2012 Arizona Diamondbacks Predictions
After finishing first and second in the National League West in 2007 and 2008, it appeared the Arizona Diamonbacks were shaping up to be a perennial contender. Unfortunately, injuries to ace Brandon Webb kept that from being a reality.
However, after back-to-back last place finishes, the Snakes managed to win the division last season with a 94-68 record. Will they be one-and-done or are they at the top to stay? Get my take on the 2012 D-backs below.
Projected Pitching
Starting rotation: Ian Kennedy (R) – Kennedy emerged as an elite starter in 2011. After going 9-10 with a 3.80 ERA in 2010, he went 21-4 with a 2.88 ERA last season.
Daniel Hudson (R) – Hudson was a solid No. 2 for the Diamondbacks in 2011. He went 16-12 with a 3.49 ERA while tying Kennedy with a team-high 222.0 innings.
Trevor Cahill (R) – Cahill is coming off a down year. He went 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA for Oakland in 2010 but fell to 10-12 with a 4.16 ERA a season ago. The Snakes could make it back-to-back division titles if Cahill can pitch like he did in 2010.
Joe Saunders (L) – After a couple down seasons, Saunders showed some life in 2011 by going 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA. He gives the D-backs a nice southpaw presence in the rotation.
Josh Collmenter (R) – Collmenter surprised in 2011, going 10-10 with a 3.38 ERA in 24 starts. Don’t be surprised to see a decline in his numbers this season now that hitters are more familiar with him.
Closer: J.J. Putz (R) – In his first season closing for the Snakes, Putz converted 45 of 49 save chances.
Projected Lineup
Miguel Montero (Catcher) – Montero was a big part of Arizona’s success last season. Not only did he do an excellent job managing the staff, he batted .282 with 18 home runs and 86 RBI.
Paul Goldschmidt (First Base) – Goldschmidt was pretty golden after an August call-up, batting .250 with eight round trippers and 26 RBI in 49 games.
Aaron Hill (Second Base) – Hill’s home runs were way down in 2011, but he was still a solid run producer with 61 RBI. After struggling in Toronto, Hill batted .315 in 33 games for the Diamondbacks.
Ryan Roberts (Third Base) – Roberts is coming off a season in which he posted career highs in home runs (19), RBI (65) and steals (18).
Stephen Drew (Shortstop) – Drew will be looking to bounce back strong following an injury-shortened campaign. He batted just .252 with five round trippers in 86 games before going on the shelf with a fractured right ankle.
Jason Kubel (Left Field) – The former Minnesota Twin has been brought in to provide more power in the lineup. Kubel batted. 273 with 12 jacks and 58 RBI in 99 games last season. The 29-year-old showed 30 home run-100 RBI power in 2008 when he batted .300 with 28 long balls and 103 RBI.
Chris Young (Center Field) – Young saw his numbers dip in 2011. He hit six less home runs (21) and 20 less RBI (71). A bounce back campaign would certainly help Arizona’s chances in the West.
Justin Upton (Right Field) – Upton is the top stick on the team. He batted .289 with 31 homers, 88 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 2011. The 24-year-old could could have a couple MVP awards to his name before he calls it a career.
Prediction – 2nd Place NL West: The D-backs made a surprise leap to the top of the division last season, but I don’t think they’re a one-hit-wonder. I think the division comes down to the Giants and D-backs again with the Giants owning the slight edge because their pitchers are more proven. The Diamondbacks are listed at +170 to win the NL West.