Arizona Diamondbacks Mount Rushmore

Brandon Webb (2003-2009)

Seemingly on his way to stardom, Brandon Webb’s career was derailed by shoulder injuries.

He certainly appeared to be the next bright star for the Diamondbacks. A home grown talent, Webb had become the ace of the team in his mid 20s. He was a three time All Star, and won the 2006 National League Cy Young award. In 2007 and 2008, Webb finished second in the voting. He led the league in wins twice, and became a dominant workhorse, with five consecutive seasons of over 200 innings.

Unfortunately, right when he was in the midst of his prime, disaster struck. Webb started on Opening Day in 2009, and was roughed up in his four innings of work. that was his last major league appearance, as he underwent numerous shoulder surgeries for bursitis and rotator cuff issues. After holding out for four years, hoping to return, he retired prior to the start of the 2013 campaign.

When he was healthy, Webb was a star. During his six year, and one game, Webb posted an 87-62 record, along with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.239 WHiP. In his 1319.1 innings, he struck out 1065 batters, while issuing only 435 walks. Of those walks, 187 came in his first two seasons, as Webb learned to command his arsenal from that point on.

The Arizona Diamondbacks may always wonder what could have been with Brandon Webb. Even in his brief time in the majors, he proved to be a star.