30 Teams in 30 Days: Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks had a confusing off season. Are they rebuilding, or are they trying to win? They allowed Richie Sexson to leave, and moved Randy Johnson and Steve Finley (last year), so all signs pointed towards rebuilding. They looked like they were going to turn the team over to their young players last year, and got some younger guys in the Randy Johnson deal, but then spent a whole lot of money in the off season on older guys. Questionable moves to say the least.

The offense stalled last year when Richie Sexson was lost for the year early in the season, and Luis Gonzalez struggled with a torn shoulder. Because of those injuries, and injuries to Roberto Alomar, Scott Hairston, Alex Cintron, Matt Kata and Chad Tracy got a lot of playing time. All four of those players played fairly well when called upon, and looked to be guys the D’backs would build around, but then came the off season. The Diamondbacks let Shea Hillenbrand leave, and elected to sign free agent, and oft-injured third baseman Troy Glaus. And sign him to a huge deal. That’s just head-scratcher number one.

After making a deal with the Dodgers, the opening day right fielder for the Diamondbacks is now Shawn Green. First of all Shawn Green is not the player he once was. Secondly he cannot effectively play the field anymore. Head-scratcher number two. In a combined effort, the third questionable move they made on offense was bringing in Royce Clayton, Craig Counsell and Tony Clark. First of all, why? And Secondly, Why? Counsell and Clayton both struggled last year, and are showing signs of getting older. The Diamondbacks have a glut of middle infielders. Why not allow those guys to play? And Tony Clark. Is Tony Clark going to help you that much? The other move they made on offense was adding Jose Cruz Jr. Cruz Jr. was a projected five tool guy as a prospect with the Mariners, but never lived up to that potential. Can he be a good player, sure. Is he better than anything they had at centerfield, absolutely, so this move isn’t all that bad.

The pitching staff hasn’t been the same since the World Series team in 2001. Brandon Webb is back, and one of the better young pitchers in the NL. But along side Webb are some question marks. Big money was spent in the off season on two guys. Russ Ortiz and Shawn Estes. Ortiz is an innings eater, and has won 20 games in the past, but he can’t be the guy to anchor your staff. Estes is nothing more than a fourth of fifth starter, and wouldn’t even see that much playing time if he wasn’t left handed. Brad Halsey and Javier Vazquez were both acquired from the Yankees in the Randy Johnson deal too. Halsey isn’t projected to be anything higher than a 3 or 4, but Vazquez is interesting. He was dominating for a stretch in Montreal, and just all of a sudden lost it last year. He says it was his delivery and mechanics, so if he can adjust that he may be a top tier pitcher again.

The Bullpen is shaky to say the least. Greg Aquino and Jose Valverde will compete for the closers job. Don’t feel too embarrassed if you’ve never heard of these guys before. Mike Koplove, Oscar Villarreal, Lance Cormier, Jose Jimenez, Randy Choate, Mike Fetters, really the list goes on of unimpressive guys competing for a job. I shouldn’t say they are all unimpressive. Valverde and Aquino both looked good last year, and Valverde had a very good year in 2003. One other name to keep an eye on is Casey Daigle. He could potentially win a job in the starting rotation, and make a name for himself other than Mr. Jenny Finch.

5 Burning Questions

I am going to lump all 5 into 1 here.

5-1. What are the Diamondbacks doing?
Seriously, make up your mind. Rebuild and go with the youth movement, or go all out on the free agents. They decided to go halfway on both fronts. If you are going to try and win now, pony up and resign Richie Sexson, bring in some bullpen help, and add another Marquee pitcher. They let Sexson go and thought “Oh well, lets try and win anyway with older second tier guys.” I don’t get it.

Fearless Predictions

Javier Vazquez will pitch very well (I would pick 15 wins if the bullpen didn’t suck).
Casey Daigle will crack the opening day rotation.
Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green will have down years again.
Troy Glaus will play in 100 games.
Oscar Villarreal will win the closers job.
The Diamondbacks will disappoint and finish only ahead of the Rockies in the NL West.