| It's hard to imagine how the Diamondbacks could | | | | back to the minors, are questions that have not |
| be any worse in 2010 than they were in 2009. | | | | yet been answered. |
| They weren't the worst team in the league, but | | | | Miguel Montero, who batted.294 and had an |
| they were close. They ranked 20th in hitting and | | | | on-base percentage of.355 in 2009, will likely be |
| 25th in pitching, posting a dismal 70-92 record and | | | | the starting catcher, and the team will probably |
| finishing 25 games back of the division champions, | | | | try to trade Chris Snyder, who has been out with |
| the Los Angeles Dodgers. | | | | back surgery, once spring training begins. |
| Two key injuries hurt the team in 2009. Ace | | | | However, if they cannot get a decent offer for |
| pitcher Brandon Webb was lost on opening day to | | | | him, they will likely keep him as a back-up catcher. |
| a shoulder injury, but is reportedly ready for | | | | If first baseman Brandon Allen (a.202 hitter for |
| spring training. He pitched only 4 innings and | | | | 2009) can find his game, Chris Young comes out |
| posted a 13.5 ERA, giving up 6 hits, 6 runs, and 2 | | | | of his slump (he hit only.212 for 2009), and Mark |
| homers. One of their best hitters, Conor Jackson, | | | | Reynolds can improve his strike-out ratio (he |
| was also injured; while he hit only.182, he also had | | | | hit.260 but also struck out 223 times in 155 |
| only 99 at bats in 30 games. | | | | games), the bats will be greatly improved over |
| The team is still looking to improve the bullpen. | | | | 2009. With a 2009 team batting average of.243, |
| Chad Qualls will probably be the closer again, if he | | | | the hitting has to improve for the team to have |
| makes a full recovery from his knee injury. During | | | | much of a chance for 2010. |
| 2009, he pitched 52 innings and had a 3.63 ERA. | | | | Most post season action involved Diamondback |
| There are few changes to report at present, | | | | players being signed to minor league contracts. |
| although the Diamondbacks have acquired Aaron | | | | Luke Carlin rejected assignment to the minors |
| Heilman. | | | | and turned free agent. Eric Byrnes was released |
| The starting rotation is still up in the air. The fifth | | | | outright, and Josh Whitesell went free agent when |
| spot has yet to be decided, but Billy Buckner | | | | he was not offered a contract. Jeff Bailey and |
| seems likely to get the assignment, despite | | | | Rodrigo Lopez were signed to minor league |
| acquiring a 6.40 ERA in 77.1 innings of work. | | | | contracts, as well as Drew Macias. However, in a |
| Overall, the team ERA was 4.44, which really isn't | | | | three-team, seven player deal, the Diamondbacks |
| that bad for a team that finished in the division | | | | sent Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the |
| cellar. | | | | Tigers, and acquired Ian Kennedy and Edwin |
| With the signing of free agent Kelly Johnson, the | | | | Jackson from Detroit. |
| issues at second base appear to have been | | | | Diamondbacks management remains hopeful for |
| handled. Whether or not they will trade Augie | | | | 2010, and if the team can stay healthy, they |
| Ojeda, and whether they will send Tony Abreu | | | | should be better in all areas. |