Diamondbacks series preview: Opening against the Rockies

By Christopher Gaine

Apr 3, 2016

Mar 14, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) throws the ball in the first inning during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

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It’s here. Opening Day is upon us. The Diamondbacks will open up their season tonight by kicking off a three-game series against the Rockies at Chase Field.

This offseason had a good feeling all the way through. The signings of Zack Greinke and Tyler Clippard, the trades for Shelby Miller and Jean Segura and a scorching-hot spring training all contributed to a optimisitc feeling heading into the season.

Then on Friday night, everything came crashing down. A.J. Pollock suffered a broken right elbow, sidlining him for possibly the entire season. This was just about the worst news short of relocation the Diamondbacks could have gotten. Replacing Pollock’s five-tool production will be no short task, and it could keep them out of playoff contention.

But Pollock notwithstanding, the Diamondbacks face a favorable opening series against the Rockies. The Rockies finished last in the NL West last year with a 68-94 record. Arizona must capitalize on games against bad teams if they want to contend this year.