In 2010, the Arizona Diamondbacks are 3-28 when scoring four or less runs.
Without much further investigation, it was safe to say that Arizona needed to pick up some additional help on the mound (no, Dontrelle Willis is not going to cut it).
And that’s just what General Manager Josh Byrnes did.
His first eight, I repeat eight , picks at this year’s draft were pitchers.
“We are extremely excited about the quality of arms we were able to select throughout the draft,” D-Backs’ Scouting Director Tom Allison told foxsportsarizona.com.
Here are a few notes on some of Arizona’s more prominent selections.
RHP Barret Loux (No. 6 pick overall)
The junior pitcher from Texas A&M shot up analysts’ draft boards after posting a 2.60 ERA this season in the hotly contested Big 12.
On Monday, just hours after being drafted, Loux gave up three runs in one inning in a regional game against No. 11 Miami.
Loux throws a low-90s fastball, mixed in with a devastating change-up.
Major League Projection: Two or three starter with a debut coming in 2011
RHP James Bradley (No. 56 pick overall)
The 18-year-old prep play from West Virginia is a North Carolina State signee with similar stuff to Loux.
Major League Projection: Back-end starter with a debut in 2013
RHP Robert Rowland (No. 88 pick overall)
Another prep pitcher, this time out of California.
The 6’6″ Oregon signee has a dominating presence on the mound that resembles the likes of San Diego pitcher Chris Young.
Major League Projection: If the D-Backs can sign him, he’s got the stuff to be a front of the rotation starter someday.
RHP Kevin Munson (No. 121 pick overall)
Finally, a reliever to help out the worst bullpen in the big leagues (7.19 ERA).
Munson, as the closer for James Madison University, went 8-1 with 10 saves during his junior campaign.
Major League Projection: With his above-average fastball/slider mix and durable arm, Munson could find his way into the dismal D-Backs pen fairly early on. Possibly as early as September, when the roster expands.
LHP Cody Wheeler (No. 151 pick overall)
Junior out of No. 4 Coastal Carolina University had a 12-0 record with a 3.59 ERA this season.
His team is two wins away from reaching the College World Series, so look out for him on ESPN if CCU should make it to Omaha.
Major League Projection: Many projected Wheeler to be taken in the first day of the draft as a big league ready arm. Wheeler, like Munson, could find himself in a D-Backs uniform before 2010 ends.
INF Raoul Torrez (No. 631 pick overall)
Quite a big jump to Torrez here.
The senior leader for top-ranked Arizona State University can play any infield position with superb defense.
He struggled at the plate a little bit this year, only batting .283, but Torrez has above-average speed that will help him find a way to get on base in the big leagues.
Major League Projection: Think of him as a possible future Augie Ojeda; platoon player extraordinaire.
RHP Ryan Zimmerman (No. 901 pick overall)
Don’t get too excited here D-Backs fans, the name is just a bit of coincidence.
The senior starter for Northwestern State University went 6-5 this season with a 3.74 ERA.
Major League Projection: Doomed to a life of disappointing people when they realize he’s not that Ryan Zimmerman.
Draft Grade: B-
Arizona might have reached a bit for Loux. ESPN had him ranked way lower at No. 42 overall. All in all, the D-Backs went out and tried to fix their most glaring weakness; drafting pitchers with 25 out of their 50 picks.
Follow me on twitter at twitter.com/tyleremerick
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com