D-backs to embark on crucial AL West road trip
Originally published: Jun 11, 2012 - 3:22 pm
Are they finally hitting their stride?
Kirk Gibson's squad evened their record at 30-30, climbing their way back to .500 for the first time since May 5. They are getting healthy and gaining more confidence with every "W".
They have also performed quite well during interleague play thus far this season, compiling a 5-1 record against the Royals and Athletics.
The D-backs hope their interleague success will continue when they embark on their toughest test of the season against two of the American League's elite teams, the two-time defending AL Champion Texas Rangers and the revamped, powerhouse Los Angeles Angels.
The D-backs' AL West swing will start Tuesday in Texas, when the club will face a Rangers squad that is atop the majors in runs scored. Lucky for the D-backs' offense, they'll be playing in the very hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Red-hot Paul Goldschmidt will take his career-high 17-game hitting streak into the series against the Rangers. Goldschmidt has raised his average to .293 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs on the season.
D-backs' outfielder Jason Kubel won co-National League Player of the Week honors alongside Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster. Kubel hit .409 with two long balls, 18 total bases and tied for a major league-leading 12 RBI in six games.
The D-backs will also have the benefit of utilizing the DH for the road trip, improving their offense's ability to generate scoring chances. Gibson is notorious for changing up his lineup on a whim and he's hinted there are quite a few guys off the bench who could fill that crucial role.
Whichever lineup Gibson decides upon will have a favorable advantage. D- backs' hitters will miss Angels' aces C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver as well as Rangers stud Yu Darvish on this trip. So despite facing formidable competition in hostile territory, the D-backs couldn't have received a better draw.
The D-backs know they are fortunate to miss facing some of the game's most formidable hurlers. And, they are well aware that while wins against sub-.500 teams like the Padres, Rockies and Athletics were a positive step forward, it wasn't necessary enough to prove to their critics they're back.
If the D-backs come away with a winning record on this road trip against two of the game's premier clubs, this team's chances of contending again skyrocket.
It may only be June, but this stretch of games could likely be the turning point or the nail in the coffin for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Eric Chavez - Friday May 17D-Backs 3rd baseman Eric Chavez joined Burns & Gambo to discuss his recent hot streak.
- Tim Kurkjian - Thursday May 16ESPN MLB Insider Tim Kurkjian joined Burns and Gambo to discuss the development of Diamondbacks star
- Kevin Towers, D-backs GM - Wednesday May 15KT talks to Doug & Wolf about the big win over the Braves!
- Keith Law, ESPN MLB Insider - Monday May 13Law talks to Doug & Wolf about Justin Upton's return to AZ.
- Heath Bell, D-backs pitcher - Friday May 10Bell talks to Doug & Wolf about Sushi and the mentality of a closer



































