The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a streak of streaking. Unlike one national analyst recently commented, streakiness has not been the profile of the 2011 D-backs. Only three times have they lost more than four-straight games and the recent six-game skid was the longest of the season. Seven times the team has won four-straight and the longest winning streak this season has been seven games. Not exactly a streaky team despite this recent streak of streaks.
The current six-game winning streak will be put on the line with the schedule bringing the Colorado Rockies in to continue a streak that includes seven-straight series against NL West opponents.
The Rockies (63-70) are a team that was slotted to compete for the division and at least finish second. Instead, they've struggled with some injuries (who hasn't) and in general seem like a team that is lacking in grit and chemistry.
Here's the pitching match-ups for the series and don't forget the great ticket deals available:
- Monday: Daniel Hudson (13-9, 3.75) vs. Alex White (0-0, 7.50)
- Tuesday: Wade Miley (1-1, 4.50) vs. Aaron Cook (3-7, 5.47)
- Wednesday: Josh Collmenter (8-8, 3.19) vs. Esmil Rogers (6-3, 5.93)
As customary here in Phoenix, all three weekday games will start at 6:40 p.m. and be broadcast by the fine folks at Fox Sports AZ.
For a great preview on this series, check out AZ Snake Pit who explains just how crazy the NL West has been over the past half-decade:
Series Preview #44: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies - AZ Snake Pit
Every once in a while, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate just how bizarre of a division the N.L. West actually is. Not only have all five teams made the playoffs since 2006--something no other division in baseball can say--but it also seems like every year there is a team or two from the N.L. West that comes out of nowhere while a preseason favorite struggles. To wit, here are the division races from the past five years...