ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

For Gibson, D-backs’ extra innings magic indicates postseason destiny

Aug 31, 2013, 1:43 AM | Updated: 1:43 am

...

PHOENIX – “Grind.”

That was to be the single gear of the 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks. And, to the dismay of the many critics of the approach, they’ve kind of done just that.

Sure, as was often said in the wake of the Justin Upton trade, winning has a prerequisite: talent. There are no shortcuts or, in the Diamondbacks’ case, scenic routes. See: this season’s $216 million Los Angeles Dodgers.

But the trait that is perhaps most identifiable with a “grinding” team — finding a way to win close games — is something the Diamondbacks have practically owned in 2013.

They lead baseball in extra innings wins with 15. The Atlanta Braves are the only other team with double-digits extra innings win, with 11. The Diamondbacks have lost just five of their National League-leading 20 extras contests.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks also hold the major league lead in one-run victories. They are 28-17 in such games.

Some would offer that such success in late and close games is indicative of something deeper.

And the Diamondbacks’ own manager is one.

“It’s been a good sign of how we handled it,” Kirk Gibson said before Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.

“It’s one thing that tells you that somehow, some way we’re going to figure something out here and get in (to the postseason).”

It’s the resolve to win even the most trying of games that has made Gibson a believer in his team. That kind of determination, he’d go on to say, has been a common denominator among playoff teams in past years.

“The team doesn’t bellyache about what’s not going good at all. They focus on the task at hand.”

Though they stand 6 games back from the Cincinnati Reds in the race for the second NL Wild Card berth, and 9.5 back from the Dodgers in the NL West, Gibson has told his team not to be discouraged. And thus far, they haven’t, despite a multitude of setbacks, with significant injuries to key position players like Aaron Hill, Miguel Montero, Cody Ross, Adam Eaton and Eric Chavez along with injuries to pitchers J.J. Putz, Brandon McCarthy, Trevor Cahill, Daniel Hudson and Matt Reynolds.

“You can’t let yourself get discouraged, but it’s easy to do,” said Gibson. “You can look at it and say, ‘Oh, we lost and these guys are this many up on us.'”

No matter how bleak the situation, though, Gibson believes there’s a way, largely due to personal experience.

“I’ve been on some teams before where we were 3.5 back with six games to go and we won.”

Beyond pep rally platitudes, the manager also had some specific reasons he though his team could put together a run in the season’s home stretch.

“I feel like we’ve got some of our guys back and our rotation is going to be more consistent and, if we can get that and we can get our bullpen in a better shape,” Gibson explained, “then everything kind of falls in line.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks agree to TV, cable and satellite channel contracts

The Arizona Diamondbacks will air on linear TV channels as well as streams under an MLB-produced broadcast partnership in 2024.

2 hours ago

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

17 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

23 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

23 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

2 days ago

For Gibson, D-backs’ extra innings magic indicates postseason destiny