Barring a spectacular meltdown, the D-backs will find themselves in a playoff spot as the trade deadline approached at the end of next month. This is a spectacular turnaround from last year, when they finished July last in the NL West, 18 games back. The last time they were even at an even record for a single day in July, was back in 2013, reaching the deadline 2.5 games back, with a mark of 55-52. Since then our records on July 31 have been 48-61, 50-51, and 43-62. So this season promises to be rather different, both in terms of feel and front-office approach.
The trade deadline: why the D-backs need not be buyers
