Opening Day 2014: Looking At The National League West
By Phil Watson
Mark Trumbo brings thunder to the Arizona lineup, but a penchant for making the routine plays look difficult at his new position in left field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
Last year: 81-81, second place
Projected finish: Third place
What’s New: RHP Bronson Arroyo (Cincinnati), LHP Oliver Perez (Seattle), RHP Addison Reed (White Sox), OF Mark Trumbo (L.A. Angels).
Who’s Gone: RHP Heath Bell (Tampa Bay), IF Willie Bloomquist (Seattle), OF Adam Eaton (White Sox), C Wil Nieves (Philadelphia), LHP Tyler Skaggs (L.A. Angels)
Who’s Down: LF Cody Ross (15-day DL, recovering from hip surgery), LHP Matt Reynolds (15-day DL, recovering from Tommy John surgery), RHP Daniel Hudson (15-day DL, recovering from Tommy John surgery), RHP David Hernandez (15-day DL, torn right elbow ligament), LHP Patrick Corbin (15-day DL, Tommy John surgery).
Outlook: The D-backs took a huge hit when ace Patrick Corbin went down with an elbow injury and underwent Tommy John surgery on May 25. That pushes Wade Miley to the top of the rotation. Arizona is already behind the 8-ball a bit, having lost the two games in Australia on March 21-22. Bronson Arroyo brings experience to the rotation and Addison Reed hopes to solidify a back end of the bullpen that was God awful last season. Mark Trumbo brings power, but if spring training is any indication of his defensive acumen in left field, the Bermuda Triangle might be a more sure bet.