Series Preview: Diamondbacks v. Cardinals

* PREVIEW: ARI v. STL - The Diamondbacks (2-4) have had a disappointing start to the season, dropping back-to-back series with division rivals Colorado and Los Angeles. Arizona will have to improve its home-cooking to prevent falling further off the pace with the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals (5-2) coming to town for a three-game series.

Notwithstanding their fine record (compiled against the lowly Pirates and Astros), the Cardinals do have some questions of their own, primarily on the pitching staff.  Against the Snakes, St. Louis is slated to throw a so-so trio of starters: converted reliever Todd Wellemeyer, Tommy John-returnee Chris Carpenter, and the unimpressive Joel Pineiro. Only Carpenter has ever been the type to strike fear into the hearts of opposing batters; it will take more than a win over the lowly Pirates to persuade us he's back. Wellemeyer and Pineiro are the sort of classic cast-offs with which pitching coach Dave Duncan likes to work.

Duncan asks his...

Continue reading to see the post in its entirety.

Tags: Albert Pujols, Anthony Reyes, Chris Perez, Colby Rasmus, Colorado Rockies, Dave Duncan, Doug Davis, Jason Motte, Joel Pineiro, Jon Garland, Los Angeles Dodgers, Max Scherzer, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis Cardinals, Todd Wellemeyer