March 6, 2013; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Adam Eaton (6) at bat in the sixth inning during a spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks were depending on Adam Eaton to be their starting center fielder on opening day and be the Diamondbacks lead off hitter. They had also hoped that Eaton would be a spark plug to get the offense going. Those hopes and dreams are all but gone when an MRI on Eaton’s showed he has a grade one sprain on his left elbow, which will sideline him for at least six weeks. Eaton believed the pain would go away, and when this did not happen the team became concerned and scheduled the MRI. The injury for Eaton occurred when he felt some discomfort about two weeks ago when the Diamondbacks were working on getting the ball out quicker from the outfield.

The Diamondbacks have the depth to deal with this setback to the team; they have numerous options that they can use until Eaton is ready to come back from the injury. They can use Gerardo Parra who has been performing well in the spring so far, Parra also plays the best defense of the options available to the team. Another option is moving Martin Prado from third base and shifting him into right field, if this happens then Eric Chavez would play third base.

The other option available to the Diamondbacks is to give A.J. Pollock a chance to play in center field. Pollock has earned the chance to be a full-time outfielder for the team and now it is his chance to shine to show the team what he is capable of when given an opportunity to play.

The Diamondbacks have the players step in and fill the void that will be left while Eaton recovers from this injury. The good news is that Eaton will not be out that long.

Mar. 19, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton throws his bat after striking out in the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The calendar is steaming toward April which means that it is time for many fans across America to draft their fantasy baseball teams.  I know there are a good number of folks who are baseball fans and do not participate in fantasy sports.  Although fantasy owners are considered “nerds”  or “geeks”  by some people,  it is hard to ignore an industry that is worth a billion dollars.  For the record, I am in a “keeper” league which means that you get to keep 10 players from your previous year’s squad.   So which Arizona Diamondback  players are good for us Fantasy guys?

The D-Back player that will probably be drafted highest in most leagues is Justin Upton.   He is probably a second round pick at the moment but is poised to have a season that would catapult him into the first round in 2013.   Miguel Montero is a Top Five Catcher and with free agency on the horizon, owners would be wise to grab him as their starter behind the plate.   On the pitching side,  Ian Kennedy  is sure to attract interest as a late second or early third round  selection off his brilliant 2011 campaign.  Although J.J. Putz  saved 45 games last season, he may be taken later than his stats suggest.  Owners will be worried about his injury history.  Plus, there is not a huge emphasis on relievers as you can pick a good one late or off the waiver wire.

One D-Back player I will be watching is Daniel Hudson.   Our league allows you three Starting Pitchers per week and I am set with Tim Lincecum, CJ Wilson  and Zack Greinke.   However, I love the upside for Hudson and hopefully he will be there for my second pick.   Chris Young is not bad for the Outfield but his low batting average hurts as does his penchant for strikeouts which negatively affect owners in some leagues.  If he can re-discover his 2009 and 2010 stroke, Aaron Hill would be a great pickup at Second Base.  Ryan Roberts is pretty good for Third Base but you will have to find more pop in your lineup if he is your starter.  If you are in keeper league like me, Paul Goldschmidt  would be a nice late pick.  If he blossoms into a  star, you won’t have to worry about First Base for a long time.

I know some drafts have already taken place.  Maybe all of the players I mentioned in this post have already been taken.  For those of us that have not drafted yet, I hope this provides us with a  little cheat sheet in our Draft War Rooms.

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