MLB: D-Backs 2001 season outlook

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Arizona Diamondbacks

After running away with NL West crown two seasons ago, there were high expectations in the desert. However, key players could not duplicate their 1999 totals, and as a result, the D-Backs finished a distant 12 games out of 1st place in 2000.

Led by Cy Young winner Randy Johnson, the Arizona pitching staff has 3 very solid pitchers. Although he is getting up in years, Johnson continues to bring the cheese consistently at 95 mph plus and has harnessed his wicked slider. He is undoubtedly the toughest pitcher to face in the majors (no offense to Pedro) and will be in contention for his 3rd straight Cy Young. Johnson however, is not alone. He is joined by former Phillies ace and power pitcher extraordinaire Curt Schilling. Although he was merely 5-6 after being traded to the D-Backs, Schilling pitched extremely well but did not receive adequate run support.

There aren’t many number three starters in the league better than Brian Anderson. He chews up innings (211 last season) and has a low 4.07 ERA. There is cause for concern at the fourth and fifth spots of the rotation however. At this point in his career, Todd Stottlemyre cannot be depended upon to give a team consistent innings. He’s been on and off of the disabled list the past several years and will start the season on the DL again this season. With Stottlemyre out, the rotation is rounded out by Armando Reynoso and Miguel Batista. Reynoso is nothing special, and although Batista has pitched well in the spring (3.97 ERA), there’s a reason why he was battling for a job.

The bullpen has two flamethrowers that can shut the door on opponents in the eight and ninth. Young righty Byung-Hyun Kim acquitted himself quite well last season as closer when Matt Mantei went down with an injury. This season, Kim will start as the set-up man and will feature his seemingly rising fastball. Closer Matt Mantei returns this season completely healthy, and even if he should falter, Kim will be there to take over.

In order for the Diamondbacks to challenge for the division, they must give their pitchers run support. The offense is led by late bloomer Luis Gonzalez, who had a team high .311 batting average and 114 RBI. Fellow outfielder Steve Finley mans centerfield brilliantly and has continued to hit for pop the past several seasons. However, the team must receive contributions from Tony Womack, Jay Bell, Matt Williams. Womack has incredible speed and the ability to steal 70 bases, but he can’t steal if he can’t get on base. As a leadoff man, he must be more patient at the plate and exceed the 30 walks he drew last season. A career bunter, Bell exploded in 1999 with 38 HRs and 112 RBIs. Like many of his teammates, he struggled last season with his power numbers dropping my one-half. Finally, the x-factor on offense will be 3rd baseman Matt Williams. An MVP candidate two years ago, Williams battled injuries all of last year. Even when he was healthy, he was unable to swing the bat with authority.

The D-Backs are a very fragile team and injuries are likely. Matt Williams continues to feel discomfort in his foot, and outfielder Reggie Sanders is out. If the team can somehow manage to stay away from the injury bug, it will be very formidable. With Johnson and Schilling pitching forty percent of its games, they immediately have a leg up on the competition. For Arizona to recapture the division in 2001, however, it will take a good deal of luck.