Snakes in the Grass

No, this title is not a reference to the very catchy Waka Flocka Flame song, but the red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks who seemed to have snuck up on everybody who follows Major League Baseball. They have won 16 of their last 20 games and lead the majors in comeback victories. Their recent success has allowed them to get a taste of first place in the NL West for the first time since the 2008 season.

Manager Kirk Gibson has transformed a losing team to a possible contender with the addition of few new players. One key addition for the 2011 season was closer J.J. Putz. Putz currently allows his opponents to hit only .170 and has 17 saves on the year. An addition from the middle of last year, Joe Saunders, threw 7 shutout innings in a 2-0 win yesterday against the Washington Nationals.

Along with the success of new acquisitions, homegrown players are producing like they did in 2007 when the Diamondbacks were 4 wins away from making the World Series. Shortstop Stephen Drew leads the team in batting average (.286) as well as RBI (33). Young, but inconsistent, outfielder, Justin Upton, is leading the team with 11 homeruns with centerfielder Chris Young, another minor league product, just one behind with 10.

The Diamondbacks have been performing well with their former third baseman Mark Reynolds playing for the Orioles. Reynolds, known for his occasional power, is most known in Arizona for his inconsistency at the plate as well as his frequent strikeouts. Reynolds was replaced by veterans Melvin Mora and utility man Willie Bloomquist. The Diamondbacks have showed continued success with better hitting and consistent pitching with the rebuilt bullpen.

Gibson’s Diamondbacks are tied for the 3rd best record in all of the National League. (See standings) They have the ability to comeback late in the game, or in extra innings. They are 14-7 in one run games and 4-1 in those bonus innings. This team is very exciting to watch since Gibson has made them aggressive in all parts of the game. Can they keep up their success and eventually make the playoffs? Well, in 2008 they were in 1st place for most of the season but they began to falter near seasons end. To avoid another postseason drought they must stay aggressive and play the game the right way.

 

(Stats as of June 5, 2011 5:07 PST. Before end of WSH-ARI game.)