In 2007 the Arizona Diamondbacks went from worst to first as they won the NL West. They finished the season with a NL best 90-72 record and yet some how they allowed more runs than they scored.Brandon Webb, the ace of the D-backs pitching staff was 18-10 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.At the dish, the D-backs were lead by Eric Byrnes and youngster Chris Young who hit .286 and .237 respectively and combined hit 53 of the 171 home runs. While Young didn't have the best of batting averages, he could improve if he figures out how to get a little bit more patient at the plate.

Players Added

After the crushing defeat to the Colorado Rockies in the NLCS, the Diamondbacks knew they needed to add another quality starter and get some help in the bullpen.

To address their starting rotation need the Diamondbacks went out and picked up Dan Haren from the Oakland Athletics. In exchange for the A's ace the D-backs sent pitchers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, infielder Chris Carter, outfielders Aaron Cunningham, and Carlos Gonzalez over to Oakland.Haren last season was 15-9 with a 3.07 ERA.Look for Dan Haren to improve his pitching game in the weak hitting NL west (except Colorado) and pitch his way to an 18-20 win season and an ERA around 3.50. The only reason Haren wont better last years numbers runs support, with out runs support there are no wins.

The Diamondbacks brought in 24-year-old Billy Buckner from the Kansas City Royals early in the off-season for infielder Alberto Callaspo. Buckner has 7 games of experience in the big leagues and carries a 1-2 record to Arizona. His numbers in the bigs are not the best but the potential for this kid to succeed is great.He going to be at spring training to compete for a bullpen spot.He has the stuff to make it as a set up man but he needs to lower his ERA and WHIP.

Chad Qualls is one of the biggest names added to the bullpen this off-season. Qualls was supposed to be the Astros next closer after his former team traded Brad Lidge, but Astros had other plans. The D-backs sent Jose Valverde to Houston for Qualls and 3 other players.Qualls last season was 6-5 with a 3.05 ERA. Qualls will likely end up in the same role that he had in Houston, but if Tony Pena gets hurt watch for him to pick up some saves in the closer role. Qualls will appear in another 75 games with 15-20 saves.

Coming over from Houston along with Qualls is another young pitcher Juan Gutierrez.Gutierrez made his major league debut last season and had a record of 1-1 with a 5.91 ERA. Gutierrez has the arm strength and the stuff to be an average starter in the big leagues but he will likely succeed as a middle reliever or as a set up man. Look for Gutierrez to start the year in minor leagues but he will get the call mid-season as pitchers go down to injury.

Players Lost

During the off-season the D-backs emptied their farm system to acquire Dan Haren from the A's, but never really lost any of their key players from last years team.

Jose Valverde was shipped off to Houston in one of the worst moves of the off-season. Valverde last season Valverde had 1-4 record with a 2.66 ERA and 47 saves.T he 1-4 record is an inaccurate stat when talking about a closer because when a closer blows a save, he is likely to take the loss in that game. Along with his league leading 47 saves, Valverde a 1.12 WHIP. Currently Valverde and the Astros are awaiting the decision of an arbitrator on a contract but keep an eye on Valverde, as he will save another 40 games and continue dominate the ninth inning.In NL-only leagues Valverde has to be the top player on everyone's short list of relievers to take in their draft.

Of all the prospects lost this year Alberto Callaspo seems to be the only one that could have an impact on a major league club this season. Callaspo will likely be the back up to Alex Gordon this season. Callaspo will not appear in many games and will be a non-factor on your fantasy roster.

Moves Still to Come

The D-backs have been relatively quiet since bringing in Haren and Qualls, but they still need to add some depth to their bench. Recently the D-backs have offered Eric Hinske, Mike Sweeney and Cliff Floyd only to have their offers turned down for other jobs. Keep an eye on the D-backs to make a move for a hitter who can pinch hit with power and fill in as a DH when the team travels to an AL park for Inter-League play.

What to Watch for in Spring Training

Coming up in spring training the D-backs will get to find out if their new pitching staff will be able to live up to the expectations of the fans and the media. Webb will be the ace still and Haren will be the number two man, but what about the big unit Randy Johnson? He projected to be the third starter, but STAY AWAY from Johnson in your fantasy drafts. He will end up on the DL by the end of April and will likely retire after that. The Diamondbacks have also invited 17 players to spring training in hopes of finding 2008's Rookie of the Year.

Non-Roster Invitees

Pitchers

• Hector Ambriz
• Brooks Brown
• Frank Curreri
• Barry Enright
• Matthew Green
• Jarrod Parker
• Connor Robertson
• Wes Roemer
• Mark Rosen

Catchers

• Ed Easley

Infielders

• Jamie D'Antona
• Don Kelly
• Jesus Merchan

Outfielders

• Trent Oeltjen
• Gerardo Parra
• Chris Rahl
• Tim Raines