2007 Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks (76- 86) are counting on the return of The Big Unit, Randy Johnson, to get them back on the winning path. The last time this team made the playoffs was 2002, one of Maddux's best results with our baseball picks in our companies history. We know we will have another winning season, can Arizona and the 43-year old Johnson do that, time will tell.

The staff ace is 2006 Cy Young winner RHP Brandon Webb(16- 8, 3.10 ERA), followed by Johnson (17- 11, 5.00). Johnson can still pitch, but his durability due to health issues and his inconsistency are both worrisome. RHP Livan Hernandez (4- 5, 3.76 ERA) did well in 10 starts for Arizona last season. Lefty Doug Davis (11- 11, 4.91 ERA) comes over from the Brewers and should bolster the staff. Closer Jose Valverde (2- 3, 5.84 ERA, 18 SV) has a blinding fastball but is extremely unpredictable. Overall, the bullpen is stable. A fifth starter may be found in the pen.

Arizona has an average hitting game, which includes the bats of second baseman Orlando Hudson (.287 AVG, 67 RBI, 15 HR), third baseman Chad Tracy(.281 AVG, 80 RBI, 20 HR) and shortstop Stephen Drew (.316 AVG, 23 RBI, 5 HR in 59 games). Left fielder Eric Byrnes (.267 AVG, 79 RBI, 26 HR) offers good power.

The addition of Gold Glover Hudson to the infield will help second year shortstop Drew mature, while upgrading the middle infield. New backstop Chris Snyder (.277 AVG, 32 RBI, 6 HR in 61 games) doesn’t have the offensive power of Johnny Estrada, who was traded to the Brewers, but he’s an excellent defensive force and should become a sound hitter with time. Defense is one of Maddux's important MLB handicapping factors in determining which teams are play ons, and it looks like Arizona has improved its defense in the offseason.

GM Josh Byrnes has made all the right moves. He’s signed important pitchers—Webb, Davis and Johnson, and hitters—Tracy and Hudson, giving this team a fine foundation. Manager Bob Melvin has brought in quality bench coach and former teammate Kirk Gibson, which should create a winning aura.

The Diamondbacks have a chance at a winning season, especially with Webb as their number one starter. The line-up could use a few more bats and the closing situation is scary. Finally, is Johnson capable of a full season of quality starts?

Read more on the Diamondbacks other NL West division competitors like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and San Francisco Giants.

For more info on the Diamondbacks check out the MLB official page for Arizona.