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2013 X-Factor: Arizona Diamondbacks

Found March 20, 2013 on The Outside Corner:
PLAYERS: Justin Upton,  Martin Prado,  Aaron Hill,  Willie Bloomquist,  Cody Ross,  Adam Eaton,  Paul Goldschmidt,  Drew Pomeranz,  Clayton Kershaw,  Hyun-jin Ryu,  Clayton Richard,  Madison Bumgarner,  Zack Greinke,  Chad Billingsley,  Josh Beckett,  Edinson Volquez,  Matt Cain,  Tim Lincecum,  Jason Kubel,  Miguel Montero,  Kirk Gibson
TEAMS: Atlanta Braves,  Arizona Diamondbacks,  Colorado Rockies,  Los Angeles Dodgers,  San Diego Padres,  San Francisco Giants
The star power of this Diamondbacks team is a little different than in years past. Justin Upton and Chris Young are gone. The team is now populated by "grinders" like Martin Prado, Aaron Hill, Willie Bloomquist, Cody Ross, and Adam Eaton. Of course, there are still some remnants of the old guard in Arizona, and I think one of those holdovers is going to make a huge impact in 2013. My x-factor for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013 is Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt absolutely brutalized the minor leagues in 2010 and 2011 before getting called up to the majors later in the 2011 season. Goldschmidt's power hasn't completely translated to the majors yet though, as in 764 career plate appearances, he had 28 homers and a .209 ISO. The league average ISO for a first baseman in 2012 was .179, so Goldschmidt's power wasn't exactly Bautista-esque in comparison to the rest of the position. However, there's a huge opportunity for Goldschmidt to continue ...
Original Story: http://www.bloguin.com/theoutsidecorn...
1 Comment:
  • When you have both speed and power,that is such a huge advantage regarding manufacturing runs the old-fashioned way(grinding,grinding,grinding!). Gibson,this year, is totally bent-on winning it all-his team better have that same mind-set or it's OSTA-BYE-BYE baby, pack your bags, hope you like VEGAS!!
    by Hawkeye1951   March 23, 2013   Reply    
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