2011 Arizona Diamondbacks Season Preview and Predictions

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Once once again the Arizona Diamondbacks ended the year at the bottom of the National League West. Arizona went just 65-97 in 2010, their worst finish because going 51-111 in 2004. Arizona is putting their trust in common manager Kevin Towers, who was signed in September of last year. Towers wasted little time renovating the Diamondbacks roster. Here is a closer appear at what the Diamondbacks starting lineup and starting rotation will appear like this season, plus our MLB predictions on where they will finish the year in the division.

Beginning Lineup

Arizona's offense lived off the lengthy ball last year, but when they didn't succeed with the residence run, they had been even more than most likely swinging and missing, as they set a key league record with 1,528 strike outs. Arizona cut ways with Mark Reynolds and Adam LaRoche, who combined for 383 strike outs in 2010. Arizona is hoping a strong nucleus of young talent and some nice new additions will aid them be additional of a threat in 2011.

Arizona ought to still score a lot of runs with the players they have returning at the best of the order. Chris Young hit 27 home runs and stole 28 bases last season, which makes him a incredibly hazardous leadoff hitter. Kelly Johnson is just what you want as your No. two hitter, he hits for a powerful typical and can drive the ball into the gaps and over the fence. Those two set the table for Justin Upton and Stephen Drew, who are coming off quite quiet seasons, but have the possible for a breakout year. The Diamondbacks are also pretty high on catcher Miguel Montero, who was primed to breakout last season before hurting his knee. If he can stay wholesome we believe he will be 1 of the major surprises in all of baseball this year. The rest of the lineup will be filled with the additions of initial baseman Juan Miranda, who will finally get a shot at showing what he can do, third baseman Melvin Mora, who is getting up their in age but can nonetheless hit, and left fielder Xavier Nady, who also could surprise given a fresh start and even more playing time.

Starting Rotation

The Diamondbacks produced a couple of big moves trading away Dan Haren and Edwin Jackson midway via last year, in hopes of rebuilding for the future, and it appears they struck gold with the addition of Daniel Hudson, who amazed Arizona fans with a 7-1 record and 1.68 ERA in 11 starts immediately after coming over from the White Sox. Hudson instantly became the ace of this staff, and has the tools to come to be one of the best pitchers in the league. The Diamondbacks received Joe Sanders in the Haren trade, and though he went just three-7 with a four.25 ERA, he went 33-14 over his previous two seasons, and we look for his numbers to bounce back this season. The Diamondbacks are also high on Ian Kennedy, who went 9-10 with a three.80 ERA in his very first full season as starter. Kennedy has the makings of an ace as well and could end up difficult Hudson for the top spot in the rotation. The final two spots in the beginning rotation will most likely go to Armando Galarraga and Zach Duke, neither has fairly lived up to their prospective, and if they do not get it figured out early, we wouldn't be surprised if a couple prospects ended up taking their spots.

2011 Projections: 5th Place NL West

While we think Towers will be able to make the Diamondbacks a winner again, we don't believe it will be this year. The rotation is strong at the top, but not a lot to be excited about after that. Offensively Arizona could surprise, but when it is all stated and accomplished, we do not see a great deal improvement this season.