Photo: Ketel Marte set a MLB record of 20 straight hits in the post season
Another year of baseball has come and gone, but for Arizona Diamondbacks fans, it was a preview of what might be coming down the short and winding road. The theme of “Embrace the Chaos” was well represented as the D-Backs swept the Brewers and Dodgers. Things got crazier with improbable wins in games six and seven at Philadelphia in the NLCS. The only team to “tame” the D-Backs was Texas, who earned their first World Series title.
The D-Backs surprised many on their run to the World Series and could have won it all, but another hot club in the Texas Rangers showed they had more in the tank. The two wild card teams had to win some challenging games on the road, but the Rangers were the true “Road Warriors” winning all 11 their post season games away from Arlington, Texas.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, who finished his seventh season at the helm, is optimistic about the future of his team. “This was an amazing season with a lot of ups and downs, but this team grew, and grew a lot. I am proud of the effort. There was no quit and we just kept playing, but congratulations to Texas. They earned it. It obviously did not turn out like we had hoped, but it was a fun ride.”
Photo: Corbin Carroll is highly likely to be named the Diamondbacks first Rookie of The Year
When you look at the Arizona Diamondbacks, there are tremendous reasons to be optimistic about the future. Corbin Carroll had an outstanding season and is well deserved of Rookie of The Year. Pitcher Brandon Pfaadt went back and forth to triple A, and came back to show everyone he can play at a high level. Zac Gallen started the All-Star game and showed how tough he was with a gritty performance in game five. Merrill Kelly continues to get better and came back strong after his injury. Gabby Moreno is a young solid catcher with a bat as well. Kettle Marte, who had a great post season, and Christian Walker are now long time D-Backs with talent and it was good to see them get a chance to showcase their abilities in the post season after suffering through some dismal seasons. Evan Longoria and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are veteran presence with playoff experience. Geraldo Perdomo continues tio improve at shortstop, and recently developed some power at the plate. Alek Thomas is another young player that covers the outfield very well. He had the big home run in the comeback win over the Phillies. Lovullo and company have good reason to be excited for next season already.
Final analysis on the World Series:
- Best fans: Despite falling behind and losing all three home games in the World Series, a hungry fan base in Arizona stayed till the final out.
- Worst called game: This is an easy one. Alfonso Marquez had a lot of trouble calling balls that were balls and strikes that were strikes in game three. Could it have impacted the outcome of a 3-1 Texas win, yep.
- Best player: Former Dodger Corey Seager proved he still has the ability to be a dominate force at the plate, coming up with some huge hits, including three homeruns. Seager is not too shabby in the field either as he garnished the MVP.
- Best D-Back: Ketel Marte earned himself the NLCS MVP. Set a record with hits in 20 straight post season games that came to an end in the final game of the World Series.
- Best D-Back starting pitcher: Merrill Kelly. Unfortunately for the D-Backs, Kelly only saw action in one game, that being game two. It turned out to be the only win for Arizona.
- Best D-Back relief pitcher: Kevin Ginkel. The late inning reliever delivered some huge innings and got out of a tough situation in game five, and finally;
- Best mascot: Baxter, because he is just way too cool.
