ESPN writer ranks D-backs 28th in future power rankings
Jul 1, 2016, 10:00 AM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien looks the ball into his glove on a grounder hit by Philadelphia Phillies' Freddy Galvis during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, June 27, 2016, in Phoenix. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 8-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
According to a recent ESPN power ranking based on MLB teams over the next five years, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ future doesn’t look too bright.
ESPN contributor Dan Szymborski ranked the D-backs 28th based on a number of different aspects.
Arizona paid an inflated price to make its 2016 push and to date, it hasn’t worked out that well. The team now faces a similar crossroads that the Padres faced last year, whether to double down on contention, fold its cards or awkwardly stand in the intersection waiting to get run over.
San Diego chose poorly, but Arizona has yet to choke when forced to make the hard decision, which gives the Snakes a boost over their NL West brethren. But make no mistake, whatever they choose leaves them a hard road with uncertain chances of success — there’s nobody this winter who’s worth giving Zack Greinke money even if Arizona’s willing, and the Diamondbacks already traded their most valuable chip for Shelby Miller.
The ranking focuses on current and future strength, financial support, front office, best projected season, most valuable asset and worst contract on the team. Out of the 30 MLB teams, the D-backs rank 20th in both current strength and financial support, 24th in future strength and the front office ranks 25th. The best projected season for Arizona is this one, but so far in 2016 it is 36-45 and 6.5 games out of the NL Wild Card.
Another issue for the D-backs and their ranking is their contract with outfielder Yasmany Tomas, who in 2014 signed a six-year, $68.5 million deal. He has underwhelmed in a season and a half with Arizona, hitting only 22 home runs with 79 RBI.
There are a few bright spots for Arizona, in Paul Goldschmidt and a few other players, that are on the roster for the next few years. Goldschmidt has been solid this season, batting .298 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI. Jake Lamb has set the pace this year, leading the team with 17 home runs and 55 RBI. The 25 year-old is also batting .288, which is third among the team. Newly-signed Zack Greinke has been able to win in the desert, going 10-3 in 17 starts with a 3.62 ERA and 91 strikeouts.
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