Arizona Diamondbacks: 2017 season in review
For 2017, the Arizona Diamondbacks enjoyed a 24-game win increase over the previous season, and a trip to the playoffs.
Now, the lobbying begins.
Given the success the Arizona Diamondbacks enjoyed over their recently-completed season, personal accolades will likely follow. For starters, Paul Goldschmidt will receive consideration for the NL MVP, manager Torey Lovullo for NL Manager of the Year, and Zack Greinke for the Cy Young award.
For all the improvement over the previous regime of then-manager Chip Hale and his GM Dave Stewart, there remain several threads why this team achieved to the level of winning the NL Wild Card game, and moving into NL Division Series.
Now, the biggest challenge Mike Hazen, the current GM, is try and keep this team together, and move to the next level. That may be easier said than done, and that’s because of the transient nature of player movement.
Still, there are several reasons why this team achieved what they did in 2017.
OFFENSE
When Hazen was named GM to replace Stewart last October, there was not much, offensively, to change. The Diamondbacks were capable of scoring in bunches and putting up crooked numbers
The work ethic and results from first baseman Paul Goldschmidt tended to have a residual effect throughout the team, and made those around him better. Jake Lamb emerged as a legitimate power hitter and RBI collector. He was rewarded with a spot in the NL All-Star team, and David Peralta developed as a steady and reliable lead-off hitter
Injuries to Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed, both shortstops, necessitated the placement of Ketel Marte at that position, and this acquisition from Seattle in the Jean Segura–Taijuan Walker deal, delivered a potent bat and sure glove.
Catchers Jeff Mathis and Chris Iannetta held their own at the plate, and Iannetta provided a power surge. His 17 home runs were the second-most in his major league career. In 2008 with the Rockies, Iannetta slammed 18 homers.
From a team standpoint, the Diamondbacks finished seventh in the NL in team batting average, fourth in the NL in runs scored, led the NL in doubles and triples, and finished third in RBI.
DEFENSE
While not spectacular, the defense performed at a capable level. Lamb continued to have issues moving to his left, and Brandon Drury, who began the season as the everyday second baseman, seemed out of position.
While Drury is a natural third baseman, the Diamondbacks did not move Lamb in the past off-season to make room for Drury, so Drury had “to sink or swim.” In the end, he was neither spectacular nor outlandish. Going forward, he will have to improve his range at second, and also apply a quicker throw on the double play.
Mathis was particularly impressive in handling the pitching staff, providing leadership and one player in which Lovullo sought out for advice and answers. His framing was important to pitchers like Robbie Ray and Walker, and the staff’s marginal decline in September could be attributed to Mathis out the of the line-up. He broke his right hand in late August, but did return for the postseason.
Pitching and defense are tied together as principal elements for success.
On the mound, the Diamondbacks placed second in the NL in ERA (3.66) and only the Dodgers (3.38) were better. In 2016, they were last in the NL with a 5.09 team ERA.
At the same time, they finished second to the Dodgers in team strikeouts, and lefty Robbie Ray (218) was third in the NL in strikeouts behind leader Max Scherzer (268) and Jacob deGrom (239).
RUNNING GAME
The Diamondbacks were sneaky in their collective ability to steal bases and intelligent in running the base paths. By picking their spots they were able to be successful most of the time.
San Diego manager Andy Green called first-base coach Dave McKay the “best first base coach in the game,” and McKay was responsible for reading opposing pitchers, ascertaining the best time to run, and putting base runners in a position to be successful.
By employing a system designed to take advantage of the opposition, the Diamondbacks were able to put pressure on defenses, and take an extra base or two when presented.
The running game was responsible for an overall improvement of the offense, and one reason why the Diamondbacks were able to manufacture runs.
CULTURE OF LOVULLO
The presence of Tory Lovullo as field manager was a significant factor in the turn-around.
Coming into spring training and from day one, Lovullo instituted a culture more far reaching than Hale was ever able to employ. His stress on open communication, putting players as people above athletes and stressing the essence of “family” all continued to forge a positive clubhouse.
After Arizona was eliminated by the Dodgers in the playoffs, players reflected on the influence of Lovullo, and reliever Archie Bradley told Call to the Pen, “I don’t want to play for any other manager other than Torey Lovullo.”
The environment and atmosphere from the distress of the 2016 to the euphoria of the 2017 season was pronounced. Lovullo turned this clubhouse, and these players, into a cohesive, professional group dedicated to winning and friendship.
OVERALL SEASON REVIEW
While most pundits believed the Diamondbacks might improve by a few games from the 2016 season, the rapid ascent through the National League West was significant.
Hazen and Lovullo came in with a plan (which they would not reveal), and the players bought in from day one. The sense of something special about to happen transpired the first week of the season. Reliever Archie Bradley told Call to the Pen that after the opening game, there was a feeling and sentiment that the season ahead could be distinctive.
“After we beat in the Giants and (reliever Mark Melancon) with a walk-off from CO (Chris Owings on opening day), and swept the Indians, we knew we had something here,” he said.
For a team which turned dismal fortunes into building blocks for the future, this is now a team ready for improvement. To continue moving ahead, those those building blocks, like finding ways to win, and stellar seasons from several payers, must continue.
In the coming offseason, that’s the challenge for Hazen and his ability to now manufacture back-to-back successful seasons.