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jaykno14 · 02-04-2005, 08:54 PM

March 30, 2005
Arizona’s 2005 Preview
ESPN.com analyst Peter Gammons

Phoenix - After what was considered the worst season in Diamondback’s history, they have gone out and changed the entire layout of their team. Literally, from top to bottom.

Out goes CEO Jeff Morad. Out goes general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. Out goes assistant general manager Bob Miller. Out goes Vice President of the club and Garagiola’s special assistant Bob Gebhard. Out goes manager Bob Brenley. Out goes fan favorite and coach Robin Yount. For that matter pretty much every official in Arizona left the team this winter.

And for the players-out goes Richie Sexson. Out goes pitcher Randy Johnson. Out goes 3B Shea Hillenbrand.

Now, Arizona fans can welcome in a number of new faces in the front office department. Into the front office comes CEO Jason King, general manager Josh Byrnes, assistant general manager Eric Kubota, new Director of Player Development Peter Woodfork, a new Scouting Director Galen Carr, and a new Minor League operations director, Randy Johnson. As for manager it will be Bob Melvin, and Jay Bell the former infielder.

As for players, the fans can welcome all star third baseman Troy Glaus, short stops Craig Counsell and Royce Clayton, starting pitchers Russ Ortiz, Shawn Estes, and Javier Vazquez, and new 1B Shawn Green and OF Ben Grieve.

"It’s really a whole different team this year," said one excited fan to a reporter yesterday. "Arizona has something to look forward to this year."

As a whole, people can expect Arizona to do better than last year’s 111 loss team. But, the players are thinking all playoffs this year.

"We want to take it all home not just get there," said newcomer Troy Glaus.

On the other hand, Russ Ortiz is thinking a little different. "I just want to show the fans that this team will become champions and not put a burden on ourselves. If we make the playoffs-great! If we don’t then we will look to improve at certain positions and gun for the playoffs the next year."

Pitching Preview: Rotation

Brandon Webb, Javier Vazquez, and Russ Ortiz look to lead a young pitching staff in Arizona.

PHOENIX - This year’s pitching staff will be led by the young Brandon Webb, and veterans acquired through free agency and trades Javiar Vazquez and Russ Ortiz will be the leaders of this year’s young pitching staff.

Javier Vazquez will be the ace of the staff this year. Vazquez, 28, could be the future in Arizona. He is currently making $10.5 million a year until 2007. "While we would like the salary to be lower, he is definitely in the top ten of pitchers in this league," said general manager Josh Byrnes. Vazquez was 19-10 with a 4.14 earned run average last year for New York.

Webb, 25, broke out last year going 12-15 with a 3.15 earned run average. This year he will have the hitting to win 5-8 more games. "We think that Webb can be a Cy Young candidate this year if he does well enough," said new manager Bob Melvin. Webb features a 91-94 mile an hour fast ball and changeup, and sinker.

Ortiz, 30, is the oldest on the staff and was 13-11 with a 3.45 earned run average for Atlanta last year. Ortiz was signed as a free agent and was signed for $6 million a year until 2008. Ortiz features a 91-94 mile n hour fast ball and also has a screwball, changeup, and slider.

Next is lefthander Casey Fossum who is 27 this year. Fossum started 35 games last year and was 9-11 with a 4.16 era with Arizona. According to some baseball scouts, Fossum has the talent to become an excellent middle of the rotation starter.

To round of the major league pitching staff, is Brand Lyon. Lyon, 25, has potential but has never made it with Toronto or Boston. "Lyon will improve here, I think," said CEO Jason King. "We’ll just have Mark (Davis) work with him in spring training and see what he can do," said King.

The Pitching Staff: Bullpen

Randy Choate, 29, is the setup man this year. He is a left handed specialist but will also face right handed batters this year. Last year Choate was 3-2 with a 2.39 era. He is currently making $650K for the next two years.

Lance Cormier, 24, was just called up from triple a Tucson and will be in middle relief role this year. "We can expect him to have some inexperienced rust but he could evolve into an ideal reliever if all comes together," said Josh Byrnes.

Chad Durbin, 27, was also called up from triple a Tucson and will also be in the middle relief role. Durbin had a 3.38 era in triple a last year. "You can expect Durbin to be an average reliever this year for us," said manager Bob Melvin. "Watching him in Spring Training we are really impressed by the way he handles himself."

Edgar Rodriguez, 22, will be the top middle reliever in years to come and some scouts even say that he may be an all star. Last year he started 24 games but was a measly 8-13 with a 5.36 earned run average. How can someone not like this kid, he even agreed to a minor league contract for next year with the Diamondbacks.

Jose Jimenez, 31, has pitched with Colorado since 1998 until Cleveland signed him last year. With Cleveland he had an 8+ earned run average and just bombed there. "We hope he can come back down to earth and return somewhat to his 2002 form," said CEO Jason King. In 2002, Jimenez had a 3.38 earned run average with 41 saves. In his career he has 110 saves but a 4.70 era.

Mike Koplove, 29, will be my closer for the second straight year. Last year Koplove had 32 saves and had a 2.75 earned run average. "He is a free agent at the end of the year and we would like to extend his contract to beyond 2005," said CEO Jason King.

Oscar Villarreal, who will be 23 this year, is the other set up man other than Choate. "Villy has great stuff and if he can put it all together he can be a top of the notch closer someday," said Player Development Director Pete Woodfork. Villarreal will make the league minimum this year and could possibly be an all star.

The Depth Chart

At catcher the Diamondbacks will have 27 year old Robby Hammock. Hammock has a mediocre arm but could make up for it with his hitting. He can also play third base and out field. At backup catcher is Kelly Stinnett who was an original Arizona player. He has mediocre defense and has below average power for a catcher.

At first base we will have the lone Shawn Green. He was acquired this off season and could provide a big boost to the Arizona swagger. Last year in the pitcher friendly ballpark of LA he hit .266 with 28 home runs and in his career; the 32 year old has hit 291 home runs.

At second is the 24 year old Scott Hairston and 27 year old Andy Green. Hairston is an excellent contact hitter but won’t hit for the home run. The downfall on him is that up the middle he has below average range and this is a position where I want to have that. Andy Green has average range up the middle and is an above average contact hitter. Both have good potential but it is up to them to live up to it.

At short stop is Alex Cintron who is 26. Alex has excellent contact hitting and just below average power. He is a very fast runner and has above average range up the middle of the infield. Back up Royce Clayton was brought to Arizona to do just what he is doing. He is an excellent defensive short stop but has major short comings at the plate.

At third base is free agent Troy Glaus. Glaus, 28, signed a $10.45 million dollar contract through 2008 to play for Arizona. With new CEO Jason King in town Glaus will probably not see the end of that contract. Backing him up is Chad Tracy who is 24. He is good defensively but that is all he is really good for.

In left field will be Luis Gonzalez. Gonzalez, 37, has a $10 million contract through 2007. That will probably be his last year of pro baseball if he lasts till then. In the past, Luis has had injury problems and we could expect the same this year. Ben Grieve will backup the corner outfield spots this year.

In center field is Luis Tererro. Tererro, 24, has the potential to be an average all around hitter. This will be his first full year in the majors. There is no backup at this position and if he gets hurt we may have to look to free agency.

Finally in right, we have 27 year old Doug DeVore. Doug hasn’t had a full year in the majors yet but this is probably going to be the year that he loses that "rookie status". Out of Doug you can expect a decent average and average power numbers.

The Breakdown

All together the Diamondbacks will definitely be better than last year. How better? No one knows but fans would like to believe that this will be a playoff contention team. Our views:

An 89-73 record good enough for second in the West but not good enough for the playoffs.

02-04-2005, 08:54 PM	#16 (permalink)
jaykno14 Major Leagues Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 447	March 30, 2005 Arizona’s 2005 Preview ESPN.com analyst Peter Gammons Phoenix - After what was considered the worst season in Diamondback’s history, they have gone out and changed the entire layout of their team. Literally, from top to bottom. Out goes CEO Jeff Morad. Out goes general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. Out goes assistant general manager Bob Miller. Out goes Vice President of the club and Garagiola’s special assistant Bob Gebhard. Out goes manager Bob Brenley. Out goes fan favorite and coach Robin Yount. For that matter pretty much every official in Arizona left the team this winter. And for the players-out goes Richie Sexson. Out goes pitcher Randy Johnson. Out goes 3B Shea Hillenbrand. Now, Arizona fans can welcome in a number of new faces in the front office department. Into the front office comes CEO Jason King, general manager Josh Byrnes, assistant general manager Eric Kubota, new Director of Player Development Peter Woodfork, a new Scouting Director Galen Carr, and a new Minor League operations director, Randy Johnson. As for manager it will be Bob Melvin, and Jay Bell the former infielder. As for players, the fans can welcome all star third baseman Troy Glaus, short stops Craig Counsell and Royce Clayton, starting pitchers Russ Ortiz, Shawn Estes, and Javier Vazquez, and new 1B Shawn Green and OF Ben Grieve. "It’s really a whole different team this year," said one excited fan to a reporter yesterday. "Arizona has something to look forward to this year." As a whole, people can expect Arizona to do better than last year’s 111 loss team. But, the players are thinking all playoffs this year. "We want to take it all home not just get there," said newcomer Troy Glaus. On the other hand, Russ Ortiz is thinking a little different. "I just want to show the fans that this team will become champions and not put a burden on ourselves. If we make the playoffs-great! If we don’t then we will look to improve at certain positions and gun for the playoffs the next year." Pitching Preview: Rotation Brandon Webb, Javier Vazquez, and Russ Ortiz look to lead a young pitching staff in Arizona. PHOENIX - This year’s pitching staff will be led by the young Brandon Webb, and veterans acquired through free agency and trades Javiar Vazquez and Russ Ortiz will be the leaders of this year’s young pitching staff. Javier Vazquez will be the ace of the staff this year. Vazquez, 28, could be the future in Arizona. He is currently making $10.5 million a year until 2007. "While we would like the salary to be lower, he is definitely in the top ten of pitchers in this league," said general manager Josh Byrnes. Vazquez was 19-10 with a 4.14 earned run average last year for New York. Webb, 25, broke out last year going 12-15 with a 3.15 earned run average. This year he will have the hitting to win 5-8 more games. "We think that Webb can be a Cy Young candidate this year if he does well enough," said new manager Bob Melvin. Webb features a 91-94 mile an hour fast ball and changeup, and sinker. Ortiz, 30, is the oldest on the staff and was 13-11 with a 3.45 earned run average for Atlanta last year. Ortiz was signed as a free agent and was signed for $6 million a year until 2008. Ortiz features a 91-94 mile n hour fast ball and also has a screwball, changeup, and slider. Next is lefthander Casey Fossum who is 27 this year. Fossum started 35 games last year and was 9-11 with a 4.16 era with Arizona. According to some baseball scouts, Fossum has the talent to become an excellent middle of the rotation starter. To round of the major league pitching staff, is Brand Lyon. Lyon, 25, has potential but has never made it with Toronto or Boston. "Lyon will improve here, I think," said CEO Jason King. "We’ll just have Mark (Davis) work with him in spring training and see what he can do," said King. The Pitching Staff: Bullpen Randy Choate, 29, is the setup man this year. He is a left handed specialist but will also face right handed batters this year. Last year Choate was 3-2 with a 2.39 era. He is currently making $650K for the next two years. Lance Cormier, 24, was just called up from triple a Tucson and will be in middle relief role this year. "We can expect him to have some inexperienced rust but he could evolve into an ideal reliever if all comes together," said Josh Byrnes. Chad Durbin, 27, was also called up from triple a Tucson and will also be in the middle relief role. Durbin had a 3.38 era in triple a last year. "You can expect Durbin to be an average reliever this year for us," said manager Bob Melvin. "Watching him in Spring Training we are really impressed by the way he handles himself." Edgar Rodriguez, 22, will be the top middle reliever in years to come and some scouts even say that he may be an all star. Last year he started 24 games but was a measly 8-13 with a 5.36 earned run average. How can someone not like this kid, he even agreed to a minor league contract for next year with the Diamondbacks. Jose Jimenez, 31, has pitched with Colorado since 1998 until Cleveland signed him last year. With Cleveland he had an 8+ earned run average and just bombed there. "We hope he can come back down to earth and return somewhat to his 2002 form," said CEO Jason King. In 2002, Jimenez had a 3.38 earned run average with 41 saves. In his career he has 110 saves but a 4.70 era. Mike Koplove, 29, will be my closer for the second straight year. Last year Koplove had 32 saves and had a 2.75 earned run average. "He is a free agent at the end of the year and we would like to extend his contract to beyond 2005," said CEO Jason King. Oscar Villarreal, who will be 23 this year, is the other set up man other than Choate. "Villy has great stuff and if he can put it all together he can be a top of the notch closer someday," said Player Development Director Pete Woodfork. Villarreal will make the league minimum this year and could possibly be an all star. The Depth Chart At catcher the Diamondbacks will have 27 year old Robby Hammock. Hammock has a mediocre arm but could make up for it with his hitting. He can also play third base and out field. At backup catcher is Kelly Stinnett who was an original Arizona player. He has mediocre defense and has below average power for a catcher. At first base we will have the lone Shawn Green. He was acquired this off season and could provide a big boost to the Arizona swagger. Last year in the pitcher friendly ballpark of LA he hit .266 with 28 home runs and in his career; the 32 year old has hit 291 home runs. At second is the 24 year old Scott Hairston and 27 year old Andy Green. Hairston is an excellent contact hitter but won’t hit for the home run. The downfall on him is that up the middle he has below average range and this is a position where I want to have that. Andy Green has average range up the middle and is an above average contact hitter. Both have good potential but it is up to them to live up to it. At short stop is Alex Cintron who is 26. Alex has excellent contact hitting and just below average power. He is a very fast runner and has above average range up the middle of the infield. Back up Royce Clayton was brought to Arizona to do just what he is doing. He is an excellent defensive short stop but has major short comings at the plate. At third base is free agent Troy Glaus. Glaus, 28, signed a $10.45 million dollar contract through 2008 to play for Arizona. With new CEO Jason King in town Glaus will probably not see the end of that contract. Backing him up is Chad Tracy who is 24. He is good defensively but that is all he is really good for. In left field will be Luis Gonzalez. Gonzalez, 37, has a $10 million contract through 2007. That will probably be his last year of pro baseball if he lasts till then. In the past, Luis has had injury problems and we could expect the same this year. Ben Grieve will backup the corner outfield spots this year. In center field is Luis Tererro. Tererro, 24, has the potential to be an average all around hitter. This will be his first full year in the majors. There is no backup at this position and if he gets hurt we may have to look to free agency. Finally in right, we have 27 year old Doug DeVore. Doug hasn’t had a full year in the majors yet but this is probably going to be the year that he loses that "rookie status". Out of Doug you can expect a decent average and average power numbers. The Breakdown All together the Diamondbacks will definitely be better than last year. How better? No one knows but fans would like to believe that this will be a playoff contention team. Our views: An 89-73 record good enough for second in the West but not good enough for the playoffs.