MLB: NL West Preseason Division Predictions
By Matt Meffe
Fourth Place: Arizona Diamondbacks
Projected Record: 74-88
Last offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks also went all-out much like the Padres in 2014-15. Arizona, on paper, looked like a potential contender in the NL West. Sadly, their season wasn’t up to par either, and for the second straight year, a buying NL West team failed to live up to expectations. Their misfortunes in 2016 led to some trades this past offseason, and it looks like the Diamondbacks may also be rebuilding.
Unlike the Padres, Arizona’s main issue in 2016 was their pitching staff. Arizona finished the season last in MLB in ERA, and with the second-highest opposing batting average. New acquisition Shelby Miller was a huge contributing factor to the struggles of the pitching staff, as he posted a 3-12 record and a 6.15 ERA in 20 starts. Zack Greinke, who signed a long-term deal with the team last offseason, also struggled in his first season. Offense isn’t the issue for the team, but questions in their starting rotation and bullpen will likely lead to another disappointing season.