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5 ways the D-Backs can stay competitive in NL West

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a tough spot.

Not only do they find themselves in the National League West with powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, the D-Backs have finished below .500 in each of the past three years.

Despite their recent struggles, 2017 is a new year for the Diamondbacks.

Arizona boasts a young and talented club that could find success if it stays healthy and sees better results from its stars (looking at you, Zack Greinke). Though the odds are currently stacked against them, it's not out of the realm of possibility that this team could compete for a wild-card spot this season.

Here are five things the Diamondbacks can do to stay relevant in a tough division:

Hope to stay healthy

Injuries to two very productive players - A.J. Pollock and David Peralta - slowed the Diamondbacks significantly last season. When healthy, both outfielders give the team terrific flexibility, allowing manager Torey Lovullo the opportunity to get creative. Peralta and Pollock combined for 11.1 WAR in 2015 before injuries limited them in 2016, so if that's any indication, their health should boost the Diamondbacks in 2017.


Starting rotation improvements

The Diamondbacks' rotation could be singled out as the main reason the team lost 93 games last year.

After being acquired from Atlanta, right-hander Shelby Miller was dreadful, posting a 6.12 ERA leading to a demotion to the minors. He wasn't the only one who struggled, however, as Greinke - their $206.5-million man - didn't fare well in his first season with the team. Additionally, Robbie Ray (4.90 ERA) and Patrick Corbin (5.15 ERA) were equally bad. The team is hoping newly acquired right-hander Taijuan Walker provides a boost.


Have a reliable closer emerge

The last time the Diamondbacks had a solid ninth-inning option was veteran Brad Ziegler, who was traded to Boston last year. Before that, J.J. Putz was the last closer to pitch to an ERA below 3.00 while converting 77 saves from 2011-12.

The team added Fernando Rodney and the veteran has a ton of experience closing out games, so it's possible he earns the job. New general manager Mike Hazen expressed the desire to add more bullpen pieces, perhaps another vet with closing experience. Regardless, the Diamondbacks need some security to compete with the likes of Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen and the Giants' new ninth-inning man, Mark Melancon.

Lamb improves vs. LHP

One bright spot for the club last season was the emergence of third baseman Jake Lamb, who was among the league leaders in several categories in the second half. The talented 26-year-old mashed right-handed pitchers (.271/.346/.552) with 25 home runs and 75 RBIs, but was far less successful against lefties (.164/.279/.345). If he wants to take the next step, Lamb needs to improve his numbers against southpaws, which would not only help him out, but his team's offense as well. If he can do that, it would give the D-Backs another lethal bat between Paul Goldschmidt and Pollock.

Team defense taking a step forward

Sure, defense wins championships, but it isn't the only factor that goes into making a complete team. The Diamondbacks should focus on improving that area, as last season's numbers weren't promising. The team committed the eighth-most errors (101) in the majors and were a combined minus-45.9 in defensive runs saved last season. In order to compete with the Giants and Dodgers - two clubs far better defensively - the Diamondbacks need to be better at preventing runs.

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