ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Tony La Russa: Experts don’t understand how talented team is

Apr 1, 2015, 7:53 PM | Updated: Apr 2, 2015, 3:29 am

Follow @theAdamGreen...

LISTEN: Tony La Russa, D-backs Chief Baseball Officer

Last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks finished with an MLB-worst 64-98 record.

They fired their manager and general manager, then went about remaking the roster.

In less than a week, the team will officially open its 2015 campaign. Asked what he thinks will surprise people most about the team this season, chief baseball officer Tony La Russa said just how good this team will be.

No, this is not an April Fool’s Day joke.

“I think that you compare us to any team that you’re going to see, whether you see American League on TV or watch them come play us,” he told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Wednesday. “The combination of skills, the comprehensive skills of our everyday players, I think we match up with anybody as far as having complete players who can play defense, and have good athleticism, which means you’ll see them running balls down. On the bases, we’re an exciting base running team.”

La Russa, who is entering his first full season on the job, also said the D-backs have some live bats, which will lead to line drives and extra base hits.

“I really believe that the experts don’t understand how solid our position player squad can be,” he said. “And we have some depth, too.”

La Russa is confident the team has enough talent to be able to withstand some injuries or slumps.

But while Arizona may have a nice collection of position players, there are valid questions about the pitching staff. The starting rotation, which was named earlier in the week, has little in the way of proven aces.

“I think the biggest thing is the developing pitching staff,” La Russa said. “I give our front office a lot of credit. We’ve refreshed the power and the athleticism in our rotation, and you see it not just in the big leagues, but you see it if you look at the Double-A and Triple-A pitching staffs.

“The pitching is a work in progress only in the extent that it’s going to get better and better. I think that’s very exciting for the future, but I think it’s underestimated by many.”

D-backs infielder Nick Ahmed has had a solid spring and looks get some time at short this upcoming season. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News D-backs manager Chip Hale gets his ball club ready for the start of the 2015 season. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News Aaron Hill is expected to start at second base for the D-backs in 2015. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News Third baseman Jake Lamb is in the mix for a starting role this season. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News Utilityman Chris Owings could see time at both second base and shortstop this season. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News Infielder Cliff Pennington currently holds the starting role at shortstop. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News Infielder Yasmany Tomas is battling for a starting spot on the D-backs. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News Outfielder Mark Trumbo feels comfortable in his move from left field to right for 2015. Photo by Stephen DeLorenzo/Cronkite News

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jorge Soler #12 of the Miami Marlins celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring during t...

David Veenstra

ESPN’s Schoenfield: Under-the-radar MLB free agents for Diamondbacks to consider

While Shohei Ohtani will command most of the attention this offseason, there is still value to be had elsewhere on the open market.

2 hours ago

Jose Castillo...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks sign LHP Jose Castillo to minor league deal

The Diamondbacks signed left-handed pitcher Jose Castillo to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.

2 days ago

Andres Chaparro...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks add power-hitting minor leaguer Andres Chaparro, assign him to Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks added pop to the system by signing former New York Yankee prospect Andres Chaparro to a minor league deal.

3 days ago

Diamondbacks season ticket pass...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks offer 2024 season ticket pass for $299

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced a new season ticket package for all home games at Chase Field for $299.

3 days ago

Tommy Pham...

Alex Weiner

Free agent Tommy Pham does not want to platoon after Diamondbacks run

Free agent outfielder Tommy Pham, who spent the latter three months of the season with the Diamondbacks, has a clear objective this winter.

7 days ago

(Photo courtesy @GenoDellamorte)...

Arizona Sports

Bickley & Marotta fan creates custom jersey to celebrate Diamondbacks’ World Series run

One Arizona Diamondbacks fan made a custom jersey to represent the MLB club as well as Arizona Sports' Bickley & Marotta.

7 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Tony La Russa: Experts don’t understand how talented team is