Goldschmidt's Moment

A few years ago, I wrote a rather mean-spirited post about the Diamondbacks, saying they were going absolutely nowhere, and should trade Paul Goldschmidt so he can finally play for a good team. Well...I'm glad now that they didn't, as Goldschmidt has been the centerpiece of a stronger, better D-Backs team, that's been entangled in the battle with the Dodgers and Rockies for the division.

Thanks to some expert trading for smaller pieces this offseason, and the youth movement finally coming to fruition, the D-Backs have finally started competing. Yes, the injuries are beginning to come down, and yes, the early records of people like Robbie Ray and Patrick Corbin are giving way to less-favorable ones, but the team's still hanging in there.

Again, unsung heroes are the guys doing the bulk of the work this year- Zach Godley, an extra starter who's bopped around a bit, has been fantastic covering for Shelby Miller. Brandon Drury, David Peralta and Chris Owings have been hitting exceptionally well. Even if Paul Goldschmidt is leading the charge, the team's varied and deep enough that anyone can do well.

Right now the D-Backs are in third, behind a surging Dodgers roster and the perennially great Rockies, but they're far from out of it.

Coming Tonight: The second baseman for a team I'm thankful to call mine this year.