Opinion: It's Time to Jump on the Diamondbacks Bandwagon

The Diamondbacks will host the Dodgers for their home opener tonight at Chase Field, game time 7:10 P.M. MST. The gates will open at 4:30 P.M. and the team is encouraging fans attending the game to get there early. In addition to the street festival beginning at 3:30, in stadium opening day ceremonies will begin at 6:00 P.M.

Merrill Kelly will be on the mound for Arizona and Dustin May gets the start for the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks came back on L.A. in Merrill's last start, thanks to a clutch pinch hit two run homer off the bat of Kyle Lewis in the 8th inning.

The D-backs navigated their opening six game road trip splitting a four game series with the Dodgers and a two game series with the Padres to stand 3-3. After the D-backs left Chavez Ravine the Dodgers beat up on the Rockies 13-4 and 5-2, and currently sit atop the division with a 4-2 record.

It's tempting to parse the statistics a bit too much from the opening road trip. After all the D-backs were outscored 31-19, out homered 13-4, and issued 30 walks while drawing just nine. They were blown out twice in L.A. and played four close games, with save chances in all four. They came close to going 4-2 on the trip but a blown save and loss on Monday night in San Diego was a momentary setback.

Showing their resolve, and putting on a display of speed and athleticism, the team showed the type of baseball they're capable of on Tuesday. They stole five bases, including a steal of home, played effective small ball with bunts, got timely hitting and great defense to walk away with an 8-6 come from behind win.

To be sure, the team will need to pitch better overall, and be more consistent in their approach at the plate if they are to truly contend in 2023. Whether or not the young ball club is going to "arrive a year early" or not remains to be seen. But if one were to take the glass half full approach, despite not playing their best baseball they went toe to toe with the two juggernauts of the division and came away with a draw.

Opening day is a joyous occasion throughout the baseball world. Win or lose, the D-backs are poised to take advantage of baseball's new rules with a style of play that is bound to draw fans interest and excitement. There is no time like the present to jump on the bandwagon and take in the spectacle. As in life, often times it's the journey, not the destination that provide the most lasting memories.