Utility:
Connor Jackson 1B/OF, Jeff DaVanon OF, Damion Easley INF, Chris Snyder C,
25th
man contenders: Robby Hammock INF/OF/C, Greg Aquino RHP, Brian
Bruney RHP, Koyie Hill C, Stephen Drew SS[iv]
Departures: Troy Glaus 3B, Jasvier Vasquez SP, Alex Cintron OF,
Shawn Estes SP, Tim Worrel RP. Mike Koplove RP, Royce Clayton SS, Jose
Cruz Jr. OF
Additions: Johnny Estrada C, Orlando Hudson 2B, Orlando Hernandez
SP, Miguel Batista SP, Eric Byrnes OF, Luis Vizcaino RP
Strengths: If potential won Cy Young’s, then Arizona would have five
contenders in the starting rotation. An active off-season resulted in the
acquisitions of several solid ball players that should keep Arizona
respectable. A veteran core should be able to guide a group of young talent,
like Chad Tracy, Brandon Webb and Stephen Drew. Arizona could go either way,
and giving veteran ballplayers the benefit of the doubt- this could be a
competitive team.
Weaknesses: No lefty out of the pen, and a very inconsistent group
of performers following Brandon Webb in the rotation makes for the potential
of a tired bullpen. The lack of depth and immediate talent to fill in if
injury occurs could lead to a long season in the heat of Arizona’s
retractable cage.
Foreseen
variables: Russ Ortiz has been ticketed to take over the first spot
in a rotation for a few years now, however after a horrendous 2005 campaign,
this year could exude a little fire from the calm hurler. Tony Clark plays
first base as if rigor mortis has set in; expect a trade to an American
League if the Dbacks start to falter early. Chad Tracy may exceed all
expectations; he certainly has the talent to do so.
2006
Projection:
4th in the division. Veterans on the decline, uncertainty in the
rotation and lack of depth in the pen are a volatile combination.
