2009 Arizona Diamondbacks Season Outlook.

The 2008 season ended on a sour note for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks who held a two and a half game lead on the Los Angeles Dodgers fell quickly in the standings and were officially eliminated on September 25th. Many believe that the loss of Orlando Hudson to a season ending wrist injury was to blame. But losing Hudson for the season, doesn't seem to be the end of it. Hudson, who is an unrestricted free agent expects top dollar in the open market, and the Diamondbacks just do not have the payroll to pay him. Another contributor, who the Diamondbacks picked up on August 11 for Micah Owings, Dallas Buck, and a prospected from the Cincinnati Reds was Adam Dunn, and his return to the team is also highly unlikely. So who is going to replace these two very valuable pieces? Well that is still up for discussion. At the GM meetings in Dana Point, California, Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes is taking his time and letting all the possibilities pan out. Byrnes says "I don't think it has to fit somewhere in a time line," in regards to the free agency period. He also added, "Obviously, at some point we need to resolve it. But whether it's early in the off-season or later, it doesn't matter. I think we're aware of the candidates, and at some point guys will end up with new teams or not be traded, as the case may be. We just have to stay on top of it." With that being said, some are still wondering what will happen to the future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. The Diamondbacks and Johnson's agent have had inital talks about his future in Arizona but the only way the Diamondbacks can bring Johnson back is if he takes a significant pay cut. However some believe that the re-signing of Johnson is the number one thing on the Diamondbacks off season agenda.

With Orlando Hudson, Adam Dunn, and possibly Randy Johnson leaving town lets look ahead to 2009. There are still questions about the health of Eric Byrnes, but for now we will slot him in left field. Center fielder Chris Young is pretty much a lock for his position, as is right fielder Justin Upton. The infield is were it starts to get shaky. Last years Third Baseman Mark Reynolds committed 34 errors. Some want to see him move to second base, and place Chad Tracy back at his original position of third base, but because of Tracy's bad knee the Diamondbacks are hesitant at doing that. The one lock on the infield is shortstop Stephen Drew who really came into his own both offensively and defensively. Second base is the biggest question. There are many possibilities, one being the previous move of Mark Reynolds to second another being Augie Ojeda, sure he has a great glove, and an ok bat, but he has never played a full season as a starter before. First Base is also in question, because of the likely return of Eric Byrnes, it will likely force Conor Jackson back to first place, and leaving Chad Tracy on the bench. This could signal a trade for a second baseman, but we shall see. Also Chris Snyder is pretty much a lock behind the plate. As is the first three in the Diamondbacks starting rotation. Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, and Doug Davis, after that the rotation is a little fuzzy. If Randy Johnson does return then who takes the fifth spot. Will it be Yusmeiro Petit who filled in great when Randy Johnson could not make a couple of his scheduled starts. Or will it be Max Scherzer who did a good job in his short stint with the Diamondbacks this season. The Diamondbacks bullpen is going to need some help with Brandon Lyon heading into free agency. It is believed that Chad Qualls who took over the closer role from Lyon in the ladder part of the season will remain the closer next year. Another big part of the bullpen Juan Cruz also is a free agent, and is likely to be highly regarded by many teams. The set up man for next year will likely be Tony Pena, who has an electric fast ball.

Now we will look at some possible free agents, and trade targets for the Diamondbacks this offseason. Possible second base targets starts with Atlanta Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson. It is believed that Chad Tracy might be enough to get Johnson out of Atlanta. If that were to happen it would basically sure up the Diamondbacks infield, with Reynolds at third, Drew at short, Johnson at second, and Jackson at first. Other possibile targets include St. Louis Cardinals infielder Adam Kennedy, the Cubs infielder Mike Fontenot, and free agents Ramon Vazquez, Mark Grudzielanek, and Felipe Lopez. Also according to elismlbrumors.com if Kerry Wood was to test the open market the Diamondbacks could be the front runner because he lives in Arizona, and he has several friends inside the Diamondbacks organization. Possible free agent pitchers the Diamondbacks may also target include Randy Wolf, Jon Garland, and some think that even Derek Lowe may not be out of the question.

So as the free agency period begins in the next week, it is not yet known what route the Diamondbacks will take so we shall just sit back and see what happens.