Arizona Diamondbacks: 2015 Year in Review

Sep 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) doubles during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

What Went Right

The offense hit early and it hit often. Paul Goldschmidt having an MVP-type season was to be expected. However, it was the breakout season of A.J. Pollock that turned an average offense to a potent one. Pollock emerged as one of the best players at his position, falling a double and a stolen base short of 40 two-baggers and 40 thefts. Pollock also scored 111 runs, third in baseball and socked 20 home runs. Goldschmidt was dynamite with 33 home runs, 110 RBI’s and an OPS of 1.005 second in all of baseball.

David Peralta and Ender Inciarte also emerged as legitimate everyday outfielders. Both men finished in the top ten in batting average in the National League. Cuban Yasmany Tomas was signed to a large contract out of Cuba and he flirted with .300 all season before slumping late and finishing at .273. Jake Lamb and Nick Ahmed more than held their own in their first full seasons and third base and shortstop, respectively. The trade for Welington Castillo shored up the catcher’s spot; all he did was finish third on the team with 17 home runs.

On the mound, Brad Ziegler was thrust into the closer’s role and had his finest season. He converted 30 of 32 save opportunities and finished with a 1.85 ERA in 66 games.  Rookie Andrew Chafin became one of the team’s most dependable relievers pitching a bullpen-high 75 innings to the tune of a 2.76 ERA. Daniel Hudson‘s remarkable return from two Tommy John surgeries continued with a setup role and four saves in 64 games. Zack Godley provided perhaps the story of the year, rising from Single A to the Majors and going 5-1 in nine games, six of them starts.

On defense, Ahmed, Goldschmidt, Pollock and Inciarte all have the potential to win Gold Gloves. Inciarte in particular stood out, finishing in the top five in Defensive Runs Saved. Peralta and Lamb were all standouts at their respective positions all well. The team finished fourth in the National League and tied for seventh overall in fewest errors committed with 86.

Next: What Went Wrong