Our first team post today takes us down to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks are looking to repeat as National League West Champions.
Infield: Miguel Montero at catcher, Paul Goldschmidt at first base, Aaron Hill at second base, Stephen Drew at shortstop, and Geoff Blum at third base.
The infield is a decent hitting infield if Aaron Hill can continue to hit in the National League and if Stephen Drew can stay healthy (that is a big if). Paul Goldschmidt can hit the ball a long way and Geoff Blum is an average third baseman, nothing too spectacular about him. Miguel Montero is an above average catcher with good feet and a good bat, I would say he is a top three catcher in the National League.
Who will have the best season of these guys? I am going to say Aaron Hill, because Drew will not stay healthy and people are starting to get the book on Goldschmidt. Montero is second but I think Hill is going to have a big year with not as much pressure on him as up in Toronto the last couple years. He will hit 20+ home runs and at the second base position that is a good year.
Outfield: Jason Kubel left field, Chris Young center field, and Justin Upton right field.
Jason Kubel will be an underrated addition to this team. I think he will start right away, and he will produce. Chris Young will drive fantasy owners insane with a low batting average and a lot of strike outs, but he will hit 25 home runs and will play a great center field. As for Justin Upton if you read my National League West Predictions you will know that I think he is my MVP guy. This is a five tool player who finally got his head right last year, a very fun person to watch and will only continue to get better.
Who will have the best season of these guys? Justin Upton. He will have a great season this year.
Starting Pitching: Trevor Cahill, Daniel Hudson, Ian Kennedy, Joe Saunders, and Josh Collmenter.
Ian Kennedy had a great year last year winning 21 games and had an ERA under 3. He is the #1 guy for the Diamondbacks this year, and will have another good year. Cahill was a good pick up in the trade with Oakland and Daniel Hudson came out of nowhere to have a very good year last year. I have no idea how Joe Saunders does what he does, but he is simple and effective, even if he throws only faster than Jamie Moyer and Livan Hernandez. Collmenter is a good #5 starter and will have another decent year.
Who will have the best season of these guys? Ian Kennedy. He will make the all-star team this year and will win at least 17 games and be in the running for the cy-young. I don't think he will win it but he will at least be in the conversation.
Bullpen: J.J Putz, Craig Breslow, Brad Ziegler, and Takashi Saito
These are going to be the main relievers for the Diamondbacks this year. All four guys are good relievers, and Breslow will be the main lefty. Putz is the closer and will have 40 saves this year, Both Ziegler and Breslow came over from Oakland and both will love the fact that they went from the cellar dweller Athletics to the 2011 National League West champion Diamondbacks. Saito has had a good career for a few teams, never having a full season ERA over 3.
Who will have the best season of these guys? Putz was nasty last year and he stayed healthy. I think he will be nasty this year and will stay healthy. I like J.J to be an all-star along with Kennedy on the pitching staff.
Record Prediction: 94-68 1st in the National League West.
Next up: Atlanta Braves
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