Arizona Diamondbacks: With two weeks to go, NL West notebook

The Arizona Diamondbacks, along with clubs in the competitive NL West, edge closer to opening day.

With two weeks remaining in spring training, there are no definite hints as to the make-up and composition of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Plus, there are no suggestions relative to the structure and construction of their National League West Division rivals.

One thing is certain. Spring training is not a period where teams reveal plans for the future. Plus, the reality of limited at-bats and limited innings for pitchers tend to dictate those decisions which foreshadow the season are not made until the final days of camp.

If the Diamondbacks are to be competitive in what pundits call the most competitive division in the majors, where the first month could likely hold vital clues. That’s because the schedule, especially for the first two weeks of May, are particularly challenging.

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Through May 9, they have 11 games with the Dodgers, and that includes two trips to Dodger Stadium. Plus, in those opening weeks of May, the Diamondbacks have the Nationals in Washington and a three-game weekend set with the World Champion Astros in Chase Field. Within a two week period (April 27 – May 13), their slate also includes three more with the Nationals in Chase.

All of which should keep arms humming and bats in motion. Despite their ascendency to the top of the division and regarded as one of the most competitive teams in the game, the Diamondbacks face a division in transition to one of strength and power.

While the two National League wild-card teams last October came out of the West Division, an improvement from clubs within the NL West is obvious.

While the Giants reloaded their offense with Andrew McCutchen and Evan Longoria, the team which could be heading north are the San Diego Padres. Boosted by the free-agent signing of first baseman Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers move back in the outfield, the Padres’ offense could be potent. Padres’ manager Andy Green, after a recent spring game, cited the value of Hosmer (.318 last season with Kansas City; 25 homers, 94 RBIs in all 162 games) to his line-up.

“Just from the leadership respect, he’s great,” Green said. “He’s a quality individual and absolutely love having him around.”

At this point in camp, the Dodgers are smarting from a nagging injury to closer Kenley Jensen, who is limited due to hamstring issues. Jansen has not appeared in a spring game to date.

Righthander Walker Buehler, at one time penciled in as a potential starter in the L. A. rotation, was sent to the Dodgers minor league camp earlier this week. Yet, lefty Clayton Kershaw appears in Cy Young form because he’s has a 0.00 ERA in four spring appearances to date.

Elsewhere in the division, the Rockies believe they have improved with Charlie Blackmon moving to the three-hole in the batting order and production from catcher Chris Iannetta. Coming off one of his best offensive seasons last year with the Diamondbacks, Iannetta appears ready to carry the load behind the plate. With Iannetta back for his second tour with the Rox, Colorado manager Bud Black pointed out what the veteran back-stop brings to his club.

“I think Chris can get close to 300 at-bats,” Black said. “Physically, he’s in great shape and knows this division very well. We’re excited to have him.”

Last season with the Diamondbacks, Iannetta made 272 plate appearances and recorded a .254 average. That went along with 17 homers and 43 RBIs. His home run production was one short of his major league-best, and that was 18 with the Rockies in 2008.

The competitive nature of the division appears paramount. Rockies’ right-hander Jon Gray, who is expected to get the opening day start in Chase Field against the Diamondbacks, told Call to the Pen what is common knowledge.

“It’s really competitive, and there’s no weak team,” he said. “You look at every line-up and there are no weak spots. Teams improved their line-ups during the off-season. So, it’s going to be tough competition, but I look forward to it. That type of competition makes me better and brings the best out of me. I’m looking forward to it; it will fun.”

On the diamond …

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Despite a 7-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday at Salt River, starter Zack Greinke sustained an injury and lasted only one inning.

While concerns this spring settle around Greinke’s fastball velocity, the veteran right-hander experienced what was announced by the club as groin tightness on the right side. The Diamondbacks said a medical update could be provided Thursday.

On Thursday, Arizona travels over to Mesa and a date with the Cubs. Lefty Robbie Ray gets the start for the Diamondbacks, and righty Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03 ERA with the Cubs last season) receives the nod for the North Siders.

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