The resurgent Diamondbacks and Rockies made things interesting in the National League West
Spring prognosticators had two appealing darkhorse options in the National League West. Some baseball insiders liked the Diamondbacks, with their dangerous lineup and potentially strong rotation. Others were intrigued by the Rockies, with their dangerous lineup and remodeled bullpen.
Everything worked out nicely when the Rockies rolled out of spring training at 16-10 and the D-backs completed the opening month at 16-11.
The Dodgers and Giants have lulled the division into a state of mind-numbing predictability in recent years, but the West has a refreshingly jumbled feel to it this season. The new reality was manifested at the trade deadline, when executives in Arizona and Colorado cut deals and made statements.
D-backs general manager Mike Hazen threw the first punch on July 18, acquiring outfielder J.D. Martinez from the Tigers for a trio of prospects. Martinez, a pending free agent, slotted right into the middle of the Arizona batting order that featured perennial MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt and all star third baseman Jake Lamb.
Denne historien er fra August 18 2017-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 18 2017-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE SERVICE TIME CONUNDRUM
MLB’s byzantine service time rules cloud rookie status and now PPI eligibility
LUIS TIANT WAS MLB'S MOST SUCCESSFUL CUBAN PITCHER
On a scouting trip to Cuba in 1957, Bobby Avila discovered 16-year-old righthander Luis Tiant on the island's Juvenile League all-star team.
ORGANIZATION REPORT
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad's career has been unique, to say the least.
TOP 10 NL EAST
From the moment Thomas White stepped on a high school mound, he was viewed as the top lefthander available in the 2023 draft.
PREPARATION PAYS OFF
lowa politician J.D. Scholten makes a surprising return to pro ball at age 44
MAKING THE GRADE
Assessing the future value of graduated National League prospects
TOP 10 NL WEST
Even in high school, Bryce Eldridge could hit the ball a mile. The 6-foot-7 righthander could also touch 96 mph off the mound.
Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
