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

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.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Joc Pederson at the plate for the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 14,2024. (Felisa Cardenas/Arizona S...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Joc Pederson declines mutual option, to enter free agency, per reports

Joc Pederson has reportedly declined his $14 million mutual option with the Diamondbacks for the 2025 season, entering free agency after one stellar season in Arizona.

6 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Report: Diamondbacks accept Merrill Kelly’s $7 million club option

The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up their club option for Merrill Kelly to return in 2025, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported on Saturday.

6 hours ago

Eugenio Suárez...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks pick up club option for Eugenio Suarez, per report

The Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly picked up the club option for veteran Eugenio Suarez after his superstar-level second half of the season.

23 hours ago

Jerry Colangelo...

Dan Bickley

Phoenix needs to find a home for completed Jerry Colangelo statue

A statue of Jerry Colangelo has been completed, and Phoenix needs to find it a home as soon as possible.

1 day ago

Christian Walker...

Alex Weiner

Who’s on first? Looking at free agent 1B class with Christian Walker entering market

The Diamondbacks have had stable play at first base for over a decade, but with Christian Walker hitting the market, let's look at other names available.

1 day ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Report: Jordan Montgomery picks up player option with Diamondbacks

Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery has reportedly picked up his $22.5 million player option to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025.

2 days ago

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