Don't Overreact to Diamondbacks Early Spring Scores

The players that need to perform have done well so far.

There is no denying the scores from the first three spring training games for the Diamondbacks are ugly. They lost 12-5 to the Rockies and 12-7 to the A's in split squad action on Saturday, and then were trampled by the Padres 18-6 on Sunday.  In total they've been outscored 42-18.  However beyond the typical "it's early" cliches you might hear, there is something more important to keep in mind: The pitchers actually projected to be on the roster or have a good chance of winning a roster spot have  pitched well. Almost all of the runs (39 out of 42 ) allowed have been given up by non roster invitees or pitchers not projected to be on the opening day roster.

So far there have been three starts.  All of them have gone to competitors for the 5th rotation slot. The player projected as the favorite to win that competition by Inside the Diamondbacks, Drey Jameson, had a good outing on Saturday.  Ryne Nelson and Tommy Henry were not as sharp as Jameson. But it's likely both of them are starting the year in Reno to further hone there skills. Of course a lot can change over the next four weeks. Nobody is a lock at this point.  Brandon Pfaadt makes the start today against the Cubs at Salt River fields in a highly anticipated spring debut. 

In the bullpen, the non roster invitees, with the exception of Jeurys Familia, have given up most of the runs.  The pitchers projected to either be locks or favorites to win a bullpen spot have all pitched well.  In addition to Jameson and Familia, Miguel Castro, Andrew Chafin, and Cole Sulser all threw scoreless frames. Only Kevin Ginkel has allowed any runs and he was the victim of poor defense as all three runs were unearned. Torey Lovullo said he was pleased with how Ginkel threw the ball. Castro was electric in his outing striking out the side.

Jack Sommers

This is not to totally minimize how the team has played in their first three games. The defense has been sloppy. Torey Lovullo admitted that it's still early and they are working out a lot of kinks with a lot of new rules and procedures on their plates as well. But after yesterday's game he was not happy. He expects the defense to tighten up over the next few games.  And some of the non roster invitees are likely to end up in the majors at some point, so you don't want to see them get constantly lit up either. 

It should also be noted there are some encouraging signs on offense.  Ketel Marte looks trim and fit, is moving well and had two great at bats on Saturday. Newcomers Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr, both acquired in the trade with the Blue Jays for Daulton Varsho, have already homered.  Pavin Smith, who is fighting for a roster spot, has three hits, including a homer on Sunday. Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas all have two hits a piece.  

In summary, we should not read much of anything into the early results. It is true the Padres have a fantastic and daunting lineup. Seeing what that looks like first hand on Sunday drove home that point. But nothing we have seen early in camp should dissuade one from believing the Diamondbacks will be competitive once the season starts.  On paper they project to be between 75-80 wins, with plenty of upside potential  beyond those projections, especially from their core of young players.