Peaks and Valleys Stalemate Dbacks

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May 29, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) hits a double during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Goldschmidt

If you’re new to Venom Strikes or Arizona baseball, then maybe you’re not in the know about our friend Goldy. We’re aggressively advocating his inclusion in the All Star Game as the starting 1st baseman and we have a compelling argument. Goldy had a monster May and he leads the Dbacks Players of the Month.

If it wasn’t for some guy named Harper, Goldy would have led the National League in home runs (10), slugging percentage (.750) and on base percentage (1.226) during the month. Goldy also came in second among National Leaguers in hits (38). He led the Dbacks in all those categories as well as runs (21), doubles (8), walks (22), and RBI (23). Oh yeah, he also stole three bases. Goldy’s home runs came in clutch situations, some in extra innings to extend the game, some were plain game winners. #VoteGoldy

May 31, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) hits a triple in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Pollock

If Pollock continues his play, he could be a potential candidate to appear in the Mid-Summer Classic in Cincinnati as well. We’ve argued his case as well. Pollock, just like Goldy, has also had some clutch moments. His best appearances include a 3-for-3 performance against Colorado in which he also walked three times and scored four runs. Pollock hit a pinch hit homer against Miami and the following day saw him produce a 3-for-4, four run outing. In a victory against Chicago, Pollock went 4-for-6.

Pollock came in 2nd among Dbacks in hits (34), doubles (6), triples (2), walks (9), and on base percentage (.361). Pollock has provided the Dbacks lineup with a consistent force, no matter where he’s penciled in. During the Trumbo experiment, Pollock had hit clean up. He’s solid bat and stellar glove is making it really hard to justify him taking any days off.

May 13, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Yasmany Tomas (24) hits an RBI single in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Yasmany Tomas

The rookie is starting to break out and we’ve advertised him as a potential National League Rookie of the Year candidate. Tomas had a career high 11-game hitting streak that has completely ballooned his season batting average to .320. In Philadelphia, Tomas smacked his 1st career MLB home run. In eight of the eleven games in the hitting streak, Tomas grabbed multiple hits.

Tomas also had six doubles and drove in 14 RBI during the month. Tomas appeared in 24 games in May and in 10 of them he had multiple hits. In four of those games, Tomas had three hits. In two games, he drove in three RBI. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when fellow rookie Jake Lamb returns from injury.

May 31, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Chase Anderson (57) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Anderson

Although he was only able to notch one victory during the month, there’s no doubt that Anderson was the most productive starter in May. Anderson kept the Dbacks in every game he pitched and that’s all you can ask from a “5” starter. His solid play has solidified his standing in the rotation, even after Patrick Corbin‘s return.

In May, Anderson went 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 21 strikeouts. Of his six starts, four of them were quality starts. Anderson did not give up a home run during the month of May. His finest showing was his 8 inning victory against Miami in which he only allowed one run to score. In his first four starts of the month, Anderson allowed one run or less.

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