Bumps form on road to respectable
Five issues facing the D’backs:
1. Relief needed: Last season, the Diamondbacks allowed more runs than any other team in the league in the seventh inning. They also allowed the most runs in the eighth inning. They allowed the third-most runs in the ninth.
As you might have guessed, it was a rough season for the bullpen – and the Diamondbacks expect to head into next year with a retooled group of relievers.
Before the lockout began last week, they made their first big move in that area, signing veteran right-hander Mark Melancon to a two-year, $14 million deal. It’s expected that they’ll make at least one more move in the late innings before the season begins – and they have said they plan to keep an open mind when it comes to breaking their pitching prospects in at the major league level via the bullpen.
2. Defensive
doldrums: Prior to last season, manager Torey Lovullo’s teams have tended to be defensively sound groups. Last season was an exception, with the Diamondbacks making far more mistakes – miscues both fundamental and mental – than any Lovulloled team before it.
Some of it could explained; some couldn’t. The team openly admitted it asked too much of too many players in its quest to develop versatility. The club also badly missed first base coach Dave McKay, who has been credited over the years for his work helping the team’s outfielders improve defensively.
They are hoping asking less of more players will help them improve at their primarily positions. They’re also hoping a new year brings new results.
3. Gallen’s
hiccups: A year ago, right-hander Zac Gallen looked like a Cy Young candidate in the making. But not much went right for him last season, starting with three trips to the injured list for various issues.
The Diamondbacks are hoping Gallen pitches more like the guy he was in 2020 (2.75 ERA in 12 starts) than in 2021 (4.30 ERA in 23 starts), and they hope that starts with a fully healthy year.
4. Youth brigade: The Diamondbacks’ farm system, which has been in
OFFSEASON OUTLOOK
In addition to signing closer Mark Melancon, the Diamondbacks still need bullpen help. They’re also in need of a third baseman, which would shift Josh Rojas into more of a super utility role.
2021 record
52-110; fifth place, NL West the midst of a rebuild for years, began bearing fruit last year – and it is expected to continue to graduate players to the big leagues in 2022.
Outfielder Alek Thomas, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and a slew of pitching prospects figure to impact the majors at some point, and how well they perform should give the organization a sense of how close it is to returning to contention.
5. Return to decency: After losing 110 games last year, the Diamondbacks don’t reasonably expect to catch the Dodgers and Giants in the National League West. But they also don’t think they’re as bad as they showed last year.
As they try to build around a young core of players – a group that includes the dynamic Daulton Varsho – they’ll be trying to show they can re-instill winning ways within the organization. Being a competitive team – if not a contending team – would go a long way toward that ideal.