Now I will give the D'Backs credit for improving their pitching staff this offseason. Now can they generate some runs on offense?
Now, THIS is a discussion!:beer:
What we have is a bunch of developing hitters.
Hopefully.
We did see some tremendous improvement in a few player's hitting during the last third of last season, and are hoping for that development to continue. Steven Drew and Mark Reynolds are starting to get comfortable and a little more patient at the plate so their productivity is starting to increase.
Chad Tracy will be back to hopefully add to the run totals and Connor Jackson continues to improve his BA.
We will lose Tony Clark, but his value is becoming more and more marginal with the developing young players.
Eric Byrnes hasn't done a damn thing (but it's certainly not for lack of effort...he just hasn't produced at the plate) since he signed a 3y, $30M contract, but he probably earns the team at least that much $$ in women's t-shirt sales....the chicks love him.
The real story of this team is their infield defense...it's just amazing. Reynolds has a powerful arm at 3B, Stephen Drew is gonna be better than his brother, we've got a multi-time gold glove winner in Orlando Hudson at 2B and two decent guys sharing duties at first...either one of whom can make a great pinch hitter when needed.
If everyone remains healthy, the Diamondbacks are certain to win the division and have as good a chance as any to take the pennant.
The guy that put this team together is in his 30s. He's learned from his time with the Red Sox and he's made everyone in this state very happy with his shrewd moves this off-season. The team is STILL paying deferred salaries to the stars of the '01 World Series and have a tight budget.....but he made it work and my hat's off to the guy.