Wonder what the changes will be next year

Well, as they say, there's always next year. So, the question on everybody's mind is: what's in store for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009?

There are some obvious issues that need to be addressed in the off-season. First, the bullpen. Second, the offense. Third, the defense.

OK, that's 3/4 of the team. But, starting pitching is monumental in this league, and the D-backs have an outstanding starting rotation. So, the foundation of the team in this area is very solid for the near future.

As for the bullpen, there's a decent chance that both Brandon Lyon and Juan Cruz will bail, as both are free agents. Unfortunately, Cruz was probably the most reliable arm out there this year. But, I think they need an overhaul out there anyway, so might as well gut as much as you can. So, that leaves a couple of quasi-solid guys in Tony Pena and Chad Qualls. I don't have any problem keeping those two and building around them. As for the rest of the gang, especially Jon Rauch, I'd deal or demote all of them. If nothing else, bringing in some new blood will shake things up. They desperately need a lights out lefty in the pen as well...please Josh Byrnes...bring somebody in to fill that role...

For the offensive side, I kind of chuckled after seeing this comment from Bob Melvin recently when asked if he was going to address the chronic strikeout problem:

“Definitely,” he said. “It’s not like we don’t address it during the season. Sometimes it’s difficult to make adjustments, other than just some things you try to do in batting practice and that’s not the greatest place to simulate. Some adjustments you need to make during crunch-time, during the games.

“We’re going to do some things in spring training to address those issues. There are quite a few guys on our team with a propensity to strike out and a lot of times they were lined up one after the other. It’s not asking too much across the board for some of these guys to work on things. They all know going forward. And I think they all have the ability to cut down their strikeouts.”

You think?? Asking these guys to make some adjustments certainly isn't out of the question! Geez...they should have been making them during the season. I understand you don't want to disrupt their swings too much, but having guys shorten up with two strikes is easy...just like Little League - shorten up your swing and put the ball in play.

The defense also needs some improvement. Third base is the obvious place to look first, and I do feel now that Mark Reynolds playing the hot corner may be a thing of the past. As for a replacement...I've heard the same talk you have with regard to Miguel Montero playing some there next year. Not sure I'm behind that one. I still think it's worth a shot putting Justin Upton there and seeing what he can do. That would free up the outfield logjam of Eric Byrnes and Conor Jackson. Upton seems to have the kind of instincts that do him well at third, and he certainly has a good arm. Reynolds could then attempt to move to second....

I'm hoping that management is willing to make some adjustments and experiment a little to see what works. I'm looking forward to this off-season to see what happens. I don't expect a lot of movement, but hopefully there's enough change made in the bullpen to make a difference going forward.