Reaching For October

Diamondbacks Last Forever

Or maybe they don't. This isn't the same team that bull rushed opponents 5 years ago with Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez pounding fastballs hard and heavy and homeruns deep and often.

While Gonzalez still is on the potential NL West Winners lineup, he is at best a shadow of his former self. A 20 homerun year would be a step up for the aging fielder. As of now it is Chad Tracy leading the batting squad hitting .297 and 7 balls over the fence so far. Tracy also leads the team in extra base hits, RBIs, and is 5th in the Major Leagues with 14 doubles.

Their former Dodger master, Shawn Green, is lacking any actual technique or any solid play so far and surprisingly never received any steroid accusations. The slugger didnt hit over 30 homeruns since steroid testing began which is startling considering 3 of 4 40 homerun seasons previous to it. But, although his power may be gone, he still has a good enough eye to get on base with an NL second best .338 average. Along with Green, their bench is a pretty solid squad of power, experience, and poise

The batting does seem solid enough to overrun the Padres. The pitching isn't exactly weak either. The D' Backs are holding one of the few undefeated pitchers left in Brandon Webb. Webb stands at a perfect 6-0 record. It also positions him at a second place spot in the wins column. Meanwhile, El Duque struggles at a 2-4, 6.98 ERA start and may lose all credibility as a solid starter.

'Zona may have a tough road to the playoffs this time. Their back to back losing seasons are still hot on the minds of fans and the division consists of 4 almost equivolent teams record wise that should make August and September interesting.

My Pick... D' Backs miss it by 3 and a half games.