MLB News: 5 Reasons Why the Arizona Diamondbacks Are MLB's Best Upstart Team

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 26: Kelly Johnson #2 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is congratulated by manager Kirk Gibson after Johnson hit an RBI triple during the third inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 26, 2011 in San Di

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Believe it or not, the Arizona Diamondbacks are tied atop the NL West.

The Diamondbacks beat the NL West leading San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, 6-1. This moves the two divisional foes into a first place tie in the NL West. The Giants won the World Series last year and are a favorite to make another run in October. However, the Diamondbacks definitely showed some grit winning in San Francisco.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have flown under the radar this year but are among the 10 best teams in Major League Baseball.

The Diamondbacks have looked like they have something to prove all season. After finishing last in the NL West in 2010 with only 65 wins, the 2011 Diamondbacks now are 61-49 on the season. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won four straight.

Here are the five reasons why the Arizona Diamondbacks are the best surprise in baseball.

5. Aggressiveness at the Trade Deadline

ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 28: Jason Marquis #21 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 28, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the right moves at this year's trade deadline.

The team acquired pitchers Jason Marquis and Brad Ziegler to strengthen their roster. Jason Marquis is 8-5 on the season and has won 10 plus games six times in his career. Brad Zeigler is a submarine reliever with a deceiving delivery and a 2.39 ERA on the season.

More importantly, the addition of Jason Marquis allows Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings to leave the starting rotation. Owings will head back to the bullpen where he is best. This was a smart, two-for-one deal for the Diamondbacks.

Arizona Diamondbacks fans should feel confident thanks to these acquisitions.

4. Justin Upton

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 2: Justin Upton #10 of the Arizona Diamondbacks swings and watches the flight of his ball as he hits a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning during an MLB baseball game at AT&T Park August 2, 20

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Justin Upton leads the Arizona Diamondbacks in average, runs, home runs, RBI and steals this year and he's only 23 years old.

This five tool player will be a fan favorite in Arizona for years to come. In his last 10 games Upton hit .400 with five homers, 11 runs scored and 17 RBI.

This young man is definitely a star.

3. Ian Kennedy

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 21: Starting pitcher Ian Kennedy #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field on July 21, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Norm Hall/Getty Images

Ian Kennedy is tied for the NL lead with 13 wins. The 26-year-old pitcher is in his second full season in the big leagues and is 13-3.

It's safe to say that Kennedy is a dark-horse for the NL Cy Young this year. Ian Kennedy has an ERA of 3.17 and in his last 10 starts has recorded a record of 7-1, including five straight wins.

Kennedy has quietly become the ace of the staff and will continue to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks down the stretch.

2. Winning on the Road

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 31: J.J. Putz #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks high-fives teammates after the victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Putz recorded two outs in the ninth inning to earn

Jeff Golden/Getty Images

For a MLB team to be successful, they must win games on the road. The Diamondbacks have done that in 2011.

Right now the Arizona Diamondbacks are an impressive 32-26 away from home.

Winning on the road is how a team ensures a playoff birth. Through 110 games played, the Diamondbacks have played 58 on the road and 52 at home. These six games in hand at home will be crucial down the stretch.

The Diamondbacks have learned how to win on the road, which will pay dividends in August and September.

1. Manager Kirk Gibson

PHOENIX - JUNE 16: Manager Kirk Gibson #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks smiles as he walks out to the field during batting practice prior to a game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on June 16, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/

Norm Hall/Getty Images

Kirk Gibson is in his first full year as Arizona Diamondbacks manager and is the biggest reason for the surprise success of the Diamondbacks.

Kirk Gibson played 17 seasons in MLB and won the World Series in 1984 and 1988. Gibson had one of the most memorable moments in World Series history in 1988 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Game One, Gibson was injured but heroically hobbled to the plate in the bottom of the ninth. Next, history was made as he hit a walk-off home run against future Hall of Fame reliever Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics.

It was Gibson's will and determination that empowered him to greatness that day. The same attitude that Gibson had then is rubbing off on the Arizona Diamondbacks now. Kirk Gibson is a winner and is teaching his team how to do so.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are a product of Kirk Gibson's experience and attitude. As a true sign of admiration, the Arizona Diamondbacks organization has a Kirk Gibson "Bobblehead" day planned for August 6.

Expect great things from this ball club with Gibson at the helm.

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