ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Larry Bowa: D-backs are ‘ready to roll’

Nov 22, 2011, 2:20 AM | Updated: 3:58 am

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.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Starting pitcher Merrill Kelly...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks place starter Merrill Kelly on injured list, recall Tommy Henry

The injuries continue for the Arizona Diamondbacks as the team announced Tuesday that Merrill Kelly will go on the 15-day injured list.

2 hours ago

Sergio Alcantara...

Arizona Sports

D-backs trade cash to Pirates for Sergio Alcantara’s 5th Arizona stint, claim reliever Joe Jacques

The Arizona Diamondbacks traded cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates and added Sergio Alcantara for his fifth stint with the D-backs organization.

3 hours ago

Paul Sewald...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks’ Paul Sewald to make rehab appearance for Triple-A Reno

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald is ready for his next step toward returning from the injured list.

22 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals’ Nolan Gorman hits walk-off home run to beat Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Kyle Nelson gave up a walk-off home run to Cardinals hitter and Phoenix native Nolan Gorman.

22 hours ago

Slade Cecconi...

Alex Weiner

Slade Cecconi gives Diamondbacks quality in relief of Merrill Kelly to beat Giants

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Slade Cecconi earned a quality start in his season debut in the major leagues Sunday at the Giants.

2 days ago

Blaze Alexander...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Blaze Alexander exits game vs. Giants with cramp

The Arizona Diamondbacks removed shortstop Blaze Alexander during the fifth inning of Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

2 days ago

Larry Bowa: D-backs are ‘ready to roll’