Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll be taking a look at each major league franchise, discussing the changes they've made in the offseason, and projecting their success in the 2012 season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a brilliant season, making the playoffs and winning the competitive National League West for the first time since 2007, thanks to an amazing season from MVP candidate Justin Upton and a revamped bullpen. Though the D'Backs lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Milwaukee Brewers, the team is finally committed to winning and surrounding their young phenom with talent.
The best of the best: Justin Upton, who posted career highs in nearly every statistical category last season. Upton is the core of the Diamondbacks, and without him the team would be a cellar-dweller. If the Diamondbacks can keep him locked up for the significant future, they'll have a great chance at contending for a division title every year.
The new guy: Trevor Cahill. Cahill was acquired by Arizona through a trade with Oakland. Oakland may have netted a few prospects, including possible future ace Jarrod Parker, but the Diamondbacks grab the steadiest producer in the deal. Cahill will slot into a rotation headlined by Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson, though his talent is on par with theirs. If Cahill can keep improving, the D'Backs could have control over an impressive young pitcher for the next few years.
The fatal flaw: The infield aside from Stephen Drew. Is Ryan Roberts the guy at third base? Can Aaron Hill bounce back to his old form? Will Paul Goldschmidt be able to become an above-average first baseman? The answer to all of these questions is probably no, and that's what will hold Arizona back from competing this season. Roberts, the plucky third baseman, should probably be a utility infielder, but is pressed into issue with no other alternatives. Hill suffered a concussion during his stint in Toronto and hasn't been the same since, while Goldschmidt is a relative unknown at first. If the Diamondbacks plan to win a championship this season, they have to upgrade one of these positions.
Down on the farm: Trevor Bauer. Bauer should be the next prospect to make an impact with the team. His track record at UCLA, along with a speedy trip through the minor leagues should lead to a spot in the 2012 rotation for the Diamondbacks. I would expect a call-up at midseason if he doesn't break sping training with the team.
Final Verdict: The Diamondbacks can compete in the NL West, especially with the lack of action from the other teams in the division. The D'Backs upgraded their rotation and kept most of their team from last year intact. They should definitely be in the hunt for the division crown, though a championship at this point is probably out of reach.
Comments