Kirk Gibson not concerned with Diamondbacks’ recent struggles
Aug 24, 2011, 10:00 PM | Updated: 11:06 pm
It’s no secret that the Arizona Diamondbacks, particularly their bats, have struggled as of late. Just like fans, a prolonged slump can affect the players’ psyche. It’s manager Kirk Gibson’s job to make sure that a few losses in a row don’t turn into a season ending slide. It’s a challenge he’s up for.
“There are things that happen within a dugout when you’re going through a period like this gets very frustrating and if you don’t watch it you can lose your composure and then it is bad,” Gibson told Sports 620 KTAR’s Burns and Gambo. “One thing I think we did very well through the losing streak is that we continued to play the game properly. We stayed aggressive on the bases. We took what was given to us.”
The key to keeping the guys focused and playing the right way? Connecting with them and letting them know they’re not alone.
“We want them to know we’re behind them and we understand,” the manager said. “We’ve been through it. The thing is you just have to have the power to push through it. It’s happened to many, many teams throughout the history of the game. We still have the ability to play and win games on a regular basis. We won seven games in a row before that and we’re in first place. It’s not that bad.”
If Gibson’s squad hopes to win the NL West they’ll have to turn things around sooner rather than later. If they fall short of that goal though, the manger says it won’t be due to a lack of effort.
“We’re going to push and grind till the end of the season and feel confident that when it’s all said and done we’re going to have the ability to go to the postseason. If we don’t, it won’t be because we quit and gave into the situation.”
Gibson has managed to get the most out of his players all season and it’s hard to imagine things would be any different during the pennant race. Every team is bound to go through a slump during a 162-game schedule. This current road trip just happens to be that time for the D-backs. Luckily, there are still six weeks left in the season for them to turn it around.
