Series Preview #1, vs. Giants: Opening Day and beyond

Editor's note: due to a mix-up on my end, this should have been posted yesterday. We apologize for the delay in your regularly scheduled preview, and for any inconvenience this may have caused...

Following a series we'd like to forget about in Australia, the Diamondbacks return home for a four game opening series against another division rival, the San Francisco Giants. The Giants come into this season following a rather disappointing 2013. After winning the World Series in 2012, they somehow managed to finish a mere third place in the division.

While last year was disappointing, they're coming into this year with a pretty similar roster to what they had last year. The biggest additions for them this offseason came in outfielder Michael Morse who, without a doubt, could make an impact, and veteran pitcher Tim Hudson.

With the Dbacks, we all know how the script goes. Coming off of back to back seasons of average records the organization finally wants to see some results. That being said, as these two teams get set to take off this week at Chase Field, let's take a look at the ins and outs of this series.

Projected Starters:

• Game One- Brandon McCarthy vs Madison Bumgarner
• Game Two- Wade Miley vs Matt Cain
• Game Three- Trevor Cahill vs Tim Hudson
• Game Four- Bronson Arroyo vs Tim Lincecum

Lineup Watch:

Mark Trumbo - Trumbo had a rather good start to his Dbacks career in Australia. Blasting off one Trumbomb and driving in four runs throughout the series. One thing I was worried on Trumbo was whether he'd start off slow, like a lot of new guys do when they feel the pressure to succeed from a new fanbase [see: Prado, Martin]. Hopefully though, Trumbos' Opening Series was a sneak preview of what's to come from the slugger.

Paul Goldschmidt - Goldschmidt was once again stellar in the Opening Series, going 4-9 in the two games down under. Last year Goldschmidt broke out onto the scene not only becoming the face of the franchise, but establishing himself as one of the top five players in baseball. This year, it doesn't look as if it will be any different though as Goldschmidt looks to have not cooled off from last season.

Series Outlook:

Don't be surprised if the Dbacks start off a little slow, as history shows teams have done in the past that started their season overseas. However the biggest thing I believe to look for in this series, will be consistency (or otherwise) from the starting pitching. There's no doubt the team is starting the season shorthanded in the pitching department and the Giants lineup will give them an early test.

Another thing to look for will be the bullpen early on. How reliable will they be? Last year, we all know the story with them as they'd often blow games late for the team. Avoiding that, with a strong bullpen which can close out wins, will be huge for the team this year.

Overall, I really like the teams chance here to take at least two or three games this series. They're gonna be at home in front of an electric and pumped up crowd. It's the opening series, what's not to like?