Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.com

D-backs see similarities in Pirates

• fan comments
• print this page
• e-mail this page
• post on facebook

Related Links

• Davis' game log
• Bucs' ailing middle infield set to return

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

07/25/09 2:41 AM ET

PHOENIX -- D-backs manager A.J. Hinch sees a team working hard to improve.

He's confident the effort is there each night, but he's also aware that it's going to take time to determine who fits in and who doesn't.

Hinch was talking about the Pirates. He could have easily been referring to his D-backs.

"They have a lot of ingredients that they like," the manager said. "I think now they are trying to find their mixture and how good of a team they can become and who is part of their long-term solution."

Sound familiar?

It should.

Following Friday's 10-3 loss to the Pirates, the D-backs' record dropped to 41-56. With the victory, the Pirates improve to 43-53 for the season.

The teams have split the first two games of this four-game series.

"Look, when you are double-digits under .500, you always feel like you are in a transition because you are not in a position that you would ever dream that is OK with you," Hinch said. "You are always disappointed in your season or frustrated with your season and trying to improve because it's no fun being double-digits under .500 and not being talked about acquiring talent or making a push toward the end of the season."

The D-backs continue to evaluate several players, a group that includes Gerardo Parra, Alex Romero, Clay Zavada and Leo Rosales. Max Scherzer and Chris Young could also be placed in that group. The Pirates face a similar task examining players like first baseman Steve Pearce and outfielders Delwyn Young, Garrett Jones and Brandon Moss. Pitchers Charlie Morton and Virgil Vazquez are also being evaluated.

Not surprisingly, frustration in the clubhouse and in the fan base have also surfaced in both cities.

Unlike the Pirates, the D-backs have the advantage of playing in a bigger market and boast a higher payroll.

For his part, Hinch isn't making excuses. He knows the team's record still matters.

"It's fun to win in this league," he said.

Pitching matchup
ARI: LHP Doug Davis (4-10, 3.95 ERA)
Even though Davis has struggled in his last two starts -- 13 earned runs given up in six innings -- Hinch believes he will bounce back. After all, in four previous outings before his mini-slump, Davis had a 1.32 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. Despite his record, Davis has pitched well this season, and for him to continue to be effective he must be able to jam right-handed hitters with his two-seam fastball instead of throwing them in the dirt -- which is what happened in his last start. He's 6-6 with a 5.22 ERA against the Pirates.

PIT: RHP Ross Ohlendorf (8-7, 4.59 ERA)
Ohlendorf has not been able to finish six innings in any of his last six starts, though he's not pitched too poorly in his most recent two. Still in his first full season as a Major League starter, Ohlendorf continues to work toward increasing his stamina late in games. His changeup continues to develop as well, though it's still not reliable 100 percent of the time. The Pirates still believe there is a little more velocity in his arm, though it's questionable whether or not anyone will see that the rest of this season.

Tidbits
Miguel Montero has hit safely in seven consecutive games and is hitting .448 during that streak. ... Mark Reynolds has hit in a season-high eight consecutive games and is hitting .467 during that stretch. ... Ryan Roberts' home run Friday was the second of his career and his first since 2006.

Tickets
 Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.

On the Internet
 MLB.TV
 Gameday Audio
•  Gameday
•  Official game notes

On television
• FS-A

On radio
• KTAR 620, KSUN 1400 (Español)

Up next
• Sunday: Diamondbacks (Max Scherzer, 5-6, 3.86) vs. Pirates (Virgil Vasquez, 1-4, 5.54), 1:10 p.m. MST
• Monday: Diamondbacks (Jon Garland, 5-9, 4.41) vs. Phillies (Jamie Moyer, 9-7, 5.65), 6:40 p.m. MST
• Tuesday: Diamondbacks (Dan Haren, 10-5, 2.14) vs. Phillies (TBD), 6:40 p.m. MST

Jesse Sanchez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.