The time is now for D-backs to shine

With only 23 games left in this season (wow it has gone fast), the Arizona Diamondbacks have a very slim 1 1/2 game lead in the NL West. But unbelievably almost is that fact that they have either led or been tied atop the division since April 6. That is nearly an impossible feat to accomplish over five months of baseball. So many, many props go to the D-backs for remaining resilient and playing just well enough not to give it up.

But, having said that.....again this is the National League West.

With only being three games over .500, this is by far one of the weakest divisions in recent MLB history. The Dodgers appear to be a big force down the stretch, especially now that notorious clubhouse cancer Jeff Kent is now on the DL for a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, loosening up the Dodger clubhouse is not something D-backs fans want to see, as that should give them a boost here until his probable return near the end of the season.

My only fear is if the D-backs do end up relinquishing the lead somewhere in these last 23 games. Not sure exactly how they will respond. There should be enough veteran players on this roster now (Tony Clark, David Eckstein, Adam Dunn, Randy Johnson), that you wouldn't think it would cause their downfall to slip from first. I'd prefer not to go down that road and simply stay afloat at the top.

This is really the time now for all Diamondback players to step it up a notch and play their @#%@$*! off the rest of this month. To go down now would be a disappointment of huge proportions, but I have a feeling that the team is now capable and ready to go into rally mode and finish with a vengeance.

Let's hope that the players actually feel that too.....