The Arizona Diamondbacks face stiff competition within their own division.
Approaching the championship season, there appear two dimensions regarding the Arizona Diamondbacks. First, there is the reality of their recent success. Qualifying for post-season play and reaching the NL Division series, the bar has been raised.
At the same time, many who believe the NL West to be the strongest division in the majors appears more competitive. Additions to the Padres, Rockies, and Giants tend to indicate those clubs have improved, and the Dodgers seem to be an equal level as their World Series run last autumn.
All of which has helped gather respect for the Diamondbacks, appreciation of the methods of manager Torey Lovullo and praise for execution from the players. From the other dugouts in the division, there remains a heightened expectation, as all clubs wax during spring training, but the NL West appears exceptionally strong.
In that regard, manager Andy Green of the Padres told Call to the Pen that while he is to certain what pundits will say, he stresses his club will be ready.
"“It’s the toughest division in major league baseball right now” he said. “The Giants are not going away even though they had a rough year last year. They went out and reloaded. I think when you look at our schedule in the month of April, you throw every NL West at us after every NL West team and the World Series champ (Houston) in the middle of that. It’s like a fun schedule to start the season out.”"
Given how the schedule presents, teams could be on the brink of early success or doom.
For the Diamondbacks in April, they have six with the Dodgers, including three in Chase Field during the opening homestand. They also have three in Dodger Stadium and three in Washington against the Nats. Then, the fun begins. From April 30 to May 13, they have games only against 2017 playoff clubs, including three at home against the Astros.
That promoted Green to lamented his slate early in the season.
"“I don’t think I’ve seen an April schedule that’s any tougher than the teams we face in the beginning of the season,” Green told Call to the Pen. “When you’re in the NL West, you will play, what is that 76 games against your divisional opponents, and they are four of the best teams in major league baseball.”"
Coming off their World Series appearance, the Dodgers appear to be equally completive. Regarding the nature of the NL West, L. A. skipper Dave Roberts told Call to the Pen that his observation is compatible with the consensus.
"“The division is competitive,” he said. “There’s no other way to put it. I would say it’s the best division in baseball. Teams are just better than last season.”"
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Given the number of games between division rivals, the last team standing will likely be the one with a higher number of wins within the division. Then again, other NL competitive clubs like the Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Mets, and Phillies look to the NL West to beat up on one another and thus free a possible playoff spot. Given that the two NL Wildcard teams came out of the NL West last season could give solace to other NL clubs for that leap into postseason play.
Roster move …
The Diamondbacks reduced their roster by one, and they optioned infielder Domingo Leyba to Double-A Jackson.
Currently, there are 59 players remaining in the major league camp. Like all clubs, the Diamondbacks must reach a 25-man roster by opening day. Arizona opens the season at home March 29 against the Colorado Rockies.
Looking forward …
On Wednesday, the Diamondbacks had the first of two off-days during spring training. Their schedule resumes on Thursday with a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale.
Next: Corbin discounted trade rumors, works on location
Though this is Zack Greinke’s turn, manager Torey Lovullo has not announced a starter for Thursday. For Friday, the Diamondbacks continue their trek across the Phoenix metro area and engaged the Kansas City Royals in Surprise.