MLB  >>  Arizona Diamondbacks
Twinsroyals_c344
What do the Twins do with Denard Span
Mlb__jun_5f10
Dodgers' Rivera is nearing return
Picimg_mlb_apr_18_0738
Kubel on paternity leave, Pollock recalled
Royals_vs_twins_adcf
Twins' Liriano: 'This is a new start for me'
Orioles_vs_royals_9d53
Berrys call-up the highlight of Adam Jones week

2012 Diamondbacks Spring Training Preview - Starting Pitching

Found February 19, 2012 on D'Backs Venom: Yardbarker Blogger Network
PLAYERS: Joe Saunders
TEAMS: Arizona Diamondbacks

Angelsroyals_04a6
Pitchers and catchers are reporting to Spring Training today, and the Diamondbacks find themselves considered the favorites in the National League West. Just one year ago, most experts had picked the team to finish last in the division, and many fans were speculating that the team could lose more than 100 games. Now, the team is coming off a division-winning 94-68 season, and has been bolstered by the additions of Trevor Cahill, Jason Kubel, Takashi Saito, and Craig Breslow. Unlike last year, most of the Opening Day roster appears set, and there are only a few questions for the team in Spring Training. This is the first in a series of articles previewing Spring Training for the Diamondbacks, starting with the starting position. In 2011, the Diamondbacks entered Spring Training considering pitchers such as Zach Duke, Armando Galarraga, Aaron Heilman, and Barry Enright for the rotation. This year, the first five spots appear set, with Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson, Trevor C...
Original Story: http://www.dbacksvenom.com/2012-artic... Verified_ybn
THE BACKYARD
BEST OF MAXIM
AROUND THE WEB
RELATED ARTICLES

D-backs' Saunders stronger, tougher ... sexier

Via Fox Sports Arizona  |  February 20, 2012
Joe Saunders had two words for his offseason. Weird. Crazy.They seem as good as any. Saunders was a Diamondback. Then he was not. Then he was again, becoming the final piece in a starting rotation that appears as solid as any in the pitching-rich National League West. The experience of being temporarily on the job market made him stronger mentally and physically -- and maybe even...

Drew fields baseballs for first time since injury

Via Fox Sports  |  February 20, 2012
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew says it was a special day to be back on the field handling ground balls. Drew took part Monday in the Diamondbacks' first drills of spring training, calling it ''a big step.'' Drew broke his right ankle and severely damaged ligaments sliding into home plate seven months ago. He went through grueling rehabilitation...

You may say I'm a dreamer: Arizona Diamondbacks

Via The Outside Corner  |  February 20, 2012
What else can baseball fans do in January but dream of October? In You May Say I'm a Dreamer, the Outside Corner staff will imagine the route to a World Series in 2012 title for all 30 teams. The Arizona Diamondbacks are the 2012 World Series champions! A year after their brilliant “worst to first” campaign, the D-Backs proved they are here to stay after their thrilling...

Gibson: D-backs have more work to do

Via Fox Sports Arizona  |  February 19, 2012
PHOENIX -- Kirk Gibsons offseason letter to his players came with a warning. I told them if they werent in shape, theyd have a tough spring," Gibson said when camp opened Sunday. Dont get Gibson and the Diamondbacks wrong -- they are proud of their success last year, and they believe the reservoir of confidence gained will help moving forward. But make no mistake: Reaching...

Diamondbacks' J.J. Putz also the team prankster

Via azcentral  |  February 20, 2012
J.J. Putz's job description with the Diamondbacks isn't limited to the ninth inning. He's also the team prankster, mentor, occasional spokesperson and clubhouse uniter.

D-backs Considered NL West Favorites

Via diamondbacks.scout.com  |  February 18, 2012
The Arizona Diamondbacks may be favorites to win the NL West after having the biggest offseason of all five teams in the division, boasting a young roster, and having won the division by eight games last season.

Video: Arizona Diamondbacks on EVB Live

Via azcentral  |  February 20, 2012
Diamondbacks outfielders Chris Young and Justin Upton give the national weather forecast, while Scott Light goes through a Diamondbacks workout.

Arizona Diamondbacks' off-season included a handful of surprises

Via azcentral  |  February 19, 2012
Notes: Perhaps none bigger than the two-year, $15.5 million deal given to free-agent outfielder Jason Kubel, who likely will replace Gerardo Parra as the primary left fielder.

Kirk Gibson, Diamondbacks still hungry after a breakthrough year

Via azcentral  |  February 18, 2012
Bickley: D-Backs manager Kirk Gibson and his coaching staff are guarding against complacency, and teaching by example entering 2012.

D-backs' DeFamio in Baseball IQ's final four

Via dbacks.com  |  February 20, 2012
Arizona Diamondbacks dbTV supervisor Josh DeFamio will represent the club in the quarterfinals of MLB Network's Baseball IQ game show at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday.

D-backs want pitchers to earn their roles

Via dbacks.com  |  February 20, 2012
D-backs GM Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson are well aware of the perception that the starting rotation is already set, and they will do the best they can to not let it permeate the clubhouse.

Diamondbacks' Kirk Gibson: 'Success can be very dangerous'

Via azcentral  |  February 19, 2012
In his comments to reporters Sunday, D-Backs manager Kirk Gibson seemed to toe the line between being proud of last year's 94-win season and believing there was business left unfinished.

Saunders pleasantly surprised to return for '12

Via dbacks.com  |  February 17, 2012
When the D-backs were unable to come to an agreement with Joe Saunders prior to the deadline for offering him arbitration, it appeared that the left-hander's career in Arizona was over. But the D-backs decided to stretch their payroll and bring Saunders back on a one-year, $6 million deal, and the veteran is thrilled about it.
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers

Join the Yardbarker Network (YBN) for more promotion, traffic, and money.
Company Info
Help
What is Yardbarker?

Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.