ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

CBS’s Snyder: D-backs should sell aggressively

Apr 24, 2019, 11:20 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) looks on after Chicago Cubs' Javier Baez (9) ...

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) looks on after Chicago Cubs' Javier Baez (9) hit an RBI triple during the sixth inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

(AP Photo/Matt Marton)

It is safe to say that the Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of the many positive early-season surprises in baseball.

Through the first 24 games, the D-backs sit in a tie for second place in the NL West and have been riding their productive offense that ranks in the top 10 in runs scored, hits and home runs.

A lot of that production has come from the impressive start of outfielder David Peralta, who ranks third in the league in hits (33) and is tied for second in the league in doubles (11). The 31-year-old began the season with a 10-game hitting streak and has filled the middle of the lineup in nicely after the losses of Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock in the offseason.

Along with Peralta, first baseman Christian Walker has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the D-backs order. Walker has burst onto the scene in the first everyday role of his major league career. The 28-year-old leads the team in home runs (7), batting average (.329), slugging (.684) and OPS (1.077).

Taking into account all the team’s recent success, CBS’s Matt Snyder believes the D-backs should sell the players they can to send the team on a complete rebuild.

The upside is flirting with .500.

Even with their offensive success, the D-backs have seemingly been held back the surprising struggles of their starting rotation and bullpen, however, Snyder doesn’t believe that pitching will be the biggest problem for the D-backs.

The pitching overall should be much better and it probably does get better. By the same token, the offense probably then comes back to Earth.

After a year in which the pitching staff finished with the fourth best ERA in all of baseball, the D-back staff is 19th in the MLB in ERA (4.56) and ranks in the bottom half of baseball in walks allowed and runs allowed.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Ketel Marte to lead off Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup

The Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day lineup is set ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

3 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery throws a pitch...

Tyler Drake

Hall: Diamondbacks’ addition of Jordan Montgomery ‘made a lot of sense’

The Diamondbacks' addition of Jordan Montgomery puts a bow on a rotation that should be in the conversation for the top spot across MLB.

5 hours ago

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

5 hours ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

6 hours ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

7 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

9 hours ago

CBS’s Snyder: D-backs should sell aggressively