Out with old in with the new the curse of the Diamondbacks
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by user Sasha
If you look at the Tucson Sidewinders (the Arizona Diamondbacks AAA team) you see a team with some of the greatest prospects in the game. They have LF Scott Hairston who could be a starter on almost any major league team (currently on the DL).
CF Chris Young a highly touted 5-tool prospect.
RF Carlos Quentin who was just called up and in his second major league at bat hit a 2 run shot.
3B Brian Barden lower prospect on this team but a star on any other.
SS Stephen Drew just called up and is hitting around .250 in the majors and is playing spectacular D.
2B Alberto Callaspo a guy you could see in the majors very soon.
1B Chris Carter this guy has huge power potential, in spring training he had the most home runs on the team.
And they have two catchers who have major league experience with Robby Hammock who can play any position and Juan Brito who caught Randy Johnson's perfect game.
They also have a catching prospect in AA Miguel Montero, and CF Justin Upton last years #1 pick who in spring training before he had even tasted anything higher then high school pitching he killed, he is now in single A South Bend.
All of these prospects are the reason the Diamondbacks had the #1 rated system last year. But my question has to do with the guys in the majors who will have to be traded or become backups due to the hot prospects waiting in the wings.
LF Luis Gonzalez has been the starter since the day he came to the D-Backs but after this year he probably wont be in a D-Backs uniform again, his best year was 2001 were he hit 57 homers but this year Gonzo has hit 7 but he is climbing up the career doubles ladder were he is currently tied with Ted Williams, Gonzo has been the face of the organization ever since he hit the bases loaded blop single in the bottom of the 9th inning of game 7 of the 2001 world series.
CF Eric Byrnes is in his first year as a Diamondback but has already become a fan favorite because of his all out playing style and has earned the nick-name Pig-Pen because his jersey is always dirty. He was originally signed to a 1 year deal to be a hold over for Chris Young but has recently signed a two year contract extension, I do not see him as a bench player.
RF Shawn Green has, since coming to the Diamondbacks just after the 2004 season, gained the respect of the D-Backs fans (or at least me) with his strong silent play but this season his offensive numbers have fallen off a little bit, he is signed threw 2007.
3B Chad Tracy has found his place as the offensive leader of the team unfortunately this has made him a little eggier skyrocketing his strike out totals, ether way his job seems safe.
SS Craig Counsell is in the second year of his second stint with the D-Backs (the first was with the world series team) he is a soft spoken player who has gained the respect of the fans with his superb defense but after going on the DL with a cracked rib Stephen Drew was called up and with his defense better then expected one wonders if Couns will have a starting job when he comes back, next year Couns is expected to be a super utility player.
2B Orlando Hudson is in his first year with the D-Backs and was brought up for his D but his bat has been a nice bonus. For now O-Dawg is going no were.
1B Conor Jackson is in his rookie year and is praised for his in coming power and his superb eye. He of course will be the starter for a while.
And the Catchers are Johnny Estrada who combines good defense with a great bat, and Chris Snyder who has always been praised for his D but now has developed a nice bat especially against lefties.
Now I don't think the D-Backs should just take the Dodger way and just make all of the hot prospects starting jobs in the bigs and this is because, yes maybe the D-Backs would have a better chance at winning if they did send up the prospects but I think there is a loyalty factor that needs to come in to play and yes it is a business but come on folks Gonzo gives you 8 of the best years of his life and what happens as soon a a young kid comes up you drop him thats just not right. Disagree or agree its up to you.
Again this is one of my first articles (3rd to be exact) so please critic.
Date
Thu 07/20/06, 11:23 pm EST
