2014 Cactus League Evaluation

Spring Training ended early for the Diamondbacks as they pack their bags for Australia to open the season in a series against the Dodgers. Considering what transpired this spring the Diamondbacks probably can't wait to get the season started.

Most of Arizona's lineup consists of solid veteran players at key positions, so most starters had been decided before spring. Leaders like Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, and Gio Gonzalez cruised through spring preparations and look to have an excellent season.

Goldschmidt figures to be an MVP candidate

The drama in the desert concerned one key position battle, and a devastating injury that threatens to scuttle Arizona's chances at an NL West title.

Patrick Corbin - The Diamondbacks lost their #2 starter for the season when Corbin was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This injury ends his season, one that many hoped would show marked improvement from his promising 2013 season. Without Corbin the Diamondbacks are going to rely on Ian Kennedy in the #2 slot, and the pressure will be on Trevor Cahill to show that he is worth bringing back after the season. Things are also looking bad for Jake Arrieta as his ailing shoulder make keep him from starting the season on time, if another starter gets injured the Diamondbacks will have to go to the minors for a replacement.

Losing Corbin is a serious blow to the Arizona rotation

2B/SS Back-Up Competition - With JJ Hardy's contract up at the end of the season and the oft-injured Aaron Hill manning 2B the fight for the 2B/SS back-up position became a heated battle this spring. Didi Gregorious had held this position, but with the spring Chris Owings has had it looks like management is going to give the gig to Owings. Grant Green has also looked good, so Gregorious finds himself on the outside looking in, and he may be completely out of a job by 2015 if Owings and Green take over at SS ans 2B. Rumors are that Gregorious may be traded, but nobody has confirm the rumors.

Owings is starting to look like the SS of the future

Outfield Depth - If the Diamondbacks knew they were going to have a rough spring in the outfield, they probably wouldn't have traded Jayson Werth. Peter Bourjos hasn't wowed anyone, Domonic Brown has been struggling with illness, and back-up Ryan Raburn has been injured. There aren't any minor league players ready to be promoted, so Arizona desperately needs their outfield to get healthy quickly. If Tony Campana is pushed into a starting role they could be in for a long season.