Former manager and current MLB network analyst, Larry Bowa, spoke with Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Monday and gave his thoughts on where the Diamondbacks are and what to expect from them next season.

“I really believe they need to get a starting pitcher,” Bowa said. “It doesn’t have to be a number one because I think [Ian] Kennedy and [Daniel] Hudson are very good at the top of that rotation.”

Bowa said he thinks that the Diamondbacks need a solid three or four-spot starter in the rotation, depending on if they re-sign Joe Saunders.

After starting pitching, Bowa said that the Diamondbacks look ready to defend the NL West title.

“Their outfield looks like it is pretty much intact, their catcher is in good shape and the big first baseman (Paul Goldschmidt) is going to be a good player.”

Bowa said he has seen teams sneak up and surprise the league one season and then take a step backward the following season because the competition is more prepared.

“The biggest difference I think, going into this spring training, if they can pick up a pitcher, is they are going to be the team that everyone is going to shoot for now,” Bowa said.

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