N.L. (Baseball).

Arizona Diamondbacks

www.sportingnews.com/baseball/teams/diamondbacks

98-64 1st in West

OFFSEASON PRIORITIES: The decision on potential free agents--other than 1B Mark Grace, who will return--and contract extensions will not be made until Jerry Colangelo sees how deep the team goes in the postseason. Another championship would tempt Colangelo to keep this team together. A quick exit--and less postseason profit--could lead to changes.... If the team decides to tinker, the rotation could be most affected. While LHP Randy Johnson and RHP Curt Schilling will front the group, RHP Rick Helling and LHP Brian Anderson could be replaced by youngsters such as RHP John Patterson, LHP Mike Gosling and RHP Oscar Villareal.

COMINGS AND GOINGS: The first decision is whether to bring back CF Steve Finley. He will be 38 next reason but was as steady as any other hitter in the lineup this year. Without Finley or any outfield additions, a combination of Danny Bautista, David Dellucci and Quinton McCracken would cover center and right.... The team doesn't need four first basemen. But with Grace assured of coming back and prospect Lyle Overbay ready for the majors, Erubiel Durazo and Greg Colbrunn seem the odd men out. Though injury prone, Durazo might have nice trade value because of his offensive prowess. Colbrunn is a free agent.... Helling has a $6.5 million mutual option for next year, but it might make sense to try to sign him to a longer, backloaded deal.... Braves RHP Greg Maddux has said to some friends that he might consider signing with Arizona.... Two setup men have options for 2003: RHP Mike Fetters and LHP Mike Myers. With Matt Mantei, Mike Koplove and Byung-Hyun Kim available from the right side, Fetters might be gone. Myers should be back because lefty specialists are rare, and the N.L West is loaded with big left-handed bats.... IF Jay Bell, who might retire, is not expected back. Bell struggled adapting to part-time duty.--Ed Price

GRADING 2002

OFFENSE: A- Near top of the league in runs, though it was much better at home.