The Ain’t No Fang Podcast: D-backs starting pitching solid, thanks to Strom

The big difference between this year’s Arizona Diamondbacks team and last year’s is pitching.

Quick! Name the best starting pitcher in their rotation! It used to be a clear-cut answer. Not so much this season.

Thanks to the addition of pitching coach Brent Strom, the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation is off to a hot start, with Merrill Kelly, Madison Bumgarner and Zac Gallen looking strong.

Kelly has impressed the most, with a 1.27 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP through five starts. Bumgarner also has an impressive 1.17 ERA, and Gallen’s matches Kelly’s.

If we had told you that those three guys would have an ERA under 2.00 after the first month of the season, you’d be ecstatic.

However, the success of the rotation hasn’t carried over to the bullpen. Diamondback relievers have the 4th worst ERA in the league (4.30) and the worst batting average against (.272).

Now, that doesn’t mean the team hasn’t had solid performers out of the pen, such as lefty Joe Mantiply (who has yet to allow an earned run) and new closer Mark Melancon (1.13 ERA and 4 saves).

Overall, the pitching staff has made great strides under Strom. His impressive track record with the Houston Astros speaks for itself and carries weight in the clubhouse.

In this episode of “The Ain’t No Fang Podcast” Steve Zinsmeister and Cody Fincher take a closer look at the immediate impact Strom has made on the Diamondbacks.