D-backs dodge another 110-loss year

PHOENIX — Madison Bumgarner was a star in winning three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants. Thus, she knows what it means to be a member of a successful team.

But he was also part of the previous campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Therefore, no one can tell you what it’s like to play for a team sunk in vicissitudes.

Bumgarner said being at both ends has taught him that there isn’t that much of a difference between the best and worst teams in Major League Baseball. The veteran left-hander believes that the Diamondbacks, despite the 110 losses suffered last year, can make a big jump in the NL West.

“Everybody knows we’re not the team we showed us to be last year,” Bumgarner said. “We could have come here and accidentally made it better.”

If Arizona is going to improve in 2022, it will have to be thanks to several players who were on last year’s roster.

Western Division rivals made lavish outlays on the free-agent market, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who got Freddie Freeman, and the Colorado Rockies, who now have Kris Bryant.

In contrast, a low-budget Diamondbacks settled for minor acquisitions, particularly in the bullpen.

Manager Torey Lovullo returns for his sixth season and will try to build a better offense around youngsters like Daulton Varsho, Pavin Smith, Josh Rojas and Ketel Marte, who recently signed a five-year, $76 million deal to from 2023.

Bumgarner, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly head up the rotation. The Diamondbacks acquired experienced relievers Marc Melancon and Ian Kennedy to handle save situations.

It remains to be seen if that is enough to reach the objectives in the West Division of the National League. Lovullo said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“Winners find a way to learn from their mistakes and turn them into growth,” Lovullo said.

SAFETY IN THE INTERMEDIATE

The team’s most complete hitter in recent years has been Ketel Marte, who batted .318 with 29 doubles and 14 home runs last season despite being limited to 90 games with hamstring injuries.

The Dominican is also a talented defensive player who has played second base, shortstop and the outfield. And in all those positions he has contributed spectacular plays..

While his versatility is an asset, Arizona plans to use Marte primarily as a waiter this season, hoping that consistency will allow him to better maintain his health.

Bumgarner is about to start the third season of a five-year, $85 million deal he signed before the 2020 season.

It was a disaster in the 2020 season, shortened by COVID-19. He finished with a 1-4 record and a 6.48 ERA.

He rebounded in 2021, going 7-10 with a 4.67 ERA.

The 32-year-old’s pitching velocity has increased slightly so far this preseason. That gives the Diamondbacks hope that things can get better this year.

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D-backs dodge another 110-loss year