The Arizona Diamondbacks went from last (in 2010) to first (this year) in the N.L. West in Kirk Gibson’s first full year as the manager. They beat the Giants by 8 games. So they lost a tough series in the playoffs to the Brewers, they still had an outstanding season. Here is what stood out the most to me in 2011:

TEAM MVP: 24-year old righty swinging RF Justin Upton was rumored to be on the trade block last winter. The D-Backs were smart to keep him as he turned in his best year to date. Upton played in 159 games for the D-Backs last year and he was 171 for 592 (.289 avg, .898 OPS) with 105 runs scored, 31 homers, 88 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. He seems to be getting better and the D-Backs hope that trend continues in 2012 and beyond.

BEST PITCHER: 26-year old righty starting pitcher Ian Kennedy was simply incredible this year for the D-Backs. He pitched in 33 games (all starts) for the Diamondbacks in 2011 and he was 21-4 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Kennedy might just win the Cy Young Award in the N.L. this year.

PLEASANT SURPRISE: 31-year old righty swinging Ryan Roberts came out of nowhere to win the starting 3B for the Diamondbacks early in 2011 and he ran with it. Roberts played in 143 games for the Diamondbacks in 2011 and he was 120 for 482 (.249 avg, .768 OPS) with 86 runs scored, 19 homers, 65 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. It looks like Roberts might have found a home at the hot corner for the D-Backs.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: 28-year old lefty Zach Duke was supposed to be the #4 or #5 starter for the D-Backs. He got hurt early in the year and was ineffective when he did pitch. Duke pitched in 21 games (9 starts) for the Diamondbacks in 2011 and he was 3-4 with 1 save, a 4.93 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP.