Has The Tide Shifted? Maybe.

It has been a rough couple of weeks lately for anyone associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. But over the last couple of days against the Baltimore Orioles, things have been different. There has been a different vibe coming from this team and its’ fans. Even though there is still only 25,000 coming out to see games, it’s an excited group. The last two games against the O’s have been pretty special for many reasons. Not only were they are baseball fan’s dream as far as fun is concerned, but they showed a certain resiliency from the Diamondbacks–finally!

I still think Arizona will have to get a wild card spot because it looks like the Los Angeles Dodgers may never lose a baseball game again. Arizona is 5.5 GB in the wild card race with 54 games left in the year. I remember two years ago, a game sticks out in my mind as a time when I sensed the same vibe with the team. In 2011, I still remember when Ryan Roberts hit a walk off grand slam against the Dodgers at Chase Field. I almost turned off that game in the 10th, but I just decided to keep it on. I ended up witnessing one of the greatest finishes in D-Backs history. I felt something after that game–a certain vibe in the stadium and from the team. I felt the same thing last night and the night before. The dramatic finishes won’t last forever, but if games like the last two do not get men excited to play baseball, then I don’t know what will.

Even Goldy had to smile after this one. Image: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Another thing I noticed is that the team has become very laid-back. They looked like a bunch of little leaguers after Goldy’s homer last night, and it was awesome. Dirt, gum, and water went flying everywhere! Paul Goldschmidt has had a somewhat rough couple of weeks lately but he is back. It is weird to think that the D-Backs actually played games without Goldschmidt in the past. The days of Juan Miranda, Rusty Ryal, and Adam LaRoche at 1st base are behind us. I still can’t believe Juan Miranda was the opening day starter in 2011….It was also really great to see Gerardo Parra hit one out, too! Maybe I am the only one, but I just notice a different feeling in the air lately in and around Arizona. Games like the last two are what ignites a team to make a final playoff push. Fingers crossed, everybody!

Business man’s special today in Arizona with a 1:40 first pitch. Leave work/school early and maybe you will get to see another walk-off.

Follow me on the Twitter @realcmoff18 and the team @venomstrikes