D'backs out to rattle Yanks

'Big Unit' Randy Johnson has a big job on his hands

BBC Sport Online's Kevin Asseo

In only their fourth year of existence, the Arizona Diamondbacks are on their way to the World Series.

After dispatching the Atlanta Braves 4-1 in the National League Championship Series, Arizona now face the unenviable task of meeting defending champions the New York Yankees.

Historically speaking, the two sides could not be more different.

The Yankees have dominated the Major Leagues for well nigh 100 years, winning 26 championships, while Arizona is making its first appearance in the World Series.

But the Diamondbacks' brief team history belies the experienced nature of their players.

Arizona's roster is full of seasoned Major League veterans, with 18 of their 25 players being 30 years of age or older.

Dethrone

Where their collective age was seen as a potential weakness at the beginning of the 2001 season, it is now thought to be a strength as they prepare to step on to the sport's biggest stage.

If the Diamondbacks are to stand a chance of dethroning the Yankees, their hopes rest squarely on their shoulders of their two star pitchers, Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson.

Schilling's move from the Phillies has paid off

Right-hander Schilling and left-hander Johnson are two of the best, and most intimidating, pitchers in baseball today.

Both are overpowering strikeout specialists capable of dominating any game they start.

In the 2001 regular season, Schilling and Johnson ranked first or second in the National League in strikeouts, earned run average, and innings pitched.

The duo has been no less brilliant in the postseason. Schilling is 3-0 with a miniscule 0.67 ERA, while Johnson has posted a 2-1 record with an ERA of 1.88.

Thanks to needing only five games to defeat Atlanta, the Diamondbacks will have nearly a week off before the start of the World Series.

Astounding

That gives Schilling and Johnson enough rest to enable them to potentially start five of the seven games against New York.

The Diamondbacks' offensive line-up may not grab as many headlines as their pitching staff, but its effectiveness should not be overlooked.

Leftfielder Luis Gonzalez slugged 57 home runs in the regular season, which would have almost assured him Most Valuable Player honours were it not for Barry Bonds's astounding, record-breaking season.

Gonzalez took a few hits en route to the World Series

Gonzalez, along with old hands Mark Grace, Reggie Sanders, Matt Williams, and Steve Finley, provides Arizona a talented core of hitters who should not be intimidated by the Yankees' excellent pitching.

However, if there is one department in which the Diamondbacks' offence is lacking, it is team speed.

Other than lead-off man Tony Womack, there is not legitimate base-stealing threat among them.

Although they have a tough task ahead, Arizona can take some solace in the fact that they have home-field advantage in the World Series.

That means four of the seven games will be played in Phoenix's Bank One Ballpark.

With a little help from their home fans, and strong performances from Schilling and Johnson, the Diamondbacks may just be able to create a little history of their own.