D-Backs look like contenders

The Arizona Diamondbacks open Bishop Sankey Jerseyspring training with the kind of realistic optimism they haven't known for years. The addition of Zack Greinke will do that. The Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world by signing the former Los Angeles Dodgers ace to a six-year, http://www.titansnflofficialproshop.com/Authentic-Bishop-Sankey-Jersey$206 million contract, then they further upgraded the rotation by acquiring Shelby Miller from the Atlanta Braves. Arizona was a respectable 79-83 last season, the first under manager Chip Hale. The Diamondbacks were second in the National League in runs scored. They also were among the best on defense. But pitching was a problem,http://www.titansnflofficialproshop.com/Authentic-Bishop-Sankey-Jerseyparticularly the starting rotation. Arizona chief baseball officer Tony La Russa was expected to try to upgrade there, and the Diamondbacks certainly did that with the signing of Greinke, who was 19-3 with a 1.66 ERA last season. Entering spring training, the team is poised to rise from its also-ran status in the NL West. ''We liked our position players going forward and Austin Seferian-Jenkins Authentic Jerseyfelt like with our young arms, a rotation leader was the No. 1 thing that could help us,'' La Russa said. ''We were fortunate to get one like Zack.'' Newly signed reliever Tyler Clippard certainly believes he's joining a contender. ''They've proven this http://www.buccaneersofficialauthentic.com/Authentic-Austin-Seferianjenkins-Jerseyoffseason that they're taking the steps in the direction of becoming a championship organization,'' he said, ''which was something that was very high on my radar as far as the teams that I wanted to be with.'' Pitchers and catchers report to the team's spring training facility in Scottsdale on Wednesday. Here are some things to look for with the Diamondbacks this spring.