Play It Forward

One of the best things about Major League Baseball is that its playoff system is so exclusive. With only a handful of spots available, a team really has to excel at something to even be in sniffing distance of the playoffs. The Arizona Diamondbacks don’t excel at pitching or hitting,...

By Ed Kummerer

July 26, 2012

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One of the best things about Major League Baseball is that its playoff system is so exclusive. With only a handful of spots available, a team really has to excel at something to even be in sniffing distance of the playoffs. The Arizona Diamondbacks don’t excel at pitching or hitting, but they’re doing a world-class job of being in the NL West. Playing in arguably the weakest division has been just enough to keep the D-Backs in playoff contention.

The D-Backs will try to stay in good shape this week when they host the New York Mets at Chase Field. Like the D-Backs, the Mets are on the fringes of playoff contention. Unlike the D-Backs, the Mets are there in spite of the strength of their division.

Thu., July 26, 6:40 p.m., 2012

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