Thursday, April 19, 2018

Diamondback to Black


(Music Puns #3. This one's a little classier)

Like last year, the NL West has delved into a fierce battle between two 90's expansion teams, the Diamondbacks and Rockies. Also like last year, the Dodgers are currently staying out of the race. But unlike last year, the early edge is going to the Diamondbacks, and for good reason.

The D-Backs have compiled a ton of really nice, homegrown talent onto one roster, to the point where the only accoutrements, like Jarrod Dyson and Alex Avila, are being used to bolster the core. And the core is essentially the killer A.J. Pollock/Paul Goldschmidt combo, with occasional assists from Chris Owings and David Peralta. Yes, the rest of the lineup needs to catch up a bit, and yes, Jake Lamb is currently on the DL, leaving the team with such an embarrassing hole at 3rd base that it evokes the Red Sox' from last year, right down to the inexplicable Deven Marrero presence.

The pitching is slightly down from last year, but still fine. Patrick Corbin and Zack Godley are off to the best starts, while Robbie Ray needs to keep his ERA down. Zack Greinke is...well, he's not off to the best start, but he's still dealing strikeouts when he can. Taijuan Walker just went on the DL for Tommy John surgery, but there seems to be someone else waiting in the wings (and if that doesn't work out, might I suggest trading for one of the many underused pitchers in Houston? Come on, they can throw in a third base prospect or something)

The D-Backs are off to a nice start, even if they don't look perfect, and even as the Rockies are beginning to catch up.

Coming Tomorrow- [angry Elmer Fudd noises] Guess who's trying to compete again??

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