Chris Constancio: In the National League, I expect the Arizona Diamondbacks to surprise a lot of people next year. They are replacing recent underperformers such as Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Craig Counsell with a group of talented rookies such as Stephen Drew, Carlos Quentin, and Chris Young (see my profile of Young here.)
And don't forget about second-year player Conor Jackson; he had a strong second half of the 2006 season and I expect more of the same going forward. Alberto Callaspo and Miguel Montero are other young hitters who could have a significant positive impact on the team. Some of these rookies may struggle while adjusting to the big leagues, of course, but there is real upside here and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Diamondbacks score more runs than any other team in the National League West as soon as next year. The Diamondbacks rotation has some questions, but Brandon Webb is as good a pitcher as any to build around.
Trading for Doug Davis and Dana Eveland was a useful transaction and I don't think general manager Josh Byrnes is finished addressing that aspect of the team.
If the Dbacks do sign Mulder, and get 20 solid starts from him in the second half of 2007, and add Otuska to the pen (I agree with shoewizard that a trade of Enrique for Otsuka would be a good deal for AZ), the Dbacks may have enough pitching to complement the offense. And the offense could be very good, and it could be made even better if Scott Hairston wins the LF job next year...
Joined: 02 Oct 2006
Posts: 68
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:28 pm Post subject: I like it
Mark Mulder definitely seems to be just using Texas to get the deal up here in Arizona. I'm sure he doesn't want to move to Texas with his new wife (well, in Saturday) when he can just sign in the NL where he resides. Previously reported offer was for 5 years, so I'm sure Mark Mulder will be signed by next week for similar length, with him giving us some financial break.
Otsuka trade along with Keith Foulke addition would definitely help us out. I hope Valverde and Pena pans out and Vizcaino, Lyon, and Slaten just do what they did this season. Signing either Davis or Hernandez to an extension would also be a good idea. Webb-Mulder with one of them with couple young guys should do it for after 2007.
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 858
Location: Tucson, AZ until 3/6... then back to San Francisco
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject:
I think 2007's team is going to surprise alot of people. If the offense all clicks together (not that big of an if, IMO) WHOA... look out. A very exciting team to watch play.
You think if they get Otsuka they'll continue to pursue Foulke?
What's Mulder's, Otsuka's, and Foulke's estimated salaries combined? Since this seems to be the direction of the offseason speculation.
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