Full article HERE .

"The D-backs know they could be playing better baseball, and that their lead could be much bigger in the division had they done so, but as they approach the midway point of the season, their view is that the glass is half-full.

"The fact that our division isn't playing great is nice at this point," said D-backs manager Bob Melvin. "But you can't concentrate on that and you can't continue to hope that other teams struggle."

The longer this team continues to play sub-par baseball yet continues to lead the division the more worried I get.  In my view, I think to a certain extent complacency DOES begin to creep in.  I feel like we're starting to see it a bit with this team.  Play crappy baseball, go 1-2 in a series, yet maintain a 5 game lead in the division... all is well? 

Do we need another team to wake up in the division, sweep a couple series, knock us back a couple games into second place before we wake up?  Before we come alive?  Before we get some fire back in our attitude?

I hope it doesn't come to that, but I wonder if that just may be the key to turning this team around. (ugh - can't believe I said that) Does anybody think that if we continue to limp through the NL Worst and happen to make the playoffs - that we would have any chance of advancing? 

What needs to happen to kick-start this team?  We should have at least a 10 game lead in this crappy division if we're just playing .500 baseball.

There is really no other way to put it.... what an unbelievable run to start the season.  Here are a few thoughts on the surprises and areas of concern.

Pleasant Surprises:

1) Run differential - Legitimate concern coming into the season.  Bats needed to come alive.  And they have so far, with different players picking us up each night.

2) Justin Upton - Fantastic start to the season - showing maturity at the plate well beyond his years.

3) Micah Owings - Has stepped up so far this year as a solid #3.  Yea, it's early, but after watching him during spring training....

4) Brandon Lyon - After a shaky start, I've been pleasantly surprised to see him settle down over the last few weeks.  Pitching with much more confidence and getting some big saves.

Areas of Concern:

1) Chris Young - Leadoff hitting - More of a developing concern.... I'm very happy with strides he has made with walks compared to last year, but seems last few weeks he is slipping back into old habits.  I would like our lead-off hitter to at least have one of the top 3 OBP's on the team.

2) Overall agreesiveness on basepath - Granted, this hasn't been as necessary due to run differential, but would like to see a few more stolen bases from some of our top runners.

3) The Chad Tracy Dilemna - Will be healthy soon, needs to have his left-handed bat re-introduced to the line-up.  Can you do this without upsetting team chemistry or cooling off CoJack at first or IronMan at 3rd?

4) The Eric Byrnes Show - I haven't been comforted by the recent news on Byrnsie's hamstrings.  I noticed something a miss when he was chasing down a ball in the corner the other night before he came out.... but I'm more worried by his attitude towards it - Yes, he wants to play every day, I admire that.  But I'd rather have Eric take a week or more off, let the hammies heal, than trying to play through it where it could potentially cost us in the outfield. 

So there you have it -- Any comments, or other surprises / concerns I'd be interested in hearing.

So much to say about the last two games - but 2 players epitomize to me what this team is all about.

#1) Friday night - CoJack should have legitimately "hit for the cycle" - I was REALLY suprised he didn't stop at 2nd base.  Who would have blamed him?  If the centerfielder doesn't bobble the ball a bit they can get him at 3rd.  We had a huge lead.  I'd love to see the stats on how rare and exclusive "hitting for the cycle" really is. Yet he heads straight for 3rd (after thinking about it) - why? to set up his teammate Reynolds, to get an RBI.   My respect for CoJack just went WAY up after that exchange.

#2) Saturday - Eric Byrnes - as much as I can't stand looking at that hideous moustache, he comes to the plate in the bottom of the 7th - most likely his last at bat - with a hiting streak on the line....has a very patient at bat.... and is WILLING to take the walk.   He then gets rewarded with an add'l AB in the 8th and promptly pounds the ball to center field to keep the streak alive.

In a team game where individual STATS are very important -- and in many cases relished (giving up hitting for the cycle, are you kidding me?) -- this team is playing beautiful, unselfish, inspired baseball.

Per multiple requests... here it is.  Feel free to leave your wishes / thoughts for Doug Davis.  Jim will then print and send off to DD via the front office.

I'll go first:

Best wishes for a speedy recovery DD.  Your efforts against LA were inspiring, but can't really touch the inspiration shown by your bigger, more important battle to come.  You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. 

Get well soon.  Can't wait to see you back pitching for the Diamondbacks!  Hopefully this reminds all of us that at the end of the day this is just a game and there are more important things in life than baseball.   You have a bunch of fans here in the SnakePit and across the country rooting you on.

dstorm

Salt Lake City, Utah