Upon several occasions this season, Chip Hale, manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, told reporters success begins with the starting rotation. Sure, a team can exhibit great offensive strength and lead the league in homers, RBIs and just about every offensive category.
Yet, it’s the starting pitching which carries teams deep into games, minimizes pressure on the bullpen and genuinely gives their team a legitimate chance to win. Relative to the starters of the Arizona Diamondbacks, that has not been the case. Conversely, if a starter lasts beyond the sixth inning for the Arizona Diamondbacks, that triumph seems a cause for celebration.