A new year! Finally, we can close the book on 2010, and look forward to 2011 with some optimism- whether that optimism is deserved or not is beside the point, just go with me here.

Diamondbacks News:

• [DBacks.com] New-look D-backs hope to surprise in 2011 - Hoping to surprise? Hey, just being decent would be a nice improvement. Sorry, sorry, optimism, right. Anyway, here are ten questions the team will have to face this season.

• [MiLB.com] Ten Questions with Josh Collmenter - After a good showing in the AFL, Josh Collmenter answers some questions from MiLB.com. Glad to know the fine tradition of facial hair in our organization continues, even with Clay Zavada's injury.

• [Sports Haze] MLB Offseason: Grading the Diamondbacks Moves - Wes starts his tenure at Sports Haze with a look at the Diamondbacks offseason moves, and a look at our prospects.

• [DBacks Venom] Diamondbacks Off-Season Recap: Catching - Amit takes a look at the Diamondbacks options behind the plate next year- Blanco looks like he'll be a good addition defensively, and hopefully Montero can pick up on some of that, too.

• [Beyond the Box Score] Arizona's New First Baseman - Will we see Brandon Allen or Juan Miranda at first next year? BtB's take: "I'm not totally committed to preferring the Allen-1B/Parra-LF alignment or the Miranda-1B/Allen-LF alignment, but I feel pretty strongly that the club has no business starting Parra in left and Miranda at first, with Allen toiling away in Triple-A."

• [MLB.com] With 2010 in books, baseball looks ahead - 41 days until pitchers and catchers report, and 87 days until Opening Day. Just biding our time...

• [SI.com] Predictions about Phillies, Orioles, trades and breakout stars - Some predictions for the 2011 season. No managers will be fired? That seems surprisingly optimistic.

• [SignOnSanDiego] Minus Gonzalez, could Padres offense improve in '11? - No, no, I take it back. This seems surprisingly optimistic. The Padres offense was incredibly feeble last year, and I don't see it improving on the bats of Brad Hawpe, Jason Bartlett, and Orlando Hudson

• [NBC Sports] CarGo, Rockies nearing seven-year extension - Rumor has it that they're offering about $80 million over 7 years. If true, this would be a pretty big bump in salary over the $400k he made last year.

• [FanHouse] Report: Adam LaRoche Gets 2-Year Offer From Nationals - According to reports, he turned down a three year offer from the Orioles for the shorter contract from Washington. So, Baltimore to win the World Series this year?