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5 Arizona Diamondbacks Rookies To Keep An Eye On

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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5 Arizona Diamondbacks Rookies To Keep An Eye On

Chase Field Arizona Diamondbacks
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After a dismal 2014, the Arizona Diamondbacks are ready for a rebuild. After back-to-back .500 seasons, the Diamondbacks posted the major-league worst record of 64-98 last season. This forced CBO Tony La Russa to fire manager Kirk Gibson, bench coach Alan Trammell and GM Kevin Towers. During a rebuild, strong rookie play and development is critical. Here are five prospects who could provide a winning spark in the Valley of the Sun.

5. Braden Shipley - Pitcher

Braden Shipley Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Pitcher
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Braden Shipley - Pitcher

Braden Shipley Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Pitcher
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks selected Shipley as the No. 15 overall pick in the 2013 draft. After a few Cactus League appearances this spring training, Shipley is expected to start the season in Triple-A Reno. Shipley has been known to scorch radar guns with a 98 mph fastball, but he will use the minors to hone in his curveball and changeup, the pitches the young gun needs to improve the most.

4. Pete O'Brien - C/1B

Pete O'Brien Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Catcher
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

4. Pete O'Brien - C/1B

Pete O'Brien Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Catcher
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

O'Brien is already known for this lack of defensive prowess, but scouts have projected the club-proclaimed catcher of the future to be a 40 home run hitter. The lack of defensive skills is alarming (think Rude Baker in the film 'Major League 2'), so expect O'Brien to fine-tune his craft in the minors in early 2015 until he is able to provide some quality at-bats (and rest) to help the All-Star slugger Paul Goldschmidt.

3. Jake Lamb - 3B

Jake Lamb Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Thirdbase
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jake Lamb - 3B

Jake Lamb Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Thirdbase
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Despite appearing in 37 games last season, Lamb is considered a rookie in 2015. Lamb is able to rip the cover off the ball, as he blasted four homers last season and already has two moonshots in spring training. The only question is: Will his defense at the hot corner place him ahead of front-runner Yasmany Tomas? The organization is high on Lamb, so expect a lot of position rotations to work the young stud into the lineup.

2. Yasmany Tomas - 3B/OF

Yasmany Tomas Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Thirdbase
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Yasmany Tomas - 3B/OF

Yasmany Tomas Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Thirdbase
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tomas is definitely the most intriguing rookie on the squad. The Cuban-born slugger signed a six-year deal with Arizona this offseason in hopes of bringing some Puig-esque fire to the club. The only question is where will he land on opening day? The Diamondbacks aren't ready to give up on third base, even with Lamb waiting behind. Plus, Arizona already has an overly-clogged outfield. Don't worry, Tomas and his bat will find a home quickly.

1. Archie Bradley - Pitcher

Archie Bradley Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Pitcher
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Archie Bradley - Pitcher

Archie Bradley Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie Prospect Pitcher
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For years the D'backs have waited for one of MLB's top prospects to graduate to the show. Bradley was on the verge of arriving to Chase Field last season until a flexor strain in his elbow knocked him onto the DL. As a result, Bradley has seen his velocity drop from 96 mph to 93. The young ace's skills, however, are still intact. With Corbin and Arroyo still sidelined from Tommy John surgeries, it's time for Bradley to earn his promotion.

Ian Sullivan is a writer for RantSports.
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