2007 Diamondbacks Projected Lineup
2007 Arizona Diamondbacks
Batting Order
1. CF Chris Young
2. 2B Orlando Hudson
3. 3B Chad Tracy
4. LF Eric Byrnes
5. 1B Conor Jackson
6. RF Carlos Quentin
7. SS Stephen Drew
8. C Chris Snyder/Miguel Montero
There may never be an actual set lineup this season, as manager Bob Melvin predicts he'll mix and match most of the time, primarily because the club doesn't have a prototypical leadoff man or cleanup hitter. Drew looked like the leading candidate to lead off going into the spring, but now it appears Young or Byrnes will be the choice. Reserves Alberto Callaspo and Jeff DaVanon actually seem to be manager Bob Melvin's favorite options at the top of the order, so Young could conceivably bat first some days and sixth or seventh others. Byrnes seems set to bat first or fourth. If Byrnes leads off, Young could bat seventh, with Jackson, Quentin and Drew each moving up a spot. Either way, Young is still a fine sleeper in mixed leagues and worth pursuing in deeper formats. He could go 20-20 as a rookie. Montero, 23, is a left-handed hitter and the backstop of the future. Snyder, 26, is a right-handed hitter and has been up with the big club each of the past two years. We're smelling a platoon to open to the season, which is sad because both guys can do a bit of damage with the bat.
Rotation
1. Brandon Webb
2. Randy Johnson
3. Livan Hernandez
4. Doug Davis
5. Enrique Gonzalez
Edgar Gonzalez will battle Enrique Gonzalez for the fifth spot in the rotation, and he may also get spot starts depending on the health of the Big Unit.
Still feeling the effects of last October's back surgery, starter Randy Johnson will be placed on the 15-day disabled list to start the regular season. The decision could just be a sign of precaution on the D-backs' part, considering Johnson hasn't suffered any major setbacks in Spring Training.
Webb is coming off a Cy Young Award season, and there's no reason to think he can't duplicate or improve on last season's numbers. Look for prospect Micah Owings to perhaps work his way into the mix at some point this season.
Closer: Jose Valverde
The Diamondbacks will keep their fingers crossed with Valverde, hoping he can handle the closer's role all season without a prolonged slump, which has been his downfall each of the past two seasons. If he falters, Julio, Lyon or Pena could step into the role.
