D-backs need to finish homestand strong
The Diamondbacks have started the second half of the season fairly well by winning three of their first five games. The Dbacks took two of three at home against the Dodgers and have split the last two games against the Brewers. The D-backs still have five games remaining at Chase Field before heading off on a California tour starting next Tuesday in San Diego. The D-backs play three games in San Diego against the Padres before heading to LA for another three against the Dodgers and finish the eight game trip in San Francisco against the division leading Giants.
D-backs need a little help
The Diamondbacks currently find themselves four and a half games back in the standings, despite a decent start to the homestand. The Giants have won five of six to extend their division lead. For the Dbacks to close the gap, two things are going to need to happen.
-The Diamondbacks need to continue winning series. Also, when the Dbacks play head-to-head against the Giants, they need to find a way to gain some ground.
-The Giants need to start losing some games. After they wrap up the current series with the Dodgers, San Fran hosts a three game series against the Brewers. Then they’ll head out on a tough six game stretch in Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
Help may come in a different form
The July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline is approaching and word is that the Diamondbacks will be buyers. This is always an interesting time of the year because rosters can change quite drastically. Many teams will make changes to help position for a playoff push. The D-backs have expressed an interest in adding pitching. The D-backs seem solid at the top end of the rotation and the back end of the bullpen, but could use more reliable arms in middle relief and a solid fourth starter. Only time will tell how the roster will look on August 1 after the deadline has passed, but it seems very likely that changes will be made. Hopefully the D-backs can make some moves to retool and prepare for a pennant chase.
Life without Stephen Drew
Stephen Drew left the game on Thursday in the bottom of the 4th inning as he was tagged out at the plate attempting to score from second base. On the play, Drew’s right leg was caught underneath his body as he slid into the catcher. The Diamondbacks have confirmed that Drew suffered a fractured ankle on the play, likely ending the season for the D-backs starting shortstop. This is obviously a horrible break (no pun intended) as Drew is one of the leaders of the the young D-backs squad. In Drew’s absence it will be up to veteran Willie Bloomquist to fill the void at shortstop. Fortunately, Bloomquist filled in admirably for Drew earlier in the season and he’s more than capable of providing a spark.
