2011 Arizona Diamondbacks MLB Preview (2010 record: 65-97, fifth place in NL West)
When you say the name Kirk Gibson, thoughts immediately go to another NL West team – the LA Dodgers, with whom Gibson won a World Series in 1988. But the Arizona Diamondbacks have included his public persona in the rebuilding the team is doing, as the new Diamondbacks manager will oversee a roster that can be as much as 40% different from the year before.
New GM Kevin Towers is overseeing the transition which began in Arizona’s league-worst bullpen. Its 5.74 ERA was the 6th-highest relief ERA since 1953, and refreshing the rotation with JJ Putz, one of the more stable relievers over the past few seasons was a great start. Other additions like former Oriole David Hernandez and Juan Gutierrez will bring even more stability in hopes that starters Joe Saunders, Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy can leave games up without fear of not getting the W after nine innings.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks have much more promise, now that the perpetually struck-out Mark Reyonds is gone from a team that notched an MLB record 1,529 strikeouts last year. The team’s focus on this end is Justin Upton, who is on the verge of becoming a superstar. The run-producing Chris Young and another possible breakout star in Gerrardo Parra will add more pop to the bat, while the solid middle infield duo of Stephen Drew and Kelly Johnson can rack up hits and steals. The player who might be the most important (other than Drew) might be catcher Miguel Montero, whose red-hot bat last season was beset by injuries. If he can make a healthy run, then the Diamondbacks might be back in the pennant race sooner than anyone thought.
2010 Arizona Diamondbacks MLB Preview:
The 2010 Arizona Diamondbacks will field a team of familiar faces this year. But the team once known for its promising young talent looks as though it's gelled into a complete squad of experienced, mature and electrifying players.
A three-time All-Star and a perennial presence in the Cy Young Award conversation, pitcher Dan Haren will take the mound yet again as the D-Backs' ace this season. While fans are wary that former Cy Young Winner Brandon Webb may not return in top form this year after offseason shoulder surgery, the addition of fireballer Edwin Jackson is likely to keep opposing batters swinging and missing in Webb's absence.
Boasting a potent combination of speed and power, the Arizona lineup will send weapon after weapon up to the plate this year, much to the chagrin of their rivals. Stephen Drew and Chris Young have shown a remarkable ability to get on base, while emerging superstars Mark Reynolds and Justin Upton have become adept at driving in runs. Two seasons removed from a playoff appearance, a platoon of established Arizona Diamondbacks players will battle for a much-anticipated return.
2009 Arizona Diamondbacks MLB Preview:
There is a whole lot to like about the 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks. Dbacks Manager Bob Melvin has talent stacked all across his roster. Diamondbacks pitchers Jon Garland and Brandon Webb should help lead a talented pitching staff. Position players Eric Byrnes, Stephen Drew and Justin Upton will be huge to the Arizona hopes on offense and in the field. If the pieces come together for the Arizona Diamondbacks, there is no reason to believe they cannot win the National League pennant.
2008 Arizona Diamondbacks MLB Preview:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a great season in 2007 and plan to make a big impact this year and are likely to go far in the postseason as well. One of the youngest teams in Major League Baseball, the team has had incredible success in its short history as an expansion team, and should be a real contender for many seasons to come. The team looks strong with talented players such as Brandon Webb and Conor Jackson. A game at Chase Field in Phoenix is an incredible experience both for watching baseball and for marveling at the technology and engineering on display at the park.