PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks finished the first half of the season in one of those funky streaks that most teams endure at least once in a season, losing 10 of 15 and scuffling on both sides of the ball.
It ticked them off.
"Any way you look at it, we haven't played as good defensively as we were earlier in the year," manager Kirk Gibson said during the weekend sweep in Atlanta. "Our bullpen is not nearly as good, our starting pitching hasn't been as good, we haven't hit with any consistency -- so there you have it. We'll have to figure things out. We'll have to switch things around."
A broader perspective paints a brighter picture. The cup-half-full folks can point to the fact that the D-backs finished the mini-slump where they started it, two games ahead of the pack in the NL West. The down side is that the big-money Dodgers pulled to within four games of the lead, and there is no question they can throw money around if they so choose at the trade deadline.
The D-backs have succeeded for a simple reason: They win the close ones, a trait that defines a team much more than any individual numbers. They have a major-league-best 19 victories in their last at-bat. They are 18-11 in one-run games and 9-2 in extra innings, both victory totals leading the majors. Their 22 come-from behind victories are second in the NL and fifth in the majors.
That production-when-it-matters offense offsets some of their statistical anomalies. They have one player in the top 67 in RBIs in the NL, one player in the top 60 in home runs. One starting pitcher with an ERA among the top 40 in the league. Two starting pitchers with as many as four victories. Their bullpen has 15 failed save conversions, one fewer than the major league high.
Gibson hit the nail on the head before the D-backs left on their current 10-game trip.
"The whole," he said, "has been greater than the sum of the parts."
It is the type of team the D-backs were trying to build with their offseason moves, and it has kept them in first place or tied for first for the last 45 days.
What's to like: Paul Goldschmidt has matured into a strong professional hitter. He drives the ball with power to all fields and spits on pitches just off the plate. Miguel Montero is heating up, hitting .278 in June. Eric Chavez still has plenty of pop in his bat, Aaron Hill is back and Gerardo Parra has been a force in the leadoff role.
What's not to like: Outfielders Cody Ross and Jason Kubel have not been as productive as might have been expected because of nagging injuries, although both are hitting better these days. With Adam Eaton out, the D-backs are without their top base-stealing threat.
What's next: With Hill and Chavez back and Montero coming on, the D-backs should be able to take some of the load off Goldschmidt and score more runs more regularly. Hill's presence deepens the lineup and takes some pressure off the others.
Midterm grade: B-
What's to like: It does not get any better than Gerardo Parra in right field, Didi Gregorius at shortstop and an improving Goldschmidt at first base. Parra has nine assists and Jason Kubel and A.J. Pollock have four. The D-backs' 37 errors are second fewest in the NL, as are their 18 unearned runs allowed.
What's not to like: The D-backs have hit a bit of a lull recently, failing to make some of the routine plays that characterized their remarkable start. It is likely just part of the normal ebb and flow.
What's next: The D-backs are fundamentally sound in their approach, and that should not change.
Midterm grade: A-
What's to like: Patrick Corbin has been the best left-hander in the NL this season after winning the fifth spot in the rotation this spring. He has pitched like an ace and was the first in the majors to nine victories. Randall Delgado has two quality starts in his three spot appearances. The starters hold runners exceptionally well, limiting opponents' running games.
What's not to like: Inconsistency has been a pervasive issue. Trevor Cahill has won once since May 17 and was 0-5 with a 9.85 ERA in June. After 36 victories the last two seasons, Ian Kennedy has just three this year and an ERA over 5.00. Wade Miley has regressed after a breakout 2012, and Brandon McCarthy mostly struggled before going on the disabled list with a shoulder issue.
What's next: If the D-backs do not get a return to form from at least two of their starters, they could be very active at the trade deadline, with pitchers such as Yovani Gallardo and Jeff Samardzija in their sights.
Midterm grade: D
What's to like: Brad Ziegler and Josh Collmenter have provided solid support and are among the best in baseball in their middle- and long-relief roles, respectively. Heath Bell had a nice stretch while filling in at closer, although it didn't last. J.J. Putz appears healthy again.
What's not to like: David Hernandez has had trouble commanding his curveball for most of the season, an unexpected problem after two strong setup seasons. He has five failed save conversions. Putz had four before going on the disabled list May 9, and Bell had two blown saves in his last four chances.
What's next: Putz's return should solidify roles again, and a quick fix seems to have Bell back on track after a stretch in which he gave up five homers in five appearances.
Midterm grade: C
What's to like: President/CEO Derrick Hall, managing partner Ken Kendrick and general manager Kevin Towers locked in almost all the key pieces over the offseason, giving the D-backs cost certainty and a full nucleus moving forward. They also have the money (and moveable assets) for a deadline move if they wish.
What's not to like: The early return on the Justin Upton/Martin Prado deal has not been what they anticipated.
What's next: The D-backs could use their minor league depth -- Tyler Skaggs, Matt Davidson and Chris Owings are among their top prospects -- to facilitate a deadline deal, although they are not actively looking to move any of those players.
Midterm grade: B
