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MLB: 5 sleeping giants who will be contenders soon

By Robby Sabo

May 22, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame inductee Tony La Russa makes his acceptance speech during the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame inductee Tony La Russa makes his acceptance speech during the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Last Winning Season: 2011, 94-68
  • Last Playoff Appearance: 2011, Lost NLDS
  • Organizational Ranking: No. 6
  • Target Breakout: 2017

There’s a new sheriff in the town, and his name is Tony La Russa.

As we enter 2015, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to fly under the radar. Instead, it’s teams like the Mets, Cubs and even Houston Astros (who just missed the cut for this list), as teams to eventually watch out for.

It makes sense.

Aside from surprising seasons in 2007 and 2011, the Diamondbacks haven’t really been relevant in baseball since their championship days of 2001. Conquering the legend known as Mariano Rivera put this franchise on the map.

After years of mediocrity, La Russa is now looking to recapture some of that magic.

As soon as the Hall of Fame manager assumed the Chief Baseball Officer role for the club 11 months ago, heads rolled.

La Russa completely cleaned house. General manager Kevin Towers, manager Kirk Gibson and bench coach Alan Trammell were all relieved of their duties. Dave Stewart is now the new GM and will coexist with newly-minted manager Chip Hale, and La Russa of course, in attempt to build upon a talent base which Baseball America has currently ranked as the No. 6 group in baseball.

Diamondbacks Top Prospects:

  • Archie Bradley, RHP
  • Braden Shipley, RHP
  • Aaron Blair, RHP
  • Yosmany Thomas, 3B
  • Touki Touissaint, RHP
  • Jake Lamb, 3B
  • Brandon Drury, 3B/2B
  • Pete O’Brien, C/1B

Much like the Mets, the D-Backs also have a wealth of pitching in the system. The crown jewel of the organization, Archie Bradley, is already in the show as he enters the 2015 campaign as the No. 5 starter.

Even though we could discuss prospects with this club until the cows come home, the D-Backs rising from the dead and eventually becoming a model franchise around the majors will lie in the hands of La Russa.

Throughout the last decade, it’s been baseball-people who’ve been mostly credited with incredible franchise turnarounds.

As previously noted, Theo Epstein is so highly thought of now because of what he did in Boston. The man who receives most of the credit for the Tampa Bay Rays rise to prominence was general manager Andrew Friedman (who’s now with the Dodgers).

Stating that Arizona is currently a sleeping giant and will begin the breakout in the season of 2017 has everything to do with believing in Tony La Russa.

He is a baseball man who’s seen everything this game has to offer – every steal, every balk, every strike, and every curveball thrown his way.

With three World Championships as a manager, and all of the success he’s had with multiple organizations, who could argue that he’ll fail?

Next: 10 Greatest Opening Day Moments In MLB History

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