$Arizona Diamondbacks\' 5 Biggest Weaknesses Going Into 2016 Spring Training$

Arizona Diamondbacks' 5 Biggest Weaknesses Going Into 2016 Spring Training

By Bryan Zarpentine

After some high-profile moves this offseason, expectations are sky high for the Arizona Diamondbacks heading in 2016. However, that doesn’t mean the team is free of weaknesses. On paper, the Diamondbacks appear to have what it takes to compete in the NL West, but here are five weaknesses Arizona may have to overcome in 2016.

$Arizona Diamondbacks\' 5 Biggest Weaknesses Going Into 2016 Spring Training$

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Leadoff Spot — Ender Inciarte did well in the leadoff role for Arizona last year, but that spot is now open, likely forcing A.J. Pollock into that position. Pollock may do fine, but it will alter the Arizona lineup that had so much success in 2015.

Reliance On Power — The Diamondbacks definitely have some heavy hitters in their lineup, but they can't become too reliant on hitting home runs. With such great pitching in the National League, that approach could be exposed over the course of 162 games.

Bullpen — Brad Ziegler was great last season and the addition of Tyler Clippard is nice, but top to bottom, Arizona doesn't exactly have an elite bullpen. This could pose a problem if the Diamondbacks are in a tight division race late in the season.

Managing Expectations — Big time moves during the offseason mean big expectations during the season. This will put extra pressure on the Diamondbacks in 2016, which is something they are not accustomed to dealing with.

Middle Infield — Jean Segura, Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed haven't done much offensively the past couple of seasons, and if neither does much this season, the Diamondbacks could have a big hole in an otherwise potent lineup.

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