Cinderella Team

The MLB this year has been pretty predictable. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies are on top like usual. The Rangers are winning the AL West. The Brewers and Cardinals are fighting for a playoff spot in the NL Central. The Braves are playoff bound. Then, all of a sudden you look at the standings in the NL West, and the Arizona sit atop the NL West with a 85-61 record (4th best in the majors). The Giants won the World Series last year, yet they can't seem to catch up to the Diamondbacks. As of September 10th, the Diamondbacks are riding a four game win streak and with the Giants on a three game losing streak, the lead has been pushed to 9.5 games! The Diamondbacks appear to be heading into the playoffs after being predicted by everyone to finish last in the NL West at the beginning of the year.

I know most of you guys don't know to many players on the team, so here is some help. The stud on the team is Justin Upton. He was the one Prince Fielder didn't pick for the home run derby this past July. What a mistake that was as Upton leads the team in every hitting category (AVG,HRS,RBI, OBP, Hits). He is really the only standout hitter on the team. Most of the players are .250 hitters but they have timely hitting which is all that matters sometimes. To make up for their mediocre hitting, the Diamondbacks have strong pitching. The starting rotation is led by ace Ian Kennedy. He was let go by the Yankees last year because he couldn't find his groove in the Bronx. He seems to be doing just fine in Phoenix as he is in contention for the NL Cy Young and rightfully so with a 19-4 record and a 2.90 ERA. JJ Putz has been lights out as a closer this year with 38 saves.

If they reach the playoffs, the Diamondbacks will have to play the Phillies. That will be a very tough series for them but if they pitch and hit well, who knows, maybe their Cinderella season could continue farther into October.

All Star right fielder Justin Upton.