"Instant fatality" - From King Cobra to Black Mamba, Ex-Braves slugger makes comparisons for Ketel Marte and D-Back stars
Former Atlanta Braves player Mark DeRosa recently discussed how the Arizona Diamondbacks have showcased their deadly tendencies. The D-Backs currently lead the standings for the National League wildcard spots.
DeRosa's Major League service spanned from 1998 to 2013. During his career, the New Jersey native represented the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays.
Speaking on MLB Central, DeRosa compared the D-Backs' offense, starting with Jake Mccarthy, Corbin Carroll, and Josh Bell, to a venomous snake.
"Jake Mccarthy's a rattlesnake. He's been really good for this team, he can beat you in a variety of ways."
"Corbin Carroll is starting to figure it out. He's a boa constrictor. He's got seven homers and 18 RBIs over his last 26 games. He's getting hot at the right time and making defensive plays as well."
"Call the Burmese python Josh Bell. Six games with the Diamondbacks, he's 7 for 26. He's fit right in there."
Then, Mark moved on to Eugenio Suarez, Joc Pederson and the injured Christian Walker.
"Eugenio Suarez, good vibes only? Not when you get bit by a viper. Ten homers and 28 RBIs over his last 26 games. Got off to a slow start, but he's putting it together at the right time."
"Joc Pederson has become the black mamba; he's become one of the most dangerous hitters in the National League. Repeatedly coming up with big swings of the bat, hitting three-run bombs late in the game to get this team going."
"Christian Walker is the injured copperhead in there. Twenty three homers and 71 RBIs in 107 games this season. I had to put him in."
Finally, the former Braves mainstay revealed Ketel Marte as the most dangerous bat in the D-Backs lineup.
"Instant Fatality. You got 30 minutes to get to a hospital when the king cobra finds you. Ketel Marte's got 29 homers and is tied for 6th in MLB. 80 RBIs is 9th."
D-Backs stay hot, sweep series in Cleveland
The Arizona Diamondbacks rank among the hottest teams in baseball since the All-Star break. They came into their latest tilt at Progressive Field with 10 consecutive series wins and ran that streak to 11.
Arizona won all three road games against the Guardians, including a doubleheader on Wednesday after Tuesday's contest was rained out.
These results improve the D-Backs' playoff standing as the club challenges the Los Angeles Dodgers for NL West dominance. That said, manager Torey Lovullo has his troops in form at just the right time.
The Arizona Diamondbacks welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to Chase Field for their next game. Thursday's outing will be game one of what promises to be a hugely entertaining series.