Mound Talk

The Diamondbacks finished first in the NL West after a suprising 2007 season. There was never any question about the talent of their young players but many expected them to challenge for the division in 2008 or 2009. Much was made about their run differential during the season, they gave up more runs than they scored but they found ways to win the close games. They beat the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS but were swept by the Colorado Rockies in the NLCS. With their starting lineup returning for the 2008 season they expect to improve and defend their NL West title.

Arizona had a 2007 payroll of $52 million and will likely increase that in 2008 but probably not significantly unless it is on short term contracts. They will likely start to lock up their young studs either during the season or after the 2008 season and will want to have the payroll room to do so. They still have one more season of paying Russ Ortiz, which is widely regarded as one of the worst free agent signings in recent baseball history. They do not want to get burned again and with the lack of quality free agent pitching it is unlikely they will target anyone who will require more than a 2 year contract. While many of their players are considered untouchable they will likely shop outfielder Carlos Quentin to find some pitching.

Potential players leaving

Tony Clark (1B) – $1.034 million
Jeff Cirillo (3B) - $1.5 million (was claimed off waivers from Minnesota in August)
Livan Hernandez (SP) - $7 million
Bob Wickman (RP) – prorated amount of league minimum (was signed as a free agent after Atlanta released him)
Russ Ortiz (SP) - $7.12 million (3rd year of a 4 year contract – was waived in 06)
Jorge Julio (RP) - $1 million (paid to Florida as part of trade)
Shawn Green (1B) - $5.8 million (paid to the Mets as part of trade)

The Diamondbacks will have around $22.3 million coming off their books going into 2008 with $3 million to spend after pay increases if they keep their payroll at the same level. They have a need to fill out their starting rotation with the likely departure of Livan Hernandez and the injury risk of Randy Johnson. They will likely go after guys who won’t require more than a 1 contract such as Bartolo Colon, Matt Clement or Kris Benson. They may bring back Jeff Cirillo to give them versatility off the bench.

Strengths

Young Talented Position Players – With Eric Byrnes their only position player over the age of 30, the core of this division winning team will be around for years to come. Chris Young, Stephen Drew and Conor Jackson have shown glimpses of becoming future All-Stars; in most seasons Young would have won the Rookie of the Year but 2007 was a strong year for rookies. Justin Upton was able to get playing time in 2007 and should continue to develop and should become the best player of all their young studs.

Ace & Closer – Brandon Webb won the 2006 Cy Young and was the runner up in 2007 giving the Diamondbacks a true ace to anchor their pitching staff. Jose Valverde led the National League in saves and has shown he can be a reliable closer, which has been an issue in the past. He has the talent to be a top closer for several years if he can continue to control his pitches.

Weaknesses

Bullpen depth – The bullpen was very good for Arizona in 2007 but they do not have much depth if one of their guys goes down with an injury. Brandon Lyon had a very good season but he has had injury issues in the past and Juan Cruz has struggled with control throughout his career.

Off-season Priorities

Arizona needs to bring in another starter or possibly two to fill out their rotation. They current starting staff heading into 2008 looks like this:
Brandon Webb
Doug Davis
Micah Owings
Randy Johnson
Yusmeiro Petit
With the health concerns of Johnson and the continuing development of Petit they need to bring in two starters to challenge for a spot in the rotation. They should go after low cost veterans who will be looking to prove themselves again for next season’s free agency. Matt Clement, Kris Benson, Bartolo Colon, Randy Wolf and Jeff Weaver fit this bill.

If the Diamondbacks do spend money on a 3 year deal it should be on a reliever to give better depth to their bullpen. Jeremy Affeldt or Scott Linebrink could be good fits in Arizona. They could also bring in some depth on lesser contracts to a Mike Myers or Shawn Camp.

One final trade possibility could involve Chad Tracy. There is a need for third baseman around the league and depending on the confidence Arizona has in Mark Reynolds Tracy become expendable. The Twins, Phillies and possibly the White Sox and Cardinals could have interest if the Diamondbacks make him available.