Arizona DiamondbacksManager: Bob Melvin (5th Season)
2008 Record: 82-80 (2nd NL West)
Added: 2B Felipe Lopez (STL), SP Jon Garland (LAA), RP Scott Schoeneweis (NYM), RP Tom Gordon (PHI)
Lost: 2B Orlando Hudson, SP Randy Johnson (SF)
Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Stephen Drew (.291, 91 R, 21 HR, 67 RBI) 2. CF Chris Young (.248, 85 R, 22 HR, 85 RBI) 3. 1B Conor Jackson (.300, 87 R, 12 HR, 75 RBI) 4. 3B Mark Reynolds (.239, 87 R, 28 HR, 97 RBI) 5. RF Justin Upton (.250, 52 R, 15 HR, 42 RBI) 6. LF Eric Byrnes (.209, 28 R, 6 HR, 23 RBI) 7. C Chris Snyder (.237, 47 R, 16 HR, 64 RBI) 8. 2B Felipe Lopez (.283, 64 R, 6 HR, 46 RBI)
Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Brandon Webb (22-7, 3.30 ERA, 183 K) 2. Dan Haren (16-8, 3.30 ERA, 206 K) 3. Doug Davis (6-8, 4.32 ERA, 112 K) 4. Jon Garland (14-8, 4.90 ERA, 90 K) 5. Max Scherzer (0-4, 3.05 ERA, 66 K)
Bench
1B Chad Tracy, 1B Tony Clark, IF Augie Ojeda, OF Jeff Salazar, C Miguel Montero
Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Chad Qualls (9 SV, 73.2 IP, 61 H, 71 K, 2.81 ERA) Jon Rauch, Tony Pena, Scott Schoeneweis, Tom Gordon
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Fantasy Studs: P Brandon Webb, P Dan Haren, OF Chris Young, 1B/OF Conor Jackson
Fantasy Sleeper: OF Justin Upton
Men In The Minors: C James Skelton, OF Geraldo Parra, OF Evan Frey, SP Cesar Valdez
Home Ballpark: Chase Field (Grade 8/10)
Team Outlook: After a disappointing 2008, look for the D'Backs to rebound in 2009. Remember, this is pretty much the same team that won 92 games in 2007 and advanced to the NLCS. They didn't lose too much in the offseason. Hudson was injured during the second half of the season and they nearly made the playoffs then. Garland will be an upgrade to Johnson in the rotation, which is still the strong part of this team, anchored by Webb and Haren. The young core of hitters at the top (Drew, Young, and Jackson) will produce, though players such as Reynolds and Upton need to be more consistent at the plate. Last year, this team finished 27th in batting average (.251). With the pitching they have, they should be the favorites to the win the division. It's the hitting that is the concern. Yet, despite the inept batting and injuries, the team was in the hunt to the end, finishing just 2 games behind the Dodgers for the NL West title. Look for them to be in hunt in 2009 as well.
Tomorrow's Preview: Atlanta Braves
Fantasy Sleeper: OF Justin Upton
Men In The Minors: C James Skelton, OF Geraldo Parra, OF Evan Frey, SP Cesar Valdez
Home Ballpark: Chase Field (Grade 8/10)
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Team Outlook: After a disappointing 2008, look for the D'Backs to rebound in 2009. Remember, this is pretty much the same team that won 92 games in 2007 and advanced to the NLCS. They didn't lose too much in the offseason. Hudson was injured during the second half of the season and they nearly made the playoffs then. Garland will be an upgrade to Johnson in the rotation, which is still the strong part of this team, anchored by Webb and Haren. The young core of hitters at the top (Drew, Young, and Jackson) will produce, though players such as Reynolds and Upton need to be more consistent at the plate. Last year, this team finished 27th in batting average (.251). With the pitching they have, they should be the favorites to the win the division. It's the hitting that is the concern. Yet, despite the inept batting and injuries, the team was in the hunt to the end, finishing just 2 games behind the Dodgers for the NL West title. Look for them to be in hunt in 2009 as well.
Tomorrow's Preview: Atlanta Braves
Posts
have to say Barnes, I'm a little disappointed in this preview. Love the projected lineups, and the fantasy sleepers, etc. But, one thing it is missing is your record prediction. I use to love seeing your written record predictions at the start of the year. Please tell me you are waiting to unveil it, and that I will see it before the season starts. Other than that, well done.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm doing record predictions for all teams on April 5th. I didn't wanna give 'em away this early. Plus, still waiting on some more injuries to happen so I need time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping me on track, as usual