In 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks made sports history by winning a World Series in only their 4th year of existence.
     Last year, the Diamondbacks were unable to top the weakest division in all of baseball, the NL West, finishing five games behind the division champion Padres. In a division where finishing two games over .500 sends a team into October, you would think the Diamondbacks might have been motivated by the realization that they didn’t have to win every game to succeed. But lackluster end-of-the-season pitching, coupled with atrocious hitting, ensured the D-Backs a spot in front of the TV watching when October rolled around.
    Spring Training brings hope though, and last year is just a memory. During the offseason, Arizona tweaked its rotation and made numerous acquisitions in hopes of once again becoming a playoff contender. Here’s a look at the team the Diamondbacks have to work with:

Pitching
    Brandon Webb may be one of the least known stars in the league at the #1 spot in Arizona‘s rotation. Armed with a monster sinker that he throws around 90 mph, Webb has the ability to get hitters to chase balls nowhere near the strike zone. Webb’s out-pitch, the sinker, along with a strong curveball and changeup, will be the keys to his success in 2006. However, he needs to keep control and take the game pitch-by-pitch, and limit his high walk total that plagued him in 2005. Last year’s 14-win season is deceiving, not necessarily reflecting how well Webb pitched because of poor run support. With increased productivity from his team at the plate, this could be a 20-win season for Webb.
    The biggest concern for the pitcher following Webb in Arizona’s rotation, Russ Ortiz, is staying healthy. He missed over two months of the 2005 season with a fractured rib, returning in August only to end the season 5-11. But he’s a veteran, and should be expected to pitch as such this year.
    New additions to the rotation include veterans Miguel Batista and Orlando Hernandez. Batista, a proven closer, will start the season as the third starter, with Hernandez as the fourth. Hernandez’s post-season experience with the Yankees and White Sox will be a plus for the D-Backs down the stretch.
    Overall, the D-Backs have a more veteran rotation than in years past. The biggest pitching question mark may be closer Jose Valverde only due to inexperience. However, Valverde has proven that he can get it done, saving 33 games in 38 career opportunities and holding hitters to a .113 average through September last season.

Infield
    The Diamondbacks infield has been completely revamped for 2006.
    Starting at catcher is off-season acquisition Johnny Estrada. In 2005 Estrada made a name for himself by knocking in 45 two-out RBI’s with Atlanta, so the Diamondbacks hope he will help change their inefficient run support. He’s a great contact switch-hitter who can hit the gaps, and he works well with pitchers. The biggest question marks with Estrada are his arm strength and accuracy; in 2005 he made nine errors and threw out just under 19 percent of basestealers. But if he’s productive with the bat, it will overshadow his defense.
    Starting at first base will be the inexperienced Conor Jackson. Called up last year as one of Arizona’s top prospects, he played in 40 games with a batting average of .200. With the trade of Troy Glaus, last year’s first baseman Chad Tracy will more than likely be the starting third baseman, opening up first base for Jackson.
    At second base will be Orlando Hudson, who was acquired from the Blue Jays for Glaus. Known as a line-drive hitter, he showed uncharacteristic power from the right side of the plate last year with 10 home runs and a .412 slugging percentage. His athleticism will be a great benefit to the Diamondbacks infield.
    Craig Counsell will be moved to shortstop base to make room for Hudson at second. His sure-handed defense gave him a .990 fielding percentage last year, tied for first in the NL. He also set a career high in stolen bases last season with 26. While his numbers at the plate leave something to be desired, Counsel proved he can hit the gaps with 34 doubles last season.
    Chad Tracy is going to play a majority of games at third base, though he has proven that he can play anywhere from first base to right field. He had a breakout season at the plate last year with a .308 average, 27 homeruns and 72 RBI’s.


Outfield
    Leftfielder Luis Gonzalez is one of two veteran corner outfielders in Arizona. In 2004 he underwent Tommy John surgery. His arm was already weak prior to surgery, and runners have always taken advantage by taking extra bases on him. While his power numbers dropped off last season (likely due to the injury) with only 24 home runs, he was tied for first on the team with 37 doubles. However, since 2004 Arizona has been at the bottom of the league in home runs and runs scored. With a beefed up infield and rotation, Gonzalez must be more productive with his power for the Diamondbacks to contend.
    Sharing the team lead in doubles with Gonzalez in 2005 was right fielder Shawn Green. To show how bad the D-Backs run support was in 2005, Green broke a 5-year streak of 85 plus RBI’s, only batting in 73. He also only slugged 22 home runs, a worrisome statistic for someone with upper-deck power. However, he has a great arm from the outfield, which has proved a challenge for baserunners trying to get that extra base. He also still has good speed for a 13-year veteran.
    Rounding out the outfield will be Eric Byrnes in centerfield. He had an uncharacteristic season last year, batting only .226 with 10 home runs. However he was traded three different times. His greatest attribute that will benefit the Diamondbacks in 2006 will be his speed, not only in the outfield but also on the bases. He has the ability to score around 100 runs, and has the power to hit 20 or more home runs.

You can reach Craig Joseph at craig.joseph@atomicsportsmedia.com