him? I don't see many who could come into a young squad, except maybe Joe Girardi.

 

[HooverDam]

Tim Cowlishaw picked the Diamondbacks to win the West on Around the Horn today.....however, he also picked Milwaukee in the Central and Philly in the East.

 

[BC867]

Don't forget Chip Hale as the third base coach. Chip is in the mold of Gibson so Melvin will have two guys on his staff that are complete opposites of him.

Good point. It gets old watching post-game press conferences, as the Manager picks his pimples and covers his mouth nervously as he speaks.

Melvin would best be utilized as a Bench Coach . . . on another team.

The D'backs would best be utilized with Melvin as a Bench Coach . . . on another team.

I just hope we don't lose Chip Hale to another team. His job managing Tucson last season was masterful.

 

[HooverDam]

^I think we are screwed with Melvin. If we want him gone, what we can hope for is a lousy first half, and maybe he's canned. But at this point if management is going to accept continued play at around the .500 mark (which is probably what we'll have this year), then Melvin will keep his job.

I wish they'd can him and give the job to Chip Hale- ah well.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

As much as I want to think positively for this team, this year, with the glaring holes that HooverDam accentuated, I can't see this team winning the division. I wouldn't be too stunned if they wind up at around .500, but I'm not expecting more.

I'm actually getting pretty excited about the season too and it's nice to have experts picking us.

However I think its unrealistic to think we can win the division too. I think the dodgers are a lot better than people think.

All i am looking for is one young pitcher to step uo enough that he is the #2 going into next year behind Webb (Owings?)

and then three of the five young guys (Drew Quentin, Young, CoJack, Callapso) to make big leaps in terms of turning potential into production so that they are considered potential all stars next year and one of them to be show enough to be a dark horse MVP candidate come 08.

Any type of meaningful game experience we get this year is gravy. I just want to see some of the young guys get their numbers and then we can count on an 90's Indians type run starting in '08.

 

[Phxchris1989]

It really depends on the rookies, if they preform as well as Quentin and Drew have, we're easily up there in the division race. I'm so excited! it all starts tommorow!