Dbacks turnaround started with Gibby

The Diamondbacks 2011 magic carpet ride continued Tuesday night at Chase Field with third baseman Ryan Roberts providing the drama.

Facing Dodgers reliever Javy Guerra with the bases loaded in the 10th, Roberts sent a line-drive just over the leftfield wall then jogged around the bases pumping his fist like his skipper Kirk Gibson did back in 1988 following his memorable World Series homer off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley.

After the game, Gibson was asked what he thought of Roberts’ impersonation.

“Some things rub off,” Gibson said smiling.

“That’s just a spontaneous thing.  You’ll have to ask him about that.  I was too busy getting beat up in the dugout.”

The late-inning heroics have become commonplace as Gibson’s team prepares for their first trip back to the post-season since 2007.

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Former Dbacks manager, now TBS analyst Bob Brenly joined Brad Cesmat Wednesday on “Big Guy on Sports” and was asked what impresses him most about the team.

“The returned intensity,” Brenly explained.

“That for me comes straight from Gibby and that coaching staff he has.  Those guys are very good at what they do…and they’re very demanding.”  Brenly continued.

“I think things maybe got a little relaxed around there.  Gibson and his staff have re-focused those guys as to what’s important as far as winning ballgames.”

Gibson, widely considered the front-runner for National League Manager of the Year, took over on an interim level after the club fired A.J. Hinch in early July last year.

He was given the permanent job on October 10^th.