ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs close to Giants in standings, not in talent

Jun 17, 2011, 10:40 PM | Updated: 11:46 pm

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been outscored 36-26 by the San Francisco Giants as the defending World Series champs have taken seven of nine games from team in Sedona Red.

Four of the seven losses have been by one run, though, leading many to think that the Diamondbacks, while maybe not being right there with the Giants, are not far behind.

“When I watch these two teams play…why is it that to me it doesn’t feel like the Arizona Diamondbacks are really that close to the San Francisco Giants,” Dave Burns wondered on Sports 620 KTAR’s Sports Interactive. “I think the Giants have a clearly superior pitching rotation to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a clearly superior bullpen to the Arizona Diamondbacks; I just don’t think the Arizona Diamondbacks have enough and I think what we’re looking at right now tends to be more of a mirage.

“I don’t think the Diamondbacks are that close to the Giants when you really go brass tacks and look at the two teams side by side.”

Thanks for raining on our parade, Dave.

In reality the fact that the Giants, even with stars Pablo Sandoval and Buster Posey missing significant time with injuries, are still 1.5 games ahead of the D-backs. Add in that yes, the Giants easily boast the better pitching staff, and it’s easy to see why Burns feels the way he does.

That said, the 2007 Diamondbacks were far less impressive than this bunch, and they won 92 games and made it to the NLCS. Does this team have a similar run in them?

We’ll find out soon enough.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Slade Cecconi...

Nick Borgia

Diamondbacks’ Slade Cecconi notches career-high 8 strikeouts in loss to Mariners

D-backs' Slade Cecconi did all that he could Saturday against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, but the Mariners defeated the D-backs 3-1.

53 minutes ago

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning Mariners at T-Mobile Par...

Damon Allred

D-backs’ Zac Gallen exits during at-bat vs. Mariners; 2 minor leaguers also sustain injuries

Zac Gallen had to leave Friday's series-opening loss to the Mariners in Seattle, after two minor leaguers sustained injuries earlier.

1 day ago

J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners reacts after grounding out on April 9, 2024. (Kevin Sousa/Get...

Damon Allred

Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford lands on 10-day IL ahead of series against Arizona Diamondbacks

The Seattle Mariners will be without their starting shortstop and leadoff hitter when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend.

2 days ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ lack of execution spoils Jordan Montgomery outing vs. Cardinals

Jordan Montgomery's quality start gave the Arizona Diamondbacks every opportunity to break Wednesday's series finale at the Cardinals open.

3 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks logo...

Haboob Blog

Diamondbacks minor leaguer accomplishes rare 5-strikeout inning

D-backs RHP prospect Jhosmer Alvarez struck out five hitters in a single inning for Single-A Visalia against the Inland Empire 66ers.

3 days ago

Corbin Carroll swings and breaks his bat...

Arizona Sports

Corbin Carroll slides to 7th in Diamondbacks’ batting order vs. Cardinals

The Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking up the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals with Corbin Carroll sliding down the batting order.

4 days ago

D-backs close to Giants in standings, not in talent