It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Series Previews:

• [DBacks.com] D-backs begin defense of NL West vs. Giants - 162 games. Defending division champs. It starts here.

• [FS Arizona] D-backs open season against rival Giants - And there's no easing into this fight, either- we start up against multiple Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum.

• [AZ Central] Opening Day is here for the Diamondbacks - Gibby describes it as almost like a playoff atmosphere on opening day. Seems about right to me- I'm more excited about today's game than I have for any opening day in a while.

• [Miami Herald] San Francisco Giants (0-0) at Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0) - For his part, Lincecum seems a little fired up over facing off with the Diamondbacks for Opening Day: "Obviously, the opponent is the Diamondbacks, and that's going to be a big game, because we have a little bit of remembrance of where we were last year and they were able to celebrate in front of us."

Last time we played the Giants? We beat up on Timmeh during Star Wars day, and a number of us were in the stands. Who's ready for some more of that?

DBacks News:

• [MiLB.com] BayBears' Bauer virtually unhittable - Trevor Bauer gave up two hits over five scoreless innings in his first outing as a BayBear- but he thinks he could have done better.

• [FS Arizona] D-backs' keys to defending NL West title - The NL West looks to be a very different race than it was at the start of last season, but the Diamondbacks will look to end it the same way.

• [AZ Central] Greater expectations come for Arizona Diamondbacks with start of new season - The team seems pretty relaxed and comfortable in their role, though.

• [DBacks Venom] Diamondbacks' Minor League Assignments - Where Are the Team's Top Prospects Playing? - Want a quick rundown on where to look for our prospects? DBacks Venom has your back.

• [Rant Sports] Can the Arizona Diamondbacks Thrive In Their New Role As Favorites? - Four key reasons why we should have some optimism about the upcoming season.

• [Baseball Nation] Arizona Diamondbacks 2012 Season Preview - What do non-DBacks bloggers think about our team? Well, Grant Brisbee is here to fill us in on that.

• [PRDaily.com] The 10 most popular baseball teams—on social media - The D-backs don't rank...except at fourth most active team on Twitter!

• [Stadium Journey] Salt River Fields At Talking Stick Reviews, Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training - While Spring Training may be over, Salt River Fields is still getting love.

Around Baseball:

Whatever I put here isn't important, because baaaaaaaasebaaaaaalll! Go DBacks!