Game 79: Twins at Diamondbacks

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 01: Jason Kubel #13 of the Arizona Diamondbacks runs out onto the field as he is introduced to the MLB Opening Day game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field on April 1, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Cardinals 6-2.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images First Chuck: 2:15 PM (new anthem each week!)The Tube: NBCSN/PeacockThe Dial: Treasure Island Baseball NetworkSpies ‘R Us: AZ Snake PitHello from Chase Field in Phoenix! As I take in this weekend series in the desert, let me set up the final contest with my stream-of-consciousness thoughts on this uncommon Minnesota Twins opponent (I’m sure I’ll have more informed opinions when I return!)

:The Arizona Diamondbacks were an expansion club in the 1998 season. After struggling (65-97) that inaugural year like so many new clubs do, they immediately jumped to 100-62 in 1999, reaching the NLCS before losing to the Subway Series-bound New York Mets. Having four sluggers (Jay Bell, Matt Williams, Luis Gonzalez, & Steve Finley) eclipse 25 homers and seeing pitching staff ace Randy Johnson post a 9.

1 WAR campaign (17-9, 2.48 ERA, 12 CG, 271.2 IP, 184 ERA+, 1.

02 WHIP) were the primary drivers of such a quick turnaround.They got over the hump in 2001 by pairing the Big Unit (10.1 WAR) with Curt Schilling (8.

8 WAR) and riding those dual horses to the World Series. My personal story about that Fall Classic is driving back from a weekend of deer hunting in Bemidji, MN the night of Game 7. Despite arriving dog-tired from days of tromping through the woods, I had to stay up to see the season’s conclusion.

I’m glad I did—it was a doozy…After another wonderful (98-64) season in ‘02 that saw them swept out of the ALDS by the WS-bound San Francisco Giants, the D-Backs wandered the proverbial (perhaps literal, in this case) desert for the next two decades. They’d pop up every once in awhile with a solid campaign but never make it deep into October.

Twins fans may recall