Diamondbacks expect to build on success of turnaround season

They're not yet playoff contenders, but an impressive 15-game improvement in the standings with a core of talented young players and an aggressive style has the Arizona Diamondbacks believing they are headed in the right direction.

"We're close," general manager Dave Stewart said on Monday.

Diamondbacks chief baseball officer Tony La Russa was a little more measured in his appraisal.