To Boldly Predict What Many Have Predicted Before

As Spring Training rapidly approaches, I will be giving my previews and predictions for each team in the 2008 season. Within each post will be the team's 2007 record, and my prediction of where they will finish in their respective divsion in '08. I will also give the team's additions, subractions, and who remains as a free agent. Also, I will give my projected lineups and rotations, as well as the team's closer. Finally, will be an improvements/lack of improvements/keys to success section. Tell me what you all think!


*Players in bold have no previous Major League experience.

**Updates will be made as the 2008 season approaches, so keep watch!


Arizona Diamondbacks 2007 record 90-72 (NL West Division winners)
2008 Prediction: 1st in NL West


In

• Chris Burke, Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez (HOU) - acquired for Jose Valverde - 12/14/07
  
• Dan Haren and Connor Robertson (OAK) - acquired for Dana Eveland, Chris Carter, Brett Anderson, Gregg Smith, Aaron Cunnigham, and Carlos Gonzalez - 12/14/07
  
• Billy Buckner (KC) - acquired for Albert Callapso - 12/14/07
  

Out

• Carlos Quentin (CHW) - traded for Chris Carter - 12/3/07
  
• Jose Valverde (HOU) - traded for Chris Burke, Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez - 12/14/07
  

Remaining Free Agents

• Livan Hernandez
  
• Tony Clark
  
• Jeff Cirillo
  
• Bob Wickman
  

Projected Opening Day Starters
C - Chris Snyder
1B - Conor Jackson
2B - Orlando Hudson
3B - Mark Reynolds/Chad Tracy
SS - Stephen Drew
LF - Eric Byrnes
CF - Chris Young
RF - Justin Upton

Projected Opening Day Rotation
Dan Haren
Brandon Webb
Micah Owings
Randy Johnson
Doug Davis

Projected Closer
Brandon Lyon


Improvements: Haren, Chris Burke. It's only two names, but its hard to improve the best team in the league. It's rather clear how Haren improves this team. And Burke gives the team tremendous depth and versatility. For the Astros, Burke saw time at second base and all three outfield positions - and he has a pretty good bat as well.
Lack of improvements: They lost their #1 closer in Valverde, and possibly one of the greatest clubhouse presences in baseball, Tony Clark (to free agency). Both of those players will be hard to replace - but I'm sure GM Josh Byrnes and manager Bob Melvin will find ways to get by.
Keys to success: Randy Johnson. The Big Unit is only 16 wins shy of 300 for his career. There is no doubt that Unit still has the stuff to win 16 games...the only question is his health. He only started 10 games in 2007, and has battled injuries each of the past several seasons as the 44-year old is certainly reaching the end of what should be a Hall of Fame career. The continued offensive leadership of Byrnes and Hudson will also be crucial for the DBacks to repeat as NL West champs. Brandon Lyon is currently slated to be the D-Backs' closer in '08, and he has a total of 25 saves (including 14 in 2005), but he still has not proven himself as a reliable stopper. Lyon will have to step up and ease the gap left by the departure of Valverde, or Melvin may be forced to go in another direction when it comes to the 9th inning.