Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for Brad Ziegler.
The former Oakland right-hander was traded from the Bay Area to Arizona on July 31, after three-plus seasons with the Athletics as a key piece of their bullpen arsenal. He tallied a 2.49 ERA in 223 career appearances for the A’s.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
By Greg Dillard
There’s nothing quite like watching a heated division race during the second half of the MLB season.
In 2011, the D-backs and Giants are locked in a close-knit battle for possession of first place in the National League West. Every pitch, every at-bat and every game means something for both of these teams.
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
When a team has a pair of dominant pitchers atop its starting rotation, it’s easy to overlook the remaining three starters. In 2011, Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson have undoubtedly been dominant as the anchors of the D-backs’ pitching staff.
Then there’s Joe Saunders. The southpaw has been reliable and then some for Arizona down the stretch this season. After a slow start, he’s continually put the D-backs in a position to win every time he toes the rubber.
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
From the start of the 2011 season, Collin Cowgill lit up Pacific Coast League pitching, emerging as an offensive force in the Reno lineup.
Cowgill’s standout season has earned him the opportunity to play at the Major League level. The D-backs purchased his contract from Triple-A on Tuesday, and he was penciled in manager Kirk Gibson’s starting lineup batting eighth as the left fielder.
Photo by Jon Willey
By Greg Dillard
The future of the Arizona Diamondbacks got even brighter on Monday afternoon when the team announced the signing of first-round draft pick Trevor Bauer.
The 2011 Golden Spikes winner inked a Major League contract with the D-backs, and will report to High-A Visalia for his professional debut this Saturday.
Photo by Jon Willey
By Greg Dillard
To say Justin Upton has been swinging a hot bat would be an understatement.
For the past week, the D-backs’ All-Star right fielder has been nearly unstoppable at the plate. Upton’s monster performance earned him Co-National League Player of the Week Honors for July 18-24.
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
Throughout July, Micah Owings has been one of the more consistent arms out of the D-backs’ bullpen. The right-hander has made six appearances this month for a total of six and 2/3 innings. During that time, he’s also allowed just a single earned run and four hits. Owings’ ERA in July is a sharp 1.35, while opponents are hitting just .182 against him. Overall this season, he owns a 3-0 record with a 2.76 ERA in 16 appearances, 14 of which have come as a reliever.
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
On Wednesday night, the D-backs suffered a pair of disheartening losses. They not only fell to the Brewers in extra innings, but also lost shortstop Stephen Drew to a season-ending ankle injury. So, heading into Thursday’s series finale against Milwaukee, Arizona was in desperate need of some good news on the diamond.
The team turned to ace Ian Kennedy who took the mound against Brewers’ right-hander Zach Greinke. In what was a classic pitcher’s duel early on, Kennedy cruised through seven sharp innings en route to a much needed 4-0 win. Continue reading
Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
The D-backs received a veteran boost to their roster this week, when Geoff Blum was activated from the disabled list.
Above: Josh Collmenter/ Photo by Jordan Megenhardt
By Greg Dillard
Starting pitching has been paramount to the D-backs’ success in 2011. In a division where talented pitching is abundant, the Arizona starters have matched up well.
The D-blog 