The Arizona Diamondbacks surprised just about everyone with their 94-68 finish in 2011, but they took a step back last season, closing out their 2012 campaign with an 81-81 record. TheGreek.com is expecting a similar result from the club this season as it has the Diamondbacks regular season win total set at 82.5 games (Under slightly favored at -120 odds). 2013 World Series Odds at the offshore bookmaker have Arizona listed at +5000 odds ($100 wins $5000) to win the Fall Classic and it is a third choice to win the National League West at +650 odds.
Ian Kennedy’s breakout 2011 season, which saw the right handed hurler compile a 21-4 record and 2.88 ERA, powered the Diamondbacks to a 94 win season. His 2012 regression was a major factor in Arizona’s slide down to 81 wins last season, though.
Should Kennedy return to his 2011 form, the Diamondbacks could be a major surprise, once again. The off-season addition of starter Brandon McCarthy solidifies an already quality rotation (Kennedy, Wade Miley, Trevor Cahill), and it helps make up for the loss of Daniel Hudson. Hudson is expected to miss half the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last July.
Offensively the Diamondbacks enjoyed one of their better seasons in quite some time, posting 734 runs (ninth best in baseball) last year. They did lose one of their top producers after trading Justin Upton to the Braves; however, with key players like Aaron Hill, Jason Kubel, Miguel Montero, and Paul Goldschmidt still dotting the lineup, Arizona’s production does not figure to drop all that much.
There are some question marks with the Diamondbacks as they need a few erratic performers (i.e. Kennedy, Hill, Cahill) to play well, but if everything breaks right, this team has an opportunity to contend in the NL West.
2013 Arizona Diamondbacks World Series Odds: Provided by TheGreek.com
To Win World Series +5000 (17 of 30)
To Win National League West +650 (three of five)
To Win National League Pennant +2500 (nine of 15)
Regular Season Wins: Over 82.5 (-110), Under 82.5 (-120)
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