D-backs’ pitching depth is one of team’s strengths

Kirk Gibson knows one of his team’s greatest strengths is the depth of the pitching staff from top to bottom.

The Diamondbacks’ starting rotation comprised of Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson, Trevor Cahill, Joe Saunders and Josh Collmenter is arguably one of the best in Major League Baseball.

The team’s decision to bring Saunders back into the fold solidified their rotation with a veteran prowess and innings eater.

“He did a great job for us last year, 212 innings,” Gibson said of his southpaw’s durability. “If you think about it, I want to say a little more than the first month he didn’t have it going on. He got off to a slow start.”

Saunders inauspicious start could be attributed to a number of factors.

“He started Spring Training and I don’t know that he came into Spring Training last year in shape,” Gibson explained. “He was behind. He had some very nagging things so I think he’s well ahead of that this year and so again, if you look at the 212 innings, he really finished strong for us.”

It became clear just how valuable Saunders was to the rotation when the D-backs’ brass went over budget to re-sign him — and Gibson couldn’t be more pleased.

“He’s a veteran guy, he’s from the left side,” Gibson stated. “I really wanted him back and I was grateful that they did it.”

The Diamondbacks’ rotation isn’t the only part of the pitching staff that was bolstered this winter. General Manager Kevin Towers also upgraded his bullpen, which proved to be very effective in 2011.

One key addition to the back end of the bullpen for the D-backs is veteran right-hander Takashi Saito.

“The biggest thing that he has is that he closed and he was very good at it,” Gibson said. “You have to have a certain mentality and a certain thought process and a certain belief and confidence in your pitches.”

Saito will help bridge the gap to closer J.J. Putz, who was brilliantly effective in 2011 with 45 saves and a 2.17 ERA.

Gibson spoke admirably about his colorful stopper, who has also assumed quite the leadership role in the clubhouse.

“He’s a great competitor,” Gibson stated. “He’s very dedicated in what he does. We are very fortunate to have him in the bullpen.”

However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some good-natured ribbing going back and forth between the two. Gibson, a Michigan State alum, often teases Putz about his alma mater.

“I really enjoy him even though he is from the University of Michigan,” Gibson joked. “We have a lot fun with that.”

The two may not see eye-to-eye on their college of choice, but they do share the same no-nonsense work ethic that has become a staple of this new Diamondbacks culture.

“It’s great what we did last year, but we have to move on,” Gibson said. “We have a better starting point this year, but we have to get much better. They have to embrace it like they did last year. I feel they will.”

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