Diamondbacks begin season with a bang
Jonathon Smith
After last year, Diamondback fans were left wondering how long the rebuilding process would take. The answer isn’t quite certain yet, but all indications are that this season will be a vast improvement over the last. The pitching features Cy Young winner Brandon Webb atop a solid rotation that includes Dan Heren and newcomer Edwin Jackson. Edwin Jackson was an all-star for Detroit last year, acquiring 13 wins and a 3.62 ERA.
Webb is nursing a shoulder injury that required surgery last august. His health is critical to the Diamondbacks’ playoff chances, but it appears as though he will make a timely return.
The pitching was more than adequate last year, but the hitting failed to generate many runs.
So far this year, it appears that won’t be too much of a problem. Against the Pirates, the D-backs scored 13 runs in just one inning, a franchise record. They are averaging almost seven runs a game, a huge jump from last year’s dismal performance at the plate.
It is still very early in the season, but Arizona is off to a 5-3 record to begin the season, and has shown enormous potential.
Chris Young has simply been a beast so far this year, and there is no reason to think he will let up. He has 14 RBIs, three home runs and 11 hits in just eight games. He seems much more comfortable in his role at the seventh or eighth spot in the lineup.
Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds should also provide heavy firepower from the plate. Reynolds has been criticized for striking out too much, but it is often forgotten that he also hit 44 homeruns. Upton is often compared to Ken Griffey Jr. for his amazing combination of power and speed.
After a spectacular season in 2008, Conner Jackson disappointed in 2009. This was due largely to only playing 30 games because of valley fever. Look for him to rebound this year behind his renewed health.
It’s too early to say anything definitive, but it is looking like the D-backs could very well make a push for the division. The San Francisco Giants are off to a great start, but there are over 150 games left to be played.
If they continue their success at the plate, this team is as dangerous as any.
