Diamondbacks-Pirates Series Preview: Halfway there

Jun 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman

(44) adjusts his hat during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I can’t believe I am saying this but we are already at the halfway point of the Major League Baseball season. The All Star Break is coming up, and the trade deadline is fast approaching, with the buzz expected to pick up in the next few weeks according to most executives. Of course Paul Goldschmidt is having another excellent season at the plate and at first base, and is expected to start at 1B for the Senior Circuit come July 15th. This season for the entire team has not gone as expected. The Snakes are 35-49, 12 and a half games back in the West with the worst record in the National League. This team has been hurt by injuries to Patrick Corbin and David Hernandez before the season and guys like A.J Pollack and Mark Trumbo during the season. Guys like Brandon McCarthy, and Trevor Cahill have underperformed, and the defense hasn’t been good. The offense is in the middle of the pack, the problem has been defense and pitching. Expect the Snakes to be active sellers at the trade deadline. Here is a preview of the teams first series in July:

Game 1: LHP Wade Miley vs. LHP Jeff Locke

Two lefties get the ball in game 1 at PNC Park. Wade Miley is 0-3 since May 10th and it would be nice for him to get a win. His struggles have baffled the Diamondbacks and might be the biggest surprise this season. Last time out he allowed five runs, four of those earned in four innings against the Indians. Jeff Locke has been solid since coming back from his major league detour. He is pitching on more than five days rest and his numbers in that situation are not pretty (2-5 5.00 era). He earned his first win in his last time out.

Game 2: RHP Chase Anderson vs. RHP Charlie Morton

Morton has been a strikeout machine in his last four starts. He has 39 strikeouts vs. just nine walks in 32 innings yet he is searching for his first win in his last three starts. Overall he is 4-9 with a 3.41 era. He has only allowed one home run at PNC Park this season. Anderson has lost his last three starts after winning his first five. Last time out against against the Indians he allowed four runs over five innings.

Game 3: RHP Brandon McCarthy vs. RHP Vance Worley

Worley was acquired from the Twins in late March and has been an instant contributor. He has had three great starts with a 2-0 record and a 1.74 era. He faces the team that he played his first three seasons with. McCarthy finally got his second win against the Padres last weekend allowing one run in seven innings. McCarthy’s name is all over the trade rumors right now.