Time for Paul Goldschmidt and Jason Kubel to Step Up in the D-Backs Lineup

With Chris Young–he has a deep bruise and slight ligament tear–and potentially Justin Upton gone from the D-backs lineup for at least the immediate future, Arizona is looking at a couple of gaping holes in their lineup and they can’t expect unprovens such as AJ Pollock and Cody Ransom.

Paul Goldschmidt was counted on to be a major contributor but he’s losing playing time to journeyman Lyle Overbay so far this season.  Goldschmidt has failed to deliver the way he was expected to.  He’s only hitting .200, has hit just one home run and has struck out 10 times in 30 at-bats.  With Young and Upton out of the lineup, it’s time for Goldschmidt to deliver on his promise because the D-Backs won’t be able to tread water without someone stepping into the production expected to come from Upton and the production being delivered by Young early on.

Jason Kubel has been a bigger disappointment.  Kubel was paid $15 million by the D-Backs this offseason but early on, hasn’t been living up to his end of the bargain.  Kubel’s batting average has been creeping up the last week (it’s at .244) but his production is minimal as he’s only driven in 4 RBI.  Kubel has never been the type of player to carry an offense but he might need to for the first time in his career while Young and Upton heal up.  This is especially the case if Goldschmidt continues to struggle.  He’s been moved up to Upton’s spot in the batting order and he has big shoes to fill, but he’s been productive before and the D-Backs need him.

Miguel Montero has been his typical steady self and Aaron Hill has had moderate production, but the D-Backs are facing a scary time for their offense and two of their bigger guns will need to replace the ones they just lost.

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