- Kelly Johnson was the NL Player of the Month for April. AP photo.
The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Phoenix from a very long road trip as they prepare to face some more challenging teams. The first matchup of the weekend includes the power-hitting offense of the Milwaukee Brewers with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. The two teams combined have hit a total of 71 homers to date as they prepare for what analysts look to be a home run derby. Short of a triple play and stealing home, there are not many things as exciting as seeing one hit out of the park.
After winning the series in Colorado and struggling in Chicago, the Diamondbacks were able to come back to take three of four against a sub-par Houston team. Wins continue to be important as the team heads home to face the Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers expect to have Manny Ramirez ready for the series against the D-backs. Ramirez is currently playing in San Bernardino, CA, for the Class A Inland Empire 66ers in preparation of being placed back on to the roster.
Some of the highlights of the week include Dan Haren’s 10th complete game of his career, and Kelly Johnson was named the player of the month for April. Johnson, who comes to Arizona from Atlanta, was expected to have a breakout year this year. In April, just the first month of the season, Johnson already boasts better stats than all of last year.
Despite some troubling times with the bullpen and their current place in the standings, there has been plenty to be pleased with about the D-backs in 2010. Don’t forget that Friday night is fireworks night at Chase Field, and on Saturday the first 15,000 fans will receive baseball caps courtesy of Sports 620 KTAR. On Sunday, the first 5,000 moms will receive a D-signer tote bag for Mothers’ Day. Until next week, continue to show your love for your elite local teams and remember to show your D-backs some love.
Last week’s games
04/30 — Cubs 11, D-backs 5
05/01 — Cubs 7, D-backs 5
05/02 — Cubs 10, D-backs 5
05/03 — D-backs 9, Astros 1
05/04 — D-backs 1, Astros 0
05/05 — Astros 4, D-backs 2
05/06 — D-backs 6, Astros 3
This week’s games
05/07 — Brewers @ D-backs, 6:40 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona
05/08 — Brewers @ D-backs, 5:10 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona
05/09 — Brewers @ D-backs, 1:10 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona
05/10 — Dodgers @ D-backs, 6:40 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona
05/11 — Dodgers @ D-backs, 6:40 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona
05/12 — Dodgers @ D-backs, 6:40 p.m., Fox Sports Arizona
