D-Backs off to their best start in the last 12 seasons. The 2000 D-Backs, a team that featured players Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Gonzo and Steve Finley started out 6-1. That season centerfielder Steve Finley had an All-Star season hitting .280 w/ 35 HR and 96 RBI while taking home a Gold Glove. Does current D-Backs CF have that kind of season in his sights? The 28 year old centerfielder is off to a hot start batting .364 w/ 3 HR (two of which hit at spacious PETCO Park) and driving 7 runs through the first six games.Nothing new with CY’s defense, he has always been solid and features one of the best first steps in baseball that gives him great jumps on line drives and fly balls hit in his general direction. Although his throwing arm, or lack there of, might be the only reason he might night secure any defensive hardware in his career. A lot was made, deservedly so, of the tweaks Young has made with his swing. You can visibly see the difference how he holds his hands higher with less movement and has a shorter path to the ball. It is only 6 games into the season but all signs point towards more success at the plate for CY than in the past (Career .241 hitter), All-star caliber though? That remains to be seen.

In a series that featured the debut of the D-Backs new starting pitching piece, followed by back to back pitcher’s duels. The Snakes took advantage of a familiar face to pick-up their 2 victories in the three game series. Micah Owings took both Padre losses this series the first in extra innings after CY belted a two run homer in the top of 11th. Trevor Cahill pieced together a solid start despite 6 free passes he only gave up 1 run on 2 hits while punching out 5. Joe Saunders was great in his first start since re-upping with the D-Backs this off season. Saunders left the game to the bullpen after 7 solid scoreless innings. This is where the first blip on the radar comes in. David Hernandez, working his 4th game of the season, gave up the 1 run lead when Chris Denorfia squeaked a homer over the CF wall actually taking a leaping Chris Young’s glove, the lead and perfect record with it.Ian Kennedy made it easy to rebound. Ace threw 6 strong scattering 5 hits, giving up 1 run and striking out 9. Bullpen rebounded when Brad Ziegler, Brian Shaw and JJ Putz threw 3 perfect frames and struck out 5 batters to close out win #5.

 

What we learned: Staring pitching stay hot, only 3 runs combined in 3 games 

Despite blowing two leads and a loss, bullpen remains solid. 

PETCO lives up to billing and plays large 

PETCO not to large for CY, 8 career homers playing in SD 

Series MVP: Chris Young 4-11 2HR 2B 3RBI 

Note: Willie Bloomquist hitting streak now 12 games (dates back to last season)

 

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