Diamondbacks’ Anthony Banda continues impressive progress – AZCentral.com

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azcentral sports' Mark Faller and Dan Bickley discuss Magic Johnson's role with the Lakers, trade talk around the NBA ahead of tomorrow's deadline and potential MLB rule changes on Wednesday's Shot Clock.

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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred spoke about his frustration with the MLBPA, which he said rebuffed the leagues efforts to make any of a number of rules changes at Tuesday's Cactus League Media Day at the Biltmore. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports

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The Diamondbacks' Ken Kendrick discusses the team's lawsuit with the Maricopa County Stadium District over over Chase Field maintenance costs at spring-training camp on Friday.

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and his new team's foundation at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports

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The Diamondbacks had their photos taken on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at Salt River Fields.

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Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how difficult it is to win back-to-back championships in the MLB on Tuesday at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports

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Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how to prepare for this season in regards to overworking and injuries after last season's championship run at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports

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The Arizona Diamondbacks hosted fans to celebrate the start of spring training and the 2017 season at D-Backs Fan Fest at Salt River Fields on Monday. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com

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Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his first meeting with the whole team and what the team's Saturday plans will be if it rains at spring training. Video: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney tosses a bullpen session at Salt River Fields.

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USA TODAY Sports released its annual list of players to watch for in the upcoming season. USA TODAY Sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Jake Lamb talks about their new manager, front office and players at spring training camp. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses pitcher Shelby Miller at spring training on Feb. 16, 2017. Video: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke discusses his performance last season at Salt River Fields on Wednesday. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses Zack Greinke's first bullpen at spring training on Wednesday at Salt River Fields. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker throws his first official bullpen session of spring training at Salt River Fields on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports

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Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller tosses his first bullpen of the spring at Salt River Fields on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports

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Ron Gardenhire, Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach, annouced on Tuesday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the team's spring training complex at Salt River Fields. Manager Torey Lovullo also spoke. Video: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on what he sees in his team and pitcher Shelby Miller heading into the first days of spring training at Salt River Fields. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

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D-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley, sporting facial hair that he has not shaved since October 31st, reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

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D-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference at spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

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D-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

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Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley talks about the excitement of getting spring training started, saying "I couldn't sleep last night." Video: Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports

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The Diamondbacks have faced tough seasons and payroll limitations, and it might cost them a beloved franchise player. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com Wochit

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USA TODAY Sports has released its projected win totals for the 2017 MLB season. USA TODAY Sports

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Proliferation of young talent in the game provides an abundance of inexpensive options to stock a roster. USA TODAY Sports

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Are the Arizona Diamondbacks right to sue Maricopa County over Chase Field? Columnist E.J. Montini says no.

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With the longest championship drought in American professional sports, the Cubs have seen a lot change since they last won the World Series, in 1908. Time_Sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Anthony Banda throws to Grand Canyon University in the 1st inning during an exhibition game on Feb. 22, 2017 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz.(Photo: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

In a mostly empty clubhouse early Wednesday morning, Anthony Banda shifted a couple of lockers to his right, close enough to start a conversation with Jorge De La Rosa. It was a classic spring training moment: a prospect rubbing elbows with a veteran big-leaguer.

Banda, a bespectacled lefty who ranks as the Diamondbacks top pitching prospect, is trying to make the most of hisexperience in big-league camp. Hes also hoping to make things difficult for the front office at the end of March.

He got off to a solid start on Wednesday at Salt River Fields. Firing fastballs up to 96 mph, Banda worked around a one-out walk to toss a scoreless inning against Grand Canyon University in the Diamondbacks first exhibition game of the year.

Banda represents half of the clubs return in what ranks among the best deals former General Manager Kevin Towers made during his tenure. On July 31, 2014, the Diamondbacks sent outfielder Gerardo Parra to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Banda and outfielder Mitch Haniger.

Haniger had a breakout 2016 season and reached the big leagues; his inclusion in the Jean Segura trade allowed the Diamondbacks to acquire high-ceiling right-hander Taijuan Walker.

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Banda had a sort of breakout of his own, posting solid numbers at Double-A and Triple-A, and doing so with a fastball that ticked up a couple miles per hour from previous years, when he topped out in the low-90s.

In what the industry perceives as a weak farm system, Banda is one of the few bright spots; he is the Diamondbacks lone representative on Baseball Americas Top 100 prospects list, ranking 88th. He seems to take such status with a grain of salt.

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Diamondbacks' Anthony Banda continues impressive progress - AZCentral.com