Gibson, D-backs enjoying the role of underdogs

PHOENIX – Not much was expected of the Arizona Diamondbacks this season and with the team currently in first place, manager Kirk Gibson would like people to continue doubting his club.

“This team, we like people to say we’re not that good. We like them to take us lightly,” said Gibson on the Sports 620 KTAR’s Burns and Gambo show on Wednesday.

Even after Tuesday’s game where the D-backs rallied in the ninth inning to beat Cy Young candidate Roy Halladay and the MLB best Philadelphia Phillies in a game nobody gave them a chance, Gibson isn’t putting any added emphasis on his team’s accomplishments this season.

“You need to keep things in perspective. We all know the pitcher and the team we beat.”

“We just played well enough to hang in there. That’s what you have to do if you want to consider yourself somebody that’s contending,” said Gibson.

Despite not having the most talent on their roster, the D-backs have managed to defy the odds all season to be only six weeks away from doing the unthinkable by winning the division.

“We do some of the damnedest things sometimes and you just shake your head, but we just push through it.”

“Look at how many times we’ve come from behind. That’s a great trait and sign,” said Gibson.

Tuesday night’s comeback win against the Phillies was a perfect example as recent addition Lyle Overbay came up with the big hit.

“We just keep digging until the end. We don’t care whose up there at the plate. We all have a chance and an equal opportunity to make something happen,” said Gibson.

Still, despite the team’s surprise season, even if Arizona is to make it to the playoffs, probably nobody will pick them to advance past the first round.

“We’re not sitting here worried about people picking against us,” said Gibson.

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