Diamondback Journal

With just days until the Diamondbacks first game at their new facility on Saturday, tickets have already been sold out for the game against the Colorado Rockies. The new stadium, Salt River Fields, holds 11,000 people. As of now too, 120,000 tickets have been sold, the most since the season following the 2001 Championship, for the rest of their Spring Training home games. This surprises me that any team could sell out their first Spring Training game even when there is not much hype surrounding the Diamondbacks entering this season.

I hope that the Diamondbacks can continue selling out their games both now during Spring Training, but more importantly during the regular season and not just for the All-Star Game. There is a different atmosphere at a major league parks when a stadium is full versus half-empty. Fans usually are more involved which allows them to make friends with the people around them for the three hour time period during game day. Players also seem to play and care more about the game when the fans are more enthusiastic about what is happening. It does mean a lot for players to see their fans pack the stadium each and every day. Just ask Tampa Bay players who were having a great season last year battling for the East title and yet had lots of empty seats for primetime games. While this season is not predicted to be magical in Arizona, I hope Diamondback fans will pack out Chase Field.

The Arizona Diamondbacks enter Spring Training with not as many questions as the Padres, however, they will be trying to stay close to them and avoid finishing last in the West.  There is some talent on this Arizona team, but, can the talent produce on the field and win more 65 from last year?

The starting three contains Joe Saunders, Ian Kennedy, and Daniel Hudson, all of whom need to have a significantly improved 2011 season to overtake the Padres for fourth.  There are four other pitchers seeking the last two spots in the rotation.  The young Barry Enright should be the fourth starter and gain experience there as he develops and becomes an improved pitcher over the course of the season.  Zach Duke, while not putting up numbers he did in debut in 2005 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, would be an ideal fifth starter.  Duke should have a breakout season in a new venue for a new organization that does not consistently dish out its talent.  The closer role still remains a problem for Arizona.  They had a lot of guys try and fill this role last season, but, no one stepped up to the challenge.  Juan Gutierrez may end taking over this role come Opening Day.

No payroll means no Michael Young acquisition this season.  The outfield is sold with Justin Upton and Chris Young who both need another 20-plus home run and 80 RBI season for the Diamondbacks to stay with San Diego.  Gerardo Para will most likely start in left field.  If middle infielders Kelly Johnson and Stephen Drew can perform as they did in 2010 Arizona can finish with more than 65-wins and a head of San Diego.  However, if they do not perform, it will still be memorable season as Arizona hosts the All-Star game in July.