Reasons why the Arizona Diamondbacks can have October success

Sep 29, 2011, 10:11 PM | Updated: Sep 30, 2011, 3:20 pm

If we’ve learned anything about the 2011 Arizona
Diamondbacks it’s that, 1. they can definitely surprise you,
2. don’t ever count them out
and 3. Kirk Gibson is constantly looking forward with his
eyes on the prize.

As we head into the playoffs there are certain things that
make this Diamondbacks team stand out. Certain things
(people) they need to step up if they are going to be
playing past next Tuesday.

In the first round they have drawn the Milwaukee Brewers,
the best home team in baseball this season. The Brewers won
57 times this season in Miller Park (39 on the road).

The Diamondbacks need to win once there in the next week.

They took two of three from Milwaukee in Milwaukee earlier
this season. They won’t be scared.

Anything can happen As 
witnesses to Tuesday night, we all were 
reminded anything can happen. This 
Diamondbacks team fits that mold to a T. 
Expectations were low all season. More than 
10 pitchers have toed the rubber to start a 
game. They've dealt with season-ending 
injuries. It doesn't matter. They show up and 
compete night in and night out. Anything can 
happen this October. The Diamondbacks can be 
anything. Bull(close) The Diamondbacks 
bullpen gets outs. They have all season. David 
Hernandez and JJ Putz are very good when it 
comes to the last six outs of the game. Exactly 
what you need and have to be able to rely on in 
October. Comeback Diamondbacks Don't ever 
count these Diamondbacks out. 48 of their 94 
wins were come-from-behind victories. 
Incredible. Of those 48, eight were walk-offs. 
This team will force you to get them out 27 
times. There is no relaxing or else you'll pay 
for it. Getting into the other team's bullpen 
will be key. Star Player In the past week 
Justin Upton has seen stars a few times. In 
the next week Justin Upton needs to be THE 
star. In October you need a superstar bat in 
the lineup. Upton is that guy and he'll rise 
to the occasion. He's been very good in the 
middle of the order and there is no reason to 
think it'll stop now. 2007 experience is 
going to help this youngster. Leader of the staff The ace. 
The horse of the staff. I'm confident Ian 
Kennedy can put this team up 1-0 against the 
Brewers and allow them to grab that much-needed road win. This will set the tone for 
the series. Also, a Game 1 win would be huge 
for not only the team, but Daniel Hudson's 
psyche. We don't want Hudson pitching and 
thinking Game 2 is a must-win game. Gibby Ball Manager Kirk Gibson doesn't have managerial experience in October but that doesn't mean he hasn't been around October baseball. With Gibby being Gibby and the Diamondbacks continuing to play Gibby-ball, they should be able put pressure on the Brewers throughout the NLDS. I'm expecting aggressive baseball to be played by the Snakes.

Tyler Bassett

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Reasons why the Arizona Diamondbacks can have October success