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2008 Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on March 28, 2008

Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Arizona Diamonds season preview have the snakes rattling the West again this year. Our MLB predictions show that with the addition of ace Dan Haren, the D-backs have put themselves in a position to challenge for the World Series as well as remain a contender for years.

Starting Rotation/Bullpen

It was Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling who led the D-backs to the 2001 World Series. Now, with Dan Haren on board to combine with ace Brandon Webb, the Snakes have another duo at the top of the rotation capable of getting Arizona back to the series. Add Randy Johnson as the third starter and the D-backs just might have the best 1-2-3 punch in all of baseball. Webb went 18-10 last season with a 3.01 ERA. Dan Haren was the AL’s starting pitcher in last year’s All-Star game. He finished with a 15-9 mark and a 3.07 ERA. Doug Davis had a career high 13 wins in his first season with the Snakes. He won seven of his first eight decisions post All-Star break proving to be a valuable second half asset. Micah Owings had a strong rookie season on the mound and at the plate. It’s nice to see a pitcher who can help his own cause.

Tony Pena, Brandon Lyon, and Chad Qualls will compete for the closer job vacated by Jose Valverde. Valverde led the NL in saves last season, but the D-backs made the move as they felt his value would never be higher and that they have the arms to replace him. Pena is a top candidate to close with his fastball/slider combo. Lyon led the NL in holds in 2007 and may return to closing after being effective in the role in 2005. The loss of Valverde could potentially bite the snakes this season, but it appears to be a good move for the long haul.

Batting Order

Centerfielder Chris Young has a big upside. He hit 32 bombs last season and added 27 stolen bases. His .237 average is a little troublesome, but I believe this youngster will improve it in ’08. Second baseman Orlando Hudson is an elite fielder at his position and the ability to switch hit makes him an ideal guy to take the number two spot in the order. His bat continues to improve, and his three straight Gold Gloves make him almost irreplaceable. First baseman Conor Jackson is perhaps the best contact hitter on the team. Right now that contact translates into double more than homeruns, but I think more power will come. Leftfielder Eric Byrnes fits the personality of this team perfectly. He became one of only 11 players in MLB history to have 20 homeruns and 50 stolen bases in the same season. Third baseman Mark Reynolds performed well in 111 games after being called up from Double-A Mobile. He can hit and field and should provide decent protection for Byrnsie. Shortstop Stephen Drew needs to up his .238 average in the seven spot. Rightfielder Justin Upton is only 20-years-old and has 30-homer, 100-RBI capabilities. Catcher Chris Snyder rounds out the order. He is behind the plate for his glove over his bat. But the stick continues to improve.

The Diamondbacks came in a year ahead of schedule by my calculations, winning the NL West with three rookies in the everyday lineup and a payroll which hardly comes close to baseball’s giants. No with Haren joining the rotation, the D-backs are the elite team in the NL West without question and have the potential to challenge for the NL Pennant.

Jimmy Boyd took his clients on the ride of a lifetime last summer with his baseball picks, producing over $50,000 in profits for everyday players. Mr. Boyd goes after more easy money with his MLB betting in 2008 and hopes you’re along for the ride.

Odds to win NL West: 9/5
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 11/2
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 18/1

Our handicappers spend hours going over the baseball odds each day to make sure that you only get the best MLB picks in the business.

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