2014 Season Report (30 Games)

Things are looking up in Phoenix, but the Diamondbacks are still stuck in the standings. Technically they are on the right half of the overall standing (15th), but the 9th best in the NL and well out of the playoffs. The only bright side is they are still the 2nd best in the NL West, with the Rockies (13th) and the Padres (14th) some of the NL's worst teams.

The Diamondbacks have been able to drag themselves to .500 (15-15) thanks to the sudden burst in hitting. Paul Goldschmidt leads the offensive, as expected, with 4HR 18RBI and a solid .322BA. At this pace Goldschmidt will certainly finish the season as one of the best players in baseball, but a hot streak to balance out his slow start could push him into the MVP conversation. Carlos Santana has found his power, now with 3HR, but he continues to hit a disturbing .150 which is going to keep killing the offense. Matt Adams has also found a groove lately, despite already hitting .320, he has finally started hitting HRs (2) and will need to keep it up. So far most of the moves have been to the bench or to the minors, as Peter Bourjos finds himself behind the speedy Tony Campana at CF and stand-in Luis Sardinas as been sent back to AAA Reno.

Will Goldschmidt have to carry the offense all season?

The pitching staff continues to be a massive wreck, it's so bad that rumors are floating around that Arizona is in negotiations with free agent SP Kevin Slowey. Joakim Soria has taken over the closer role, recording 6SV for the season, and Nick Maronde has resumed his role in the pen for now. The only thing to be happy about is Gio Gonzalez (3-1) and Ian Kennedy (2-3) propping up the rotation. Outside of those two, it's been ugly, so ugly that the addition of Slowey and the return of Arrieta might boost the Diamondbacks into the Top 10 and possibly within striking distance of a playoff slot.