Series Preview: Diamondbacks @ Giants

* PREVIEW: ARI @ SF - There are just two teams in the National League off to a poorer start than the Diamondbacks (3-6). The first is the dysfunctional Washington Nationals (1-7) franchise; the other is the San Francisco Giants (2-7). The Snakes will have wait until May to sink their fangs into the Nats, but as Arizona embarks on its first road trip of the season, the NL West-rival Giants look like a feast of kangaroo rats.

The Diamondbacks just completed a three-series home-stand that ought to have been a springboard into contention, but was more akin to a backyard trampoline accident. San Francisco fared even worse over their first nine games. After winning a home set with the Brewers, they were swept on a six-game trip through San Diego and Los Angeles. Thanks to the Giants, the Diamondbacks are not the doormats of the division.

How brutal has San Francisco been? For a sample, consider the probable starting pitchers for this weekend.

 

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Tags: All-Star Game, Angel Villalona, Barry Bonds, Barry Zito, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Edgar Renteria, Fred Lewis, Futures Game, Jason Schmidt, Jonathan Sanchez, Justin Upton, Los Angeles Dodgers, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Max Scherzer, Milwaukee Brewers, Nick Noonan, Omar Vizquel, Pablo Sandoval, Randy Johnson, Rich Aurilia, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Tim Alderson, Tim Lincecum, Travis Ishikawa, Washington Nationals

Farm Bureau: April 2, 2009

* DEXTER FOWLER - The Colorado Rockies, the last hold-outs with the Diamondbacks in the Old Pueblo, got a big spring from one of their brightest prospects: Dexter Fowler. At 23 years old, with a charismatic smile and a rangy 6'4", 173 lbs build, the Rockies' center fielder is a player who compares favorably to Arizona's own Chris B. Young. 

The greatest likenesses are in the field, where each uses speed and instincts to play premium defense. Like Young, Fowler glides to the ball with grace, so he is well suited to patrol the spacious middle garden at Coors Field. Both can throw powerfully and accurately, although Fowler's arm is rated higher by scouts. Each saw his ML debut as a 22-year old after posting large numbers at his final minor league stop; Young made the leap from AAA Tucson in 2006 and Fowler was called up last season from AA Tulsa.

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Tags: Angel Villalona, California League, Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Culberson, Colorado Rockies, Dan Haren, Dexter Fowler, Jackson Williams, Juan Castro, Los Angeles Dodgers, Madison Bumgarner, Manny Ramirez, Matt Holliday, Nick Noonan, Oakland Athletics, Tim Alderson, Tim Lincecum, Wendell Fairley