Four Errors, 12 Strikeouts, Only Six Hits: D-Backs Offense Keeps on Stinking in Win Against San Diego. But at Least There's Justin Upton
Categories: Sports
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| Jon Garland: Outdueled one the NL's best in Jake Peavy. |
Until that day arrives, you'll have to reside in Fantasyland, because this year's D-Backs team ain't getting any better anytime soon. But, hey, at least you get to watch Upton, which sure beats watching Conor Jackson try to hit anything but a fastball or Eric Byrnes pop up to an opposing infielder three times a game.
On Wednesday night in San Diego, the visiting team committed four errors, struck out 12 times against Jake Peavy, one of the NL's top three pitchers, and amassed only six hits -- and still won! That's what happens when you play the Padres, a team with only about four or five legitimate major-league starters in its lineup.
What if he were? Well, the D-Backs would have the best pitching in the NL. Problem is, they'd still have the worst offense in the league. Lead-off man Felipe Lopez is doing his job getting on base. Mark Reynolds is striking out fewer times this year and is on pace to hit 42 homers while hitting a not-embarrassing .268. Chad Tracy looks like a major-league hitter more often than not. The rest of the guys' at-bats are becoming increasingly difficult to watch.
But then there's Upton. The 20-year-old future stud is looking like a young Andre Dawson in right field, slugging two titanic homers and snuffing a Padre rally by throwing out Henry Blanco at the plate. Upton drove in all three of the D-Backs' runs, upping his hitting streak to 12 games and his batting average to a respectable .284. Even Peavy had this to say about Upton's fifth-inning blast to the deepest part of expansive Petco Park: "Talented kid. He hit it hard."
Credit goes to embattled manager Bob Melvin for moving the hottest-hitting Diamondback up to third in the lineup, with Reynolds hitting fourth. With Reynolds being a solid hitter and a legitimate power threat, pitchers will likely give Upton more pitches to hit. Suddenly, Upton's at-bats are becoming must-watch events. He's a star in the making, a Ken Griffey-like talent who can carry this team for years to come.
Today, expect another pitchers' duel, with the D-Backs sending Dan Haren (3-3, 1.47 ERA) to the mound against the Padres' only other decent pitcher, Chris Young (2-1, 4.81). The two teams enter today's action tied at 12-16, tied for third in the weak NL West. The Padres had a surprisingly positive first month of the season, and the D-Backs endured a disappointing first month. Today, the Diamondbacks should put the Padres in the rear-view mirror for good. The game is at 12:35 p.m. TV: FSN AZ. Radio: KTAR-AM 620. More info: www.dbacks.com.
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