We need some more fire power to really make a run this year. Friday we heard in the newspaper that Eric Byrnes, who has struggled this year and then went on the DL, will be back sometime this season. This is good news for the Diamondbacks chances to get into the post season and then to possible make some waves.
Wow! Todays game was impressive. No there weren’t any plays to make the highlight reels for the next 10 years or grand slam homers or broken records. What there was however was good solid baseball. All 3 elements were there today, hitting, defense and pitching. Good heads up small ball gave us an early lead, then time to shut up the critics, 3 solo homers!!! The critics are saying we couldn’t find a power hitter, they are right. So in true Dbacks fashion, we grew our own. Young, Byrnes and Salazar showed thier stuff at the plate, way to go guys. Of course all the hitting in the world does no good without solid defense to stop the other team. Once again our guys showed what they are made of with a stellar performance of good solid baseball. Last but certainly not least Brandon Webb showed a great deal of poise delivering a solid 6 inning performance only giving up 2 runs to keep us in the game. Brandon seemed to throw off opposing hitters by adding a killer change up to his arsenal this year. Expecting a dynamite slider on 2 strike counts, 5 batters were surprised to find themselves swinging at a change up for strike 3. That accounted for 5 of 6 strike outs for Brandon. Heres hoping for another CY Young Mr. Webb. Finally I was impressed with the opening day performance of the Bull Pen. 3 hitless innings and a save for Brandon Lyons. If today was any indication of the upcoming season we are in for a fun time!
Over the last couple of years I have enjoyed watching guys come up from our own farm system and have success at the big league level. I was impressed with the front office and Bob Melvin utilizing the talent we have been developing instead of going out and trading and dealing for the players we needed. These young guys we lovingly call the “Babybacks” showed alot of heart and talent last year . I for one was excited at the prospect of such a young team doing so well, mostly because of the prospects of a bright future. A young team alows the players to grow together and become champions together. These young guys are looking good in spring training. Maturity and focus will bring thier game to the next level, and based on last year that should be something to watch. How exciting to see a team with the potential to be very good for a long time. These guys are just starting thier careers, they are going to be around for a long time. If they live up to thier potential, the front office will be wise to keep these guys together for a long time. I for one have high hopes for a bright future with a group of guys who are “Babybacks” no more!