#13 - Arizona Diamondbacks - Diamonds in the Rough?

As a general rule, the sequel is never good as the original. Nonetheless, Randy Johnson is returning for a second stint in Arizona, where he excelled from 1999 to 2004 and was a central part of their 2001 World Series championship. Johnson forced a trade to the Yankees basically to get paid, but then had two, ahem, underwhelming years there. You'll notice that there haven't been many tears in the Yankees clubhouse over the Big Unit's loss, mainly because... hmm, how to say this gently... he's an incredible dick.

The Unit is known to isolate himself from his temmates, and can't conduct any conversation in a civil tone. Heck, he even tried to stiff his daughter on her child support despite making $16 million per year. Although he's now a born-again Christian, he can't even get along with Ned Flanders. However, now that he's out of the New York spotlight, there will be fewer media types to remind him of his jerk-dom, so he'll be more at peace, and that may mean better results for the Unit. However, if you're in the greater Phoenix area, I don't advide bringing a camera - cameras make Johnson angry. He doesn't get big and green like the Incredible Hulk, but I think his mullet grows a few inches every time he gets furious.

Johnson is an old man amongst a sea of baby D-Backs, and that's not a bad thing. No team has as many youngsters ready to make the jump to stardom as Arizona. In the mediocre NL West, that could mean a playoff berth in 2007. At the very least, it looks like the D-Backs have an impressive foundation that will allow them to compete for a long time. If you're looking for the Tigers of 2007, the D-Backs may be your bet (although I'm going with another sleeper - more on that next week). Here's what to expect from the D-Backs in 2007:

Biggest reason for hope: The everyday lineup will have five everyday players under 25 with top-shelf potential. Shortstop Stephen Drew hit .316 and slugged .517 in his first seaon in Arizona (hopefully he's less brittle than his brother J.D.). First baseman Conor Jackson hit 15 homers and knocked in 79 runs in his first full major league season and is seen as a 30 homer, 100 RBI guy for years to come. The D-Backs were so confident in catching prospect Miguel Montero that they traded their .300 hitting starting catcher, Johnny Estrada, to the Brewers. Chris Young and Carlos Quentin will man the outfield, and could be batting 3-4 in the lineup by July. Add to the youth blend utilityman Alberto Callaspo, the most impressive player in D-Backs spring training, and you have a great young nucleus. If these guys hit, and the D-Backs veteran-laden rotation (Johnson, reigning Cy Young award winner Brandon Webb, Doug Davis, and Livan Hernandez) pitches to their abilities, they could be scary.

Biggest potential nightmare: The kids struggle early and lose confidence. Johnson looks 43 years old, and Hernandez resembles an overweight batting practice pitcher. The bullpen can't hold a lead. Johnson's favorite postgame quote is "do you know who I am?"

Player to watch: Jorge Julio. Young teams have to learn how to win. As part of that process, a good closer can go a long way towards increasing a team's confidence. Enter Julio, he of the 100 MPH fastball but the confidence of a 12 year-old at the Neverland Ranch. Last year was typical Julio - 88 strikeouts in only 66 innings, but he allowed 10 homers and blew 20% of his save opportunities. For the D-Backs to win, they need a consistent closer. They may already realize that isn't Julio, as he's rumored to be on the trading block. If Julio isn't the man, Jose Valverde or Brandon Lyon will likely inherit the closer hot seat.

Why do we still have to watch this player?: Eric Byrnes. Yes, Byrnes is a respectable player - he hit 26 home runs and stole 25 bases while playing a good defensive outfielder. But I'm using the term "watch" quite literally, in that Byrnes has the worst hair in baseball. It looks like a muskrat died on his head. And remember in the 2003 ALCS when he gave Jason Varitek a sissy-boy shove while forgetting to touch home plate? (Varitek's response - calmly get the ball, then run to the dugout and tag Byrnes - that's just one reason why I'll always love Varitek). So, he's a punk, too. Go away, Eric, or at least get a comb.

Telling Statistic: Webb has led the National League for three straight years in ground ball-to-fly ball ratio, due to his devastating sinker. For his career, he has allowed a home run every 13.1 innings. By contrast, Julio has allowed a home run every 6.9 innings.

Interesting fact signifying nothing: The D-Backs are unveiling new uniforms and caps in 2007. Gone are the purple, teal and copper hues, and in are red and black. So, the D-Backs are going away from the semi-artsy colors and replacing them with colors signifying blood and death, respectively. I'm sure it's just a coincidence that they made these changes and then immediately acquired Johnson.

Projected record & finish: 86-76, 2nd place, NL West

Prediction that won’t come true but should: The D-Backs star in a sequel to Animal House, with the young talent playing the roles of the frat boys, Byrnes in the John Belushi role, and Johnson as Dean Wormer.