D-backs chosen to repeat as Division champs

Arizona has become the favorite among some to repeat as NL
West Champions, after the Diamondbacks caught the national
media’s attention last year.

The latest to praise the franchise is MLB Network’s Matt
Vasgersian, who spoke Thursday with Arizona Sports 620’s
Burns and Gambo.

“I loved what they did in the offseason. Trevor Cahill is
as good of a prospect as Jared Parker,” Vasgersian said.
“For relatively cheap, he could have the next kind of
Brandon Webb impact on that staff.”

Cahill, like Webb, is a sinkerball specialist who should
thrive in normally hitter-friendly Chase Field. The
right-hander won 12 games while posting a 4.16 ERA last
season for Oakland, but had his best year in 2010 when he
notched 18 victories and a 2.97 ERA as a 22-year-old.

Arizona did more than improve their pitching, bringing in
Twins outfielder Jason Kubel to strengthen their lineup.

“Signing Jason Kubel another below the radar kind of
acquisition that I think could pay some big dividends,”
Vasgersian said. Kubel, could make an impact as a solid
bat in the lineup for the D-backs after hitting 12 home
runs and 58 RBI in only 99 games for Minnesota last
season.

Vasgersian said he likes the Diamondbacks to repeat as NL
West champs this season despite the competition improving.

“I think the West will be better in general, I really like
the Diamondbacks this year,” he said.

Follow @AZSports