Christmas is long gone and New Year's Day has passed, which can only mean one thing:
Spring Training isn't far off.
In just over five weeks, Spring Training gets underway for the new-look D-backs, with two of their biggest acquisitions of the offseason -- pitchers Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller -- set to throw their first respective pitches for the team.
Pitchers and catchers will report to Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Feb. 17. Their first workout is set for the following day.
• D-backs Spring Training info
Position players report on Feb. 22. The first full-squad workout is then scheduled for Feb. 23.
The D-backs face the University of Arizona on March 1 at Salt River Fields before playing their first Cactus League game against the Rockies the following day, also at Salt River Fields.
The additions of Greinke and Miller bolstered the D-backs' rotation, giving them a formidable rotation to pair with one of the best offenses in the National League last season.
A year ago with the Dodgers, Greinke was 19-3 and led the Major Leagues with a 1.66 ERA, lowest by a big-league pitcher in 21 seasons and fourth lowest since the mound was lowered from 15 inches to 10 inches in 1969.
Miller might have lost 17 games for the Braves, but had a 3.02 ERA and suffered a loss or no-decision in 16 starts in which he allowed two or fewer earned runs.
The offense is paced by first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who finished second in the NL MVP vote after hitting .321 with 33 home runs and 110 RBIs while posting a 1.005 OPS.