Don't be surprised if D'backs emerge as class of NL

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TUCSON, Ariz. -- After visiting 13 spring camps and hearing 13 different spiels about how that team's time is now, I found myself nodding at Diamondbacks camp. That's nodding, not nodding off. I like what I see here. Arizona is my sleeper team in the National League. And it's not just heat stroke, either ... at least I think it's not.

I truly believe the Diamondbacks can win the NL pennant for three very real reasons: 1) they have surprisingly solid starting pitching; 2) they have as fine a crop of young major league-ready positional players as anyone; and 3) the National League is eminently winnable.

It's true the D'backs don't have an obvious leadoff hitter or cleanup man, and while we're at it, their bullpen is pretty iffy. But they do have plenty of reason to crow, a lot more reason than some of the teams that are crowing a lot more than them.

"I think we've got as good a shot as anyone in the National League West,'' outfielder Eric Byrnes says. "I think a lot of people will be surprised if we win it. But I don't think anybody in this clubhouse will be surprised.''

Here's a closer look at the top three reasons no one should be too surprised:

1. The pitching. The importing of Randy Johnson and Doug Davis gives them a first four (counting Brandon Webb and Livan Hernandez) to match almost anyone. "It's very important for the psyche of the team to have a starter that gives us a chance to win every day,'' manager Bob Melvin says. Speaking of psyches, Johnson, who's expected to be ready by mid-April after winter back surgery, is said to be sunny (for him), and even if it's just because he's out of New York, so be it. Everyone ridiculed Johnson's 2006 season, but as Melvin pointed out, he won more games than Cy Young winner Webb while pitching with a bad back (not to mention his bad attitude in the Bronx).

2. Young position players. They've hit the jackpot here. According to Melvin, one of the first things you'll notice about Stephen Drew is that there's "no panic in his game,'' which is different from his brother, J.D., of whom some claim there's no passion. Chris Young is a many-tool talent in center field. And Melvin loves Carlos Quentin. "He's tremendous in right field,'' Melvin says, "and as hard a worker as we have. He's a guy who brings it everyday."

3. National League. In the American League, with the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, White Sox and Angels, they'd have little chance. But the NL is wide open. You have to like the Dodgers' pitching and speed, you can't help but admire the Mets' bats and you have to respect the Cardinals' track record and rings. Still, the D'backs look like they're ready to strike.