The Arizona Diamonbacks are steadily climbing out of the Spring Training standings cellar and at 5-9 are now only 4.5 games back from the first place Giants. OK, go ahead and laugh at the absurdity of tracking Spring Training standings, but it's just what we do. We like to track things and keep score. That's why we love sports.
Speaking of tracking things, the D-backs have committed 20 errors, the most of any team in either the Cactus or Grapefruit Leagues. But before you freak out, it should be noted that the Diamondbacks have also played more games than any other team (14) and are ranked 18th in defensive efficiency rating. Even more important to note is that only five of those 20 errors were committed by guys that will see consistent time in the regular season.
Offensively, the D-backs are sixth in batting average (.296) and fourth in runs scored (69). The pitching overall is the problem with a team ERA of 5.22 which is 24th in the league.
"We'll be fine, but right now I'm just saying it's unacceptable," Gibson said after a recent game about the high number of errors. "Our team is going to have to pitch and defend. That's going to be our key."
So far the key isn't fitting into the lock but for now, we'll be patient.
The Diamondbacks are coming off their best win of the Spring Training season on Tuesday when they pummeled the Cleveland Indians 16-5. For a full recap of the game, visit AZ Snake Pit.
Diamondbacks 16, Indians 5: That's More Like It! - AZ Snakepit
In what was, by some way, the best collective performance since the start of spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks blew away the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear this afternoon. Arizona pounded out 22 hits, and didn't even need the assistance of the wind, the box-score reporting it more as a gentle zephyr of 5 mph.