‘Backs Bite will be Strong in 2009

Season Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks
Projected MLB Rank: 8th — NL Rank: 5th — NL West Rank: 2nd — Record: (89-73)

The Diamondbacks are loaded with potential. Whether that potential is due to pan out this year is remained to be seen. The young players that made positive strides in 2008 will continue to blossom in 2009. That blossoming will lead to a playoff push.

Stephen Drew leads the way after he raised his average and on base percentage in the second half last season. The Diamondbacks shortstop is now 26 and should build upon his .291 average, 21 homeruns, .333 OBP, 44 doubles, 11 triples, and .502 slugging percentage. Even if he doesn’t have a better season, his 2008 was solid. Maybe Mark Reynolds would have a definate starter job if he didn’t hit .239 last year and strikeout… and commit error after error. Chad Tracy will certainly take some time from him at third, even if Reynolds hit 28 homeruns and drove in 97 runs.

Leftfielder Conor Jackson will hopefully build upon his 2008, in which he hit .300 with 12 homers and 75 RBIs. He’s 26 now and will hopefully develop some more power. Centerfielder Chris Young will also hopefully raise his average. He hit for .248 and if he could raise his batting average, maybe he could even build upon his 22 homeruns and 85 RBIs that he posted last season. Moving to rightfield, we all know about his brother “Bossman Junior,” but what about Justin Upton? He’s only 21 and has so much power potential and should definately improve on his 2008 statistics.

Chad Tracy should start at first, but initially we’ll have to see how he is after offseason knee surgery. If he doesn’t start at first, Jackson will move in there which would open up an outfield spot for Eric Byrnes. Byrnes, who is also coming back from injuries, will have to play his way to earn a starting spot. Chris Snyder will start at catcher and should improve upon his 2008 season and hopefully hit over .250 with possibly 20 homeruns. Felipe Lopez was brought in during the offseason and the Diamondbacks hope he continues what he was doing at the end of last season.

Brandon Webb, a perennial Cy Young candidate, has become one of the most reliable starters in the league. Coupled with Dan Haren as the number two, they are one of the most unnoticed one-two punches in the league. Haren posted 16 wins with a 3.33 ERA and 206 strikeouts. Doug Davis and Jon Garland are reliable as the three and four starters. Garland doesn’t strikeout too many hitters but will give the Dbacks a chance to get a W everytime he goes out to toe the rubber. Young stud Max Scherzer started seven games last season and looks to have a bid for the last rotation spot. In 16 total games last season, Scherzer struck out 66 hitters in 56 innings and posted a 3.05 ERA.

Chad Qualls is the prounounced closer after he took advantage of the late season chance to close ballgames he got last year. He saved nine games and in 77 total games he posted a 2.81 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. Big righthander Jon Rauch assumes the setup role after he spent time with the Nationals and Diamondbacks last season and posted a 4.14 ERA in 74 total appearences. Arizona also brings in two relievers from the NL East. Tom Gordon who was a mainstay on the DL in Philly looks to rebound in the desert. Scott Schoeneweis also joins a bullpen after posting a 3.34 ERA in 73 total games. Gordon and Schoeneweis join a bullpen of young arms that will get every chance to succeed.

Overall, the Diamondbacks are still young but will continue to improve every game. If they don’t make the playoffs this season, expect Arizona to be in the playoffs next year and years to come.