The Diamondbacks improved by 26 games in 2005, and they are hoping to continue their progress in 2006 with a new cast of characters, as only two members of their projected Opening Day starting lineup will be in the same spot they were last year.

Fans will get their first look at highly touted shortstop Stephen Drew, who is likely to start the year at Triple-A, but will be at big league camp in the spring. So, too, will last year's overall No. 1 draft pick, Justin Upton.

After a disastrous 2004 season, which saw them lose 111 games, the Diamondbacks rebounded to finish second in the National League West last year with a 77-85 mark.

As Diamondbacks fans prepare for their journey to the desert, here are some questions and answers that should help:

When do the Diamondbacks arrive at camp?
The Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 17 with their first workout on Feb. 18. The rest of the position players report Feb. 22 with the first full-squad workout Feb. 23.

When do games start?
The Diamondbacks kick off their 2006 spring schedule with a game against the defending world champion White Sox on March 2 at Tucson Electric Park. Arizona will play its first four games against Chicago at TEP, which is home to both teams during the spring.

The Diamondbacks' first trip to the Phoenix area will be March 7, when they take on the Angels in Tempe.

How do I get tickets?
TEP holds 11,500 fans, the second-most in the Cactus League with 8,000 seats and a capacity of about 3,000 for the outfield lawn seats.

Tickets went on sale Jan. 14 and can be purchased online or through Tucson Electric Park by calling 1-866-672-1343.

Where is Tucson and how do I get there?
Tucson is located in the southern part of Arizona, about a two-hour drive from the Phoenix area, depending on traffic. It's an easy drive -- just head east on I-10 from Phoenix and you'll stay on the freeway until the Ajo Way exit.

If you're coming from outside the state of Arizona, you can fly directly into Tucson International Airport, which is south of the ballpark.

After you take the Ajo Way exit, head east to the ballpark, which you'll be able to easily see from the freeway. Plenty of parking is available in the lots surrounding the ballpark.

How can I watch the team work out?
Before games begin, the Diamondbacks work out each day just across the street from the complex in the Kino Sports Complex. There is no parking or admission charge there, and fans can wander amongst four fields watching their favorite players hit or take infield.

Get the inside scoop on your favorite team:

Cactus League:

• Angels • Athletics • Brewers • Cubs

• Diamondbacks • Giants • Mariners • Padres

• Rangers • Rockies • Royals • White Sox

Grapefruit League:

• Astros • Blue Jays • Braves • Cardinals • Devil Rays • Dodgers

• Indians • Marlins • Mets • Nationals • Orioles • Phillies

• Pirates • Red Sox • Reds • Tigers • Twins • Yankees

Workouts generally begin around 9:30 a.m. MST or so and last until 12:30 p.m., though the schedule could vary.

Once the games begin, the Diamondbacks typically will work out in the morning at a field on the west side of the stadium. There is parking in that area, and there is no charge for fans to watch.

Where can I get some autographs?
During workouts, players will occasionally sign autographs as they move between fields at the Kino Sports Complex.

Once the games begin, the best opportunities for autographs come when the team arrives on the field before games. Fans can hang out down the left-field line as the players walk from the clubhouse to the dugout.

What else is there to do in Peoria?
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, which has a nice campus east of downtown. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the mountains surrounding the city, and the Desert Museum is always interesting. Not far away is Biosphere 2, and the city also boasts some very nice golf courses.

For more information on Tucson, visit www.tucsonaz.gov/visitor.html, the city's Web site.

When do the Diamondbacks open the regular season?
The Diamondbacks begin the 2006 season on the road in Colorado on April 3. They follow up the three games against the Rockies with a trio of games in Milwaukee against the Brewers.

The Diamondbacks' home opener will be April 11 against the Rockies. That kicks off a 10-game homestand that includes a four-game set with Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants.