Diamondbacks Correspondent Report

Team Report: The Diamondbacks are 2-7 and in a place they haven't been in quite a while, last in the division. At the root of the diamondbacks troubles is the offense, having only scored 23 runs in 9 games. Luis Gonzalez how ever has been a bright spot; he is currently hitting .375 with 3 Home Runs.
Lets take a look at the team player by player.

Starting Rotation

Randy Johnson: Although Randy has struggled he is expected to warm up and start pitching like the Randy Johnson of the last few years.

Curt Schilling: Although he has struggled as well it is reasonable to think that both Randy and Curt would have won a game or two if the offense had been producing.

Elmer Dessens: His ERA of 3.03 was among the league leaders. And I think that with run support that he was unable to get with the Reds last year he could be a 15 game winner.

John Patterson: Patterson has been a top prospect for many years but last year he really showed why. In 5 starts last year he had 2 wins at an ERA of 3.23. Surprisingly though he had a so-so spring and was out done by Oscar Villarreal, who eventually won the job as the fourth starter, that move meant that Patterson had to be sent to triple A Tucson. I would expect Patterson to be starting for the Diamondbacks at some point this year though.

Miguel Batista: As a result of Byung-Hyung Kim earning a starting job Batista will be starting the year in the bullpen. However if injuries or slumps occur don't be surprised to see Miguel Batista in the starting rotation.

Byung-Hyung Kim: Much to my surprise Kim won the number 5 starting job coming out of spring training and so far it looks like it will work out. Kim has pitched well in Colorado and L.A. and with decent run support should win 10-15 games as a starter.

Matt Mantei: Since Kim has been named a starter this year Mantei has stepped into the closer role. So far he looks like he has fully recovered from Tommy john surgery, and is pitching quite well.

Lyle Overbay: Lyle has been named the Diamondbacks Starting First Baseman for 2003, And for good reason. Last year in the Pacific Coast League Lyle hit .243 with 19 home runs and 109 RBIs. He has been compared to Mark Grace with more power.

Mark Grace: The main reason the Diamondbacks resigned Mark Grace was so that he could ease Lyle Overbay into the majors. Some have gone so far to say that he is a Player/Coach. I wouldn't quite take it that far but he is doing a fair amount of mentoring of Lyle Overbay.

Junior Spivey: I love Junior Spivey. He's a great ball player, and a nice guy! A rare combination these days. Last year he hit .301 with 16 Home Runs and 78 RBIs. I would expect the AVG to stay the same but look for more power. I also wouldn't be surprised if he got 15-25 steals.

Tony Womack: The only reason to draft Womack would be his speed. He had 29 stolen bases last year. I would expect that number to go up some but don't expect more then 40.

Matt Williams: Williams will be fighting for playing time and although he is determined I can't believe he will go through the season injury free.

Craig Counsell: Craig is a fan favorite for no reason. He won't play that much and when he does play he doesn't get great stats. But because people like him his fantasy value is higher then it should be.

Chad Moeller: Since Damian Miller has been traded Moeller will see most of the playing time at least until Rod Barjas recovers from his hamstring pull.. In the past he has been Randy Johnson's personal catcher and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to a full time role. Fantasy Spin: I would only draft Moeller in an NL only league.

Rod Barajas: Rod injured his groin rounding first base in Colorado. I wouldn't expect to see him back for a while.

Luis Gonzalez: So far the hottest hitter on the DBacks. Gonzo has 3 home runs when batting .375. Hopefully he can keep it up, because he is the only player contributing for the Diamondbacks.

Steve Finley: Possibly the best move the Diamondbacks made this Off-season was resigning Steve Finley. Look for stats around .285 with 25 HRs and 85 RBIs. Fantasy Spin: Great late round sleeper.

Danny Bautista: Danny is my sleeper of the year. Before he got hurt last year he had a .325 Avg with 6 HRs and 23 RBIs in only 40 games. I would expect stats of .300 Avg 20 HRs and 80 RBIs

Quinton McCracken: Mr. Clutch. I don't think I could count how many 8th inning game-winning hits he had last year. However he will only get playing time as a pinch hitter or when an Outfielder is injured. If that happens and you are hurting with Avg he might be a good fit for your team. Last year he had an Avg of .309 in 123 games