ESPN Insider: Ranks D-backs outfield as best in MLB

While Justin Upton gets the myriad of attention following an MVP-caliber season, he is just one of the key cogs in a formidable outfield mix.

Chris Young ranked second among center fielders in UZR/150, and had 20 homers and 22 stolen bases. Jason Kubel was signed to play left field and to balance a D-backs’ lineup that has generally been right-handed-heavy, and while the addition of Kubel would seem to nudge Gerardo Parra out of a regular spot in left field, where he won a Gold Glove last season, Parra figures to get a lot of playing time as a strong No. 4 outfielder for Arizona. He’ll finish some games for Kubel in left and get a decent amount of starts, sometimes filling in for Young against right-handers with good breaking balls.

The Diamondbacks showed this offseason by strengthening an area that was already deemed solid, that you can never have too much of a good thing. Management’s proactive approach to adding to the club’s assets is just a further testament to the team’s commitment to winning now.

And with this fearsome foursome patrolling the outfield in 2012, the D-backs offensive and defensive production at the position is expected to be on the rise.