The 2009 baseball season was not kind to the Arizona Diamondbacks, but they have been very aggressive in the off-season in trying to rectify that situation. They have made some major moves and are giving fans every reason to believe that they can once again represent their city and fans in the playoffs in 2010.

After the 2007 season, the Diamondbacks thought they had a franchise player in Byrnes. However, he seemingly turned into a different player that never again put up the numbers of that magical season. Maybe he needs a change of scenery or maybe he was a fluke, but cutting their ties with him was definitely the right thing to do.

When a team is looking to turn things around, they need to steal hot young talent from successful clubs and that is exactly what the Arizona Diamondbacks did. Adam LaRoche has been putting up some decent numbers in Atlanta in a very tough division and in some tough ballparks. He should have an incredible year.

While the offensive news is exciting, Brandon Webb will hold the key to the success of the Diamondbacks in 2010. Their horrible 2009 was directly related to him not being able to take the ball and the fact that he is ready to go again will be good news for loyalists. He was getting better every year until that injury and he will hopefully pick up where he left off.

If Webb is 100%, the one-two punch of Webb and Hare is going to be quite formidable. Over the last two seasons he has put up 30 wins and has over 400 strikeouts. If both of these pitchers are healthy, the Arizona Diamondbacks will easily surpass their win total of last season.

The Arizona bullpen should be solid as they are led by closer Chad Qualls. He slid into his new role nicely and converted 24 of 29 saves with a very respectable 3.63 ERA. With a year under his belt as the full time closer, we can expect a lower ERA and with Webb, quite a few more saves. You fantasy leaguers will want to snatch him up.

Arizona wants to get back on top and this could very well be the year. Webb coming back makes them an immediate contender with the added offense, they are going to be able to hang with the best the National League has to offer. Fans are going to be treated to a lot of fun games this spring and summer.

By Heather Maxwell, article sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Arizona Diamondbacks Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to just about any event in your area.

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