Arizona Diamondbacks 2009 Preview

There is no doubt that the success of the 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks will focus on getting to good start.  The Diamondbacks have an unusual schedule that finds them at home for almost the whole month with just four games away from Chase Field.

Once again look for the starting rotation of Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, John Garland and Max Sherzer to carry this team to NL West crown. 

Brandon Webb and Dan Haren can arguably be called the best one two punch in baseball.  Watch for both Brandon Webb and Dan Haren to contend for Cy Young awards.

The D-Backs will have to rely on the youngsters in their lineup.  Look for SS Stephen Drew to put up over a .300 average and hitting around 25 home runs this season and a sleeper to get some votes for the MVP is he stays healthy. 

Also at the top of the order I see CF Chris Young having a break out season getting his average to around .280 and hitting around 30 hrs.  I also see Bob Melvin letting Chris Young loose on the base paths so he could be a 30 hrs 30 steals kind of player.

Also key to success on the season is Mark Reynolds putting the bat on the ball and not setting records for strikeouts. 

LF Connor Jackson is the most consistent hitter on the team whom will keep his average right around .300 and hit around 20 homeruns.  I see Melvin sharing time with struggling youngster Justin Upton and fourth outfielder Eric Byrnes.

For this season to be a success they need production from Eric Byrnes which was a piece the D-Backs were missing last year. 

The weakest and the possible downfall of the 2009 Diamondbacks is the bullpen.  A lot of pressure is going to be on the new closer Chad Qualls.  The bullpen can be fixed just as long as John Rauch figures out how to pitch again.  In May watch for Flash Gordon to be called up to the big leagues to get outs late in the game.

The Diamondbacks could win a World Series with the starting five rotation that they have but its going to be on the young hitters in the lineup to see how far they really do go. 

I see this team some how some way getting into the playoffs this season the starting rotation is just to good.  Whether its a NL West crown or winning the Wild Card.