The Arizona Diamondbacks are in 1st place in the NL West. This is not a misprint. No, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling are not still pitching. This is not 2001. And these DBacks have a LOT of staying power. They are built to last. The hitting stars are young (no Mark Grace or Luis Gonzalez here) with Justin Upton, Miguel Montero, and Stephen Drew. The pitching is deep. Saunders, Kennedy, and Hudson are formidable. J.J. Putz being 2nd in the NL with his 16 saves has stabilized a VERY inefficient back of the bullpen. These are all nice things for the ball club. When players new to AZ and players who are veterans to the Valley have good seasons, all the local residents are happy making the excursion to Chase Field in 115 degree heat!!! BUT the real reason to be excited is the duo of Manager Kirk Gibson and GM Kevin Towers. "Gibby" as he is referred, has brought a real hard nosed approach to Phx. A hustle every play type of accountability! In seeing 25 or so games last yr and catching about 10 or so this yr, I can personally attest to the difference in the style of play. They are just playing harder. A good baseball eye can just see it. Its as easy as telling the difference in quality between "Friends" and "Joey". Just that easy. GM Towers deserves just as much credit as "Gibby". He revamped the bullpen. Got a real closer in Putz. Got rid of strikeout kings in LaRoche and Reynolds. Brought in the veteran leadership of Melvin Mora. These are all good things. BUT nothing compares to his Winter Meetings bluff of trading Justin Upton. The 23 yr old superstar on an underpaid contract. The value of that on an open market is ridiculous. But do you realize the value of those rumors motivating a 23 yr old superstar who loves where he is? Justin Upton is having the best season of his career. Well played Towers, well played.
Im Jus Sayin
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