With the desert heat keeping arthritic limbs somewhat nimble, the
Diamondbacks are going to try for a last kick at the can before the
retirement home fills up.

Catcher-Charles Johnson
With the catching situation looking suspect at the start of the season,
management went out and acquired Johnson. One of the best defensive catchers
out there and a bat that has some pop, Florida dealt him away for 2 infield
prospects. He will more than likely be batting in the fifth spot.

1ST Base-Mark Grace
At 38 years of age, Mark wants to go out with a bang. He can still swing the
bat and get on base. If Grace lags at the plate or on the field, youngster
Lyle Overbay is waiting in the wings for his opportunity. Grace will be
hitting in the #2 spot.

2nD Base-Junior Spivey
Spivey will provide speed in the lineup and defensive on the field. At 28
he’s just reaching his prime and has pushed 34 year old Carlos Baerga to a
back up role. Speedy Spivey will be batting near the bottom of the order.

3rd Base-Shea Hillebrand
Shea will be needed to make contact with the ball, hitting sixth behind
Johnson. He has some pop to his bat and any round trippers he can provide
will be a bonus. The knock against Hillebrand is his suspect defensive,
expect to see journeyman infielder Craig Counsell take to the field in close
late inning games.

Shortstop-Tony Womack
Batting leadoff is speedster Tony Womack. He can get on, steal a base and be
in scoring position for his teammates. That will be his job and he’ll do it
well.

Left Field-Luis Gonzalez
At 35 Luis will be called upon to put up some big numbers batting cleanup.
He provides steady defense and power in the middle of the lineup. How well
the team does will mainly depend on his production.

Center Field-Steve Finley
Being one of the oldest players on the team, Steve exhibits youthful
enthusiasm both on the field and off. He’s a leader and the younger players
look up to him. He is exceptional in the outfield and will be swinging away
in the third spot. He still has a great eye at the plate, some pop and speed
to be very dangerous. He should also get some nice pitches to hit with
Gonzalez following behind.

Right Field-BY COMMITTEE
We have 4 players who should see some time in right field, Quinton
McCracken, David Dellucci, Danny Batista and rookie Bobby Hammock. If any
one of these four steps up, they will have the starting job.

Starting Rotation-Curt Schilling, Miguel Batista, Jimmy Haynes, Elmer
Dessens, Greg Swindell
With the trading of 39 year old Randy Johnson, the Diamondbacks starting 5
may be a little weaker than last year. At 30 Haynes, who came over with
rookie outfielder Willy Mo Pena for Johnson, will need to prove himself to
the Johnson faithful in Arizona. No small feat. Schilling will be the
workhorse of the group and will be heavily relied on now that RJ has left.
If any of the starters falter, hard throwing John Patterson will be anxious
to get into the rotation.

Bullpen-Matt Mantei, Mike Myers, Eddie Oropeso, Mike Koplove, John Patterson
With fireball closer Matt Mantei being setup by lefties Myers and Oropesa,
any close games should be in the bag. Where the bullpen may struggle is
being brought in to early and has to keep a game close so the hitters can
bring them back.

With a very late dispersal pick, Arizona will be looking to improve their
bullpen and possibly find a starter for right field. But as we all know,
with the right offer all could change over night.

Prediction
The team should compete for either the division or wild card. But if they
falter out of the starting gate and falls to far behind, watch for a dumping
of veterans for youth.