2009 Arizona Diamondbacks Preview

In an effort to get every preview done by the season opener, you may notice that some of the team previews will be of the shorter variety. With some of the “extra information” not included, this should make for an easier read. Enjoy!

Key Additions: Jon Garland, Felipe Lopez, Scott Schoenweis, Tom Gordon

Key Subtractions: Randy Johnson, Orlando Hudson, Brandon Lyon, Adam Dunn, Juan Cruz

A look at the lineup:

CA – Chris Snyder is back as the catcher and is expected to hit eighth. Miguel Montero will be the primary backup. Rule 5 pick James Skelton also could see some work.

1B – Chad Tracy will be at first base most days, but Conor Jackson will see time as well. Tony Clark is also on the roster and could see some work.

2B – Felipe Lopez was acquired this off-season to be the leadoff man and everyday second baseman. Augie Ojeda is the primary reserve, while Josh Wilson and Skelton add depth.

SS – Stephen Drew came into his own last season and will be expected to carry the load as the team’s shortstop and three-hitter in 2009. Ojeda is the primary backup.

3B – Mark Reynolds will be back as the third baseman and will hit sixth. Chad Tracy could also see some work at the hot corner and Wilson adds depth.

LF – Formerly a first baseman, Conor Jackson was moved out of a crowded infield and into left last season. The experiment worked out and Jackson will be back as the everyday left fielder and cleanup hitter in 2009. Eric Byrnes should see a ton of work off the bench.

CF – Chris Young is back as the centerfielder and will hit second. Byrnes will be the backup.

RF – Arizona will be hoping starting rightfielder and five-hitter Justin Upton will reach his sky-high potential this season. Byrnes will be the reserve.

A look at the pitching:

Starters – Brandon Webb and Dan Haren return as one of the best pitching duos in major league baseball. Doug Davis and newcomer Jon Garland add experience to the middle of the rotation. Highly-touted Max Scherzer will get a shot to contribute as the team’s fifth starter and could be primed for a breakout season. Yusmeiro Petit, Billy Buckner, and Juan Gutierrez are options for spot starts.

Relievers – With Brandon Lyon in Detroit, Chad Qualls is the team’s new closer. Tony Pena and Jon Rauch are two of the game’s finest setup men.  Tom Gordon was signed to add talent to the bullpen and he will have to battle it out for innings with a cast that includes Doug Slaten, Leo Rosales, Bobby Korecky, Scott Schoenweis, and Petit.

Outlook:

The Diamondbacks lost a few decent players this off-season, but they appear to still be in pretty good shape for 2009. The lineup is solid and it’s young talent should only be better this year. The Webb-Haren-led rotation is respectable and will be even better if Scherzer is effective. The seventh through ninth innings should be pretty safe with a talented back end of the bullpen.

Prediction:

The Dodgers will prove to be too tough and will win the NL West, but the Diamondbacks will hang in the race all season long. In the end, it will be an 86-76 season that results in no playoff appearance.