| Published: N/A |
| Date: July 2007 |
| Section: Sports |
| Comments: |
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By: Ian Essling
A week before the All Star break, the Snakes would have solidly had an A if I was giving grades, as they were nine games above .500 and leading the tight NL West division. However, a five game slide that included two losses against the hapless Cardinals and an embarrassing sweep by the last-place Reds drop them down a bit. The 'Backs entered the break with the second worst 'last 10' in the majors, dropping 8 of the final 10 games before the break. The young bats continue to be either very loud or very quiet in Phoenix, and the D'Backs need more consistency in order to make the playoffs. Eric Byrnes (.306, 14 HR, 49 RBI) leads essentially every offensive category for the team, and while Byrnes is one of those players who plays 100% every pitch of every game, he can't power the offense by himself (although he certainly tries sometimes). Chris B. Young (.233, 13 HR, 31 RBI) and Orlando Hudson (.296, 7 HR, 47 RBI) are both putting up relatively solid numbers as well, but the Diamondbacks sorely lack a true power hitter.
The rotation has been solid, but not spectacular; Randy Johnson (4-3, 3.81) is back on the disabled list, Cy Young winner Brandon Webb (8-6, 3.37) has not looked like himself lately, and Doug Davis (5-10, 4.26) has a painfully high 1.75 WHIP. The bullpen has been shaky as well, but some recent demotions to Triple A Tucson (see: Brandon Medders, 1-2, 4.84, and a penchant to give up HRs like they are going out of style) might help to stabilize the situation. Look for the Diamondbacks to make a good run for the pennant if they can get through the first set of games after the break, as they play a tough series against NL West leaders San Diego and NL Central frontrunners Milwaukee and Chicago.
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