The Arizona Diamondbacks have some new nicknames. The Baby Backs and DiamondWinders are just some of the names that have been given to the team this year due to the fact that their rookies have played a large role in the season so far.

At the beginning of the season, pitcher Bret Prinz went down with a groin injury, which started a string of minor-league call-ups in the process. More injuries occurred and more Sidewinders came up. Soon, Bob Brenly's Boys were beginning to look like Bob Brenly's MASH 4077th Unit; somewhat reminiscent of 2001. Call it Diamondbacks Deja Vu and if this is the way it's looking, the team could be playing in the Fall Classic again. Only time will tell...

As for the here and now, the team has been utilizing its plethora of rookies. Brandon Webb has been the most successful of the pitchers who were called up and in my opinion is in the running for the Rookie Of The Year. Webb was an eighth round draft pick in 2000 and worked his way up through the Diamondback organization. He spent the 2002 season pitching for AA El Paso and AAA Tucson. He made his Major League debut in April of this year and so far this season he has a record of 7-3 with an ERA of 2.43 and 97 strikeouts.

Catcher Robby Hammock showed his versatility, not only being behind the dish, but also as an outfielder and third baseman. He was recently sent back to Tucson when Rod Barajas was reactivated, however, in 33 games with the Diamondbacks this season, he was batting .274 with five home runs, 18 RBI and two stolen bases.

Matt Kata, who has been displaying his talents around the infield is also a recent call-up from the AAA Tucson Sidewinders. When Tony Womack was injured, Kata became the leadoff batter and currently has an average of .285 with 13 RBI, 21 Runs and 6 home runs, which isn’t too bad when you consider that he has only played in 31 games so far. Another newcomer to the team is Alex Cintron. Though he did spend a short time in the majors the past two years he is really making his mark with the Diamondbacks this year. He splits his time between shortstop and second base and has a batting average of .304.

In the bullpen, many pitchers have come and gone. Scott Service was the first and now he has found work with the Toronto Blue Jays. Eddie Oropesa, who pitched for the Diamondbacks briefly last year has returned and has done fine, filling in the void left by the departure and recent retirement of veteran left-handed specialist Greg Swindell. As a matter of fact, he is averaging one strikeout per inning pitched and has an ERA 2.79. The most successful pitcher in the bullpen has been rookie sensation Jose Valverde, called up when closer Matt Mantei went on the disabled list. Valverde has recorded 9 saves and 1 win, averaging two strikeouts per inning with an ERA of 1.61. All in all, each of these men has made many contributions to this team.

First baseman Lyle Overbay and pitcher Oscar Villareal made the team out of Spring Training. Overbay, who batted .343 at AAA Tucson last year was touted as the Diamondbacks' first baseman of the future. Despite the hype and frenzy about him, he has struggled offensively this year and was recently sent back to Tucson to work on his offense and get more at-bats in. I am hoping this will help him and that this extra work will earn him another call-up very soon. Villareal has been a real asset in the bullpen, helping bolster the staff there. He was originally a starting pitcher but converted to a reliever after having much more success in that role.

Of all the rookies, Brandon Webb, Jose Valverde, Matt Kata, and Robby Hammock seem to have made the most impact, both on the field and off. Other teams and their fans have really taken notice and have spoken admirably about each of these men. All in all, the Diamondbacks' rookies have made an indelible impression on everyone---including me, and I foresee an ongoing battle down the stretch between Brandon Webb and Florida's unflappable rookie pitcher, Dontrelle Willis for the Rookie Of The Year honors. All I can say to that is "May the best man win".

When it comes to the Fall Classic, we'll see what the rest of the season brings. Maybe the Baby Backs/DiamondWinders will be the Cinderella Story of 2003...

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