MLB Opening Day: Giants v. Diamondbacks

Apr 3, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman

hits a two run home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Keys for Diamondbacks:

The Diamondbacks enter the 2015 MLB season as significant under-dogs in the National League West and what better way to get things rolling than to take down the defending champs on Opening Day?  If the Diamondbacks can accomplish the following three keys they will come away victorious:

1. Top of the lineup must get on base

If the top of the order can get on base for Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo it will go a long way to putting runs on the board. Having two very capable bats of knocking a pitcher’s mistake out of the ball park is a luxury, but solo home runs are not as sexy as two-run or three-run home runs.

The table setters must reach base however possible and run the bases aggressively, but smartly at the same time.

2. Take advantage of runners in scoring position opportunities

In 2014 the Diamondbacks ranked 25th in the MLB in RISP average (.241) and 29th in the MLB in RISP on-base percentage (.305). Six of the top seven teams in this statistical category reached the 2014 playoffs.

If the Diamondbacks want a sliver of success this year they will have to learn how to cash in on RISP situations. It is inexplicable to leave runners sitting on second or third when there are less than two outs. If they can set the tone early in the year that they have addressed this concern, it could take the Diamondbacks far.

3. Do not allow more than two runs

In 2014 there were nine games that Bumgarner started for the Giants that his offense scored between zero and two runs. In those nine games Bumgarner’s record was 0-9. When the Giants scored three or more runs Bumgarner’s record was 18-1.

I mean, I’m not the greatest at math, but that’s kinda, sorta a BIG difference in records.

If Collmenter can come out and give the Diamondbacks a strong six or seven-inning outing before handing it over to the bullpen with the Giants having two runs or less then the Diamondbacks could very well be on their way to earning their first victory of the season.