Arizona Diamondbacks: The season ahead, and prospects for success

Coming off a successful season, the Arizona Diamondbacks set their sights beyond just qualifying for post-season play.

There is one defining word which filtered through the clubhouse of the Arizona Diamondbacks this spring. This tended to resonate with those players who were here last season and those players new to the organization.

Overall, here’s a one-word map to the season ahead and a useful guide and handbook. Both manager Torey Lovullo and his players refer to their club as “hungry,” and that represents a reference point to the attitude, approach, and posture of this club.

After reaching the post-season under first-year and National League manager-of-the-year Lovullo last season, the bar is now stretched and extended. While this is altogether proper to reach the next stage and ascend further, the roadblock ahead seems prodigious. That’s because the National League West is regarded as the most competitive division in the majors, and the Lovullo told Call to the Pen that his club “has a target on our back.”

Relative to the direction directly ahead, those close to the organization believe there is unfinished business. That would take fortunes to the next level, survive the wild card game again, and forge into the NLCS. For that to happen, the desire and hunger need to be present, and veteran outfielder Jarrod Dyson, who joined the team early in spring training, told Call to the Pen that the perspective of an outsider is valuable.

“These guys are ready to take off from last year,” he said. “Yeah, I sense they’re hungry and ready to go forward. I’m on board with it.”

After general manager Mike Hazen acquired Steven Souza, Jr. from the Rays and signed Dyson as a free agent at the advent of spring training, the offense appeared improved. Though several lamented the loss of J. D Martinez and his prodigious production down the stretch last season, Martinez remained a liability as a defensive outfielder.

Hazen and other number-crunchers view defense from both corner outfield positions as an essential catalyst for winning. For that reason, Yasmany Tomas no longer has a home in the desert and Hazen did not appear too upset when Martinez signed with the Red Sox.

Souza’s bat and power could be regarded as comparable to Martinez, and his glove is superior. Dyson’s speed and acumen on the bases are considered to be a considerable upgrade from marginal team speed from last season. This combination factored into a more aggressive and dynamic offense.

That is until Souza went down with a pectoral strain in his right shoulder late in spring training.

Out until at least mid-May, Souza’s absence now clouds this offensive potential. Plus, there is the issue of third baseman Jake Lamb hitting, or not hitting, left-handed pitching. That scenario will be played out over the first half of the season, and Lamb needs to put up impressive numbers. That’s important because Lamb’s production over the second half of last season was abysmal, and he all but disappeared.

One of the strengths of last season’s team was the starting pitching. Starters lasted deeper into the game, and, throughout the spring, Lovullo consistently told Call to the Pen that remained a significant reason why the Diamondbacks achieved to a certain level a year ago. Now, the expectations are similar, and indications point to improved seasons from principals.

Lefty Robbie Ray, passed over to start the season, could be on track to duplicate or improve his 15-5, 2.89 ERA and 218 strikeouts (in 162 innings) season of a year ago. Zack Godley could be the surprise of the club. Coming off a strong spring training and a 3.37 ERA for 25 starts last season, Godley could be on target for a 15-18-win season with decent offensive support.

Opening day starter Patrick Corbin, with a strong spring still in focus, could win in the 15-victory level, and Zack Greinke, nursing a groin injury at the start of the season, needs to overcome this injury and improve the velocity on his fastball to remain an effective starter.

The “x” factor is the bullpen. Lovullo waited until the final day of spring training to name Brad Boxberger as his closer, and Boxberger’s recent injured past may not provide the endurance and longevity needed for a closer to save 42 to 46 games and keep his team in the pennant race.

Regarding the nature of opening day, the Diamondbacks tend to look at this event as one game in a protracted experience. Paul Goldschmidt, the face of this franchise, told Call to the Pen, that the anxiety of the moment is fleeting.

“There is a build-up, and everyone gets excited,” he said. “It’s part of the game, but it’s only one day in course of the six months. They all count the same.”

What will happen?

There is no question that the offense is better with Souza’s bat and glove, and Dyson as a speed demon on the bases than with just Martinez a year ago. With Souza missing at least the first month-plus of the season, that equation is moot. Plus, the lingering issues of fastball velocity and a groin injury to Greinke need to be resolved. As well, Boxberger, as the closer, must remain forceful and effective.

More from Call to the Pen

At the start of the season, there are probably some red flags Lovullo would care to ignore. Looking ahead, a 90-win season seems a reach and a more likely prediction would be around 86 to 88 wins.

That will not likely qualify for post-season play, and that’s because while the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Padres, Giants, and Rockies slug it out in the NL West, other teams, like the Cardinals, Phillies, Mets, and Brewers could sneak past and gain a wild-card slot.

It’s here, finally …

The Diamondbacks open the 2018 campaign at home against the Colorado Rockies and encounter a familiar face.

The Rox will start right-hander Jon Gray, who started the NL Wild Card against Arizona last October. In that one, Gray was knocked out in the second inning in eventually took the loss. Going just 1 1/3 innings, he surrendered seven hits, four runs and surrendered a three-run homer to Paul Goldschmidt.

Coming into his opening day start, Gray has a long memory and told Call to the Pen during spring training that he’s been waiting for this moment,

“It’s pay-back time,” he said. “The division itself is really competitive. You look at every line-up and there are no weak spots. Teams are improving their line-ups. It’s going to be tough competition and I look forward to this. The tougher competition makes me better and brings the best out of me.”

Next: Ray gives credit to Randy Johnson for guidence

The opening series continues with night games Friday and Saturday in Chase Field with the Rockies. Then, the Dodgers roll into the desert for three games and complete the opening homestand of the season.

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