The Arizona Diamondbacks received a very generous interleague schedule in 2011, playing the AL Central and the Oakland Athletics. Through six games, Arizona has won four, all at home (including a sweep of the Minnesota Twins).
↵Lets take a look at the six teams we were scheduled against, and their record as of June 19th:
↵Minnesota Twins, 31-39 (they have won seven in a row)
Chicago White Sox, 35-38
Kansas City Royals, 31-41
Detroit Tigers, 39-33
Cleveland Indians, 39-31
Oakland Athletics, 33-40
Total: 208-222 (.484)
While nearly .500 records don't scream "easy wins," it could have been a lot worse -- imagine playing the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in the same year (look at the Chicago Cubs).
↵Out of the next 12 games, Arizona will play nine on the road in American League ballparks. That means for nine games, Paul Goldschmidt could be called up and used as the everyday first baseman while still allowing Juan Miranda and Xavier Nady to get regular at-bats through the Designated Hitter position.
↵More than likely, we will use Nady as DH while Miranda gets starts every day. Expect to see some extra rotations in the outfield as Upton may get a day or two as the DH to allow him to rest.