The San Francisco Giants are one win away from their first NL West division crown since 2003. San Francisco’s 4-1 triumph over the Diamondbacks coupled with the Padres’ slip-up to the Chicago Cubs pits the Giants in ideal position heading into this weekend’s series. The Giants play San Diego beginning tonight, and unless the Padres sweep the Giants at A T & T Park, Bruch Bochy’s club will be headed to the playoffs. The Giants have been on a tear as of late, winning eight of their last ten and sweeping the Diamondbacks in three games. Last night, Arizona slapped seven hits but crossed the plate just once. The Giants garnered six hits but tallied a more productive four runs.
Madison Bumgarner and Barry Enright battled in a pairing of rookie hurlers on Thursday night. Bumgarner, looking for his first ever victory at home for the Giants, pitched out of jams to earn the win. The San Francisco rookie southpaw surrendered one run through five frames. He struck out seven to stave off the Diamondbacks and give the Giants their 91st win this season. Enright struggled in his start, allowing three homeruns through five innings of work. Arizona’s offense didn’t help the rookie. The Diamondbacks stranded a runner on second base in each of the first four innings as Enright suffered his fifth loss in his last five tries. The Giants were the first team to light up the scoreboard when Pablo Sandoval deposited a fastball off Enright into McCovey Cove for a 1-0 lead. It was the third baseman’s 13th long ball of the season and 62nd RBI.
The Diamondbacks evened the contest in the fourth inning after loading the bases against Bumgarner. The Giants’ 21 year old hurler limited the damage to a single tally via Enright’s sacrifice fly. Bumgarner was bashed around in the fifth on back-to-back one out singles, but remained composed and got the final two outs to keep the ball game tied 1-1. In the San Francisco half of the fifth, Andres Torres gave the Giants a one-run advantage when he 16th homerun landed over the right-center field wall. The leadoff centerfielder had two hits Thursday night and also stole his 25th base of the year.
Rookie-of-the-year candidate, Buster Posey, pulled the Giants ahead by three with some sixth inning fireworks. Posey’s two run drive followed Aubrey Huff’s leadoff walk and was the 16th time the Giants have clubbed one out in their last seven games. San Francisco used a trio of relievers to pen down the DBacks the rest of the game. A three run cushion was all the bullpen needed to contain the ailing Arizona offense. Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo and Ramon Ramirez held Arizona hitless through four frames. Ramirez picked up the save in place of Bochy’s usual closer, Brian Wilson. Wilson will be well-rested for the upcoming series against San Diego. The Giants’ pitching staff leads the majors in strikeouts, and has already topped the single-season franchise record for K’s. San Francisco looks to pitching sensation, Matt Cain, when they try to win the West this evening.
Parting Points: October kickoff!
I guess the Mets will be hunting for a new manager next season. Joe Torre anyone?
No mock turtlenecks on the NBA sidelines? Hmm, I hope college football doesn’t follow suit and start banning sweater vests.
Showing posts with label Arizona Diamondbacks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arizona Diamondbacks. Show all posts
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Desert Drilling
It was a dreary day for desert baseball. The top-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils were doused and eliminated by South Carolina in the College World Series. The major league slugging Diamondbacks were then drilled and drubbed by the defending champions. Alex Rodriguez and the robust Yankee lineup rocked the Diamondbacks last night at Chase Field in Phoenix, lifting Andy Pettitte to his ninth win of the season. The New York southpaw pitched a two-run, seven hit ball game through seven innings as the Bombers dispatched the Dbacks and coasted to a 9-3 road victory. Rodriguez banged a two-run homerun to center in the first inning and finished with three RBIs. Pettitte, the 38 year old hurler, picked up his sixth straight win, and 238th of his career, while fanning seven Arizona batters.
Dan Haren gave Arizona a strong outing and contributed at the plate with a pair of RBs in the second inning. Pettitte walked Chris Snyder to load the bases for the Arizona pitcher. The DBack’s ninth hitter poked an opposite-field single to right to drive in the first two Arizona runs. Haren tossed seven innings of six hit ball and struck out eight Bombers. His only blemish following the Rodriguez bomb was a three hit third inning in which the Yankees scored a run on a Rodriguez base hit. The Yankees third baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk. Haren held the Yankees in check after the third, allowing only a Pettitte single. The Yankees finished the night with twelve hits, eight of which came off the bats of the first four batter in the lineup.
The visitors busted the game open after Haren’s exit in the eighth with 109 pitches under his belt. New York tacked on six combined runs off Arizona relievers, Esmerling Vasquez and Chad Qualls. The six spot started with Mark Teixeira’s RBI single. Robinson Cano added a run-scoring base hit before Qualls was summoned from the DBack’s bullpen. Jorge Posada lofted a sacrifice fly to score Teixeira. Curtis Granderson drove in a run and scored the final tally of the big inning on pinch hitter, Colin Curtis’, double. Cano also crossed home on the extra-base blast. It was Curtis’ first big league hit and first two RBIs that certainly capped off a firm frame for the visiting team. Joba Chamberlain and Dave Robertson relieved Pettitte in the final two innings with a seven run cushion. Chamberlain issued a walk and struck out two in the eighth, and Robertson allowed a run on a Kelly Johnson’s double. The Yankees improved to 44-27 on the season and play the rubber game of the series late tonight. Dontrelle Willis toes the rubber for Arizona against former Dback, 6-6 Javier Vazquez.
Parting Points: Wimbledon updates- Samantha Stosur lost to a qualifier, eighth seeded, Fernando Verdasco was dropped by a clay courter and James Blake suffered a straight set thumping against a Dutchman. What do these three losses have in common?
I did not recognize any of the winners’ names.
The Marlins fired Freddy Gonzalez and the USA pulled off a last-minute win to advance at the World Cup.
Dan Haren gave Arizona a strong outing and contributed at the plate with a pair of RBs in the second inning. Pettitte walked Chris Snyder to load the bases for the Arizona pitcher. The DBack’s ninth hitter poked an opposite-field single to right to drive in the first two Arizona runs. Haren tossed seven innings of six hit ball and struck out eight Bombers. His only blemish following the Rodriguez bomb was a three hit third inning in which the Yankees scored a run on a Rodriguez base hit. The Yankees third baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk. Haren held the Yankees in check after the third, allowing only a Pettitte single. The Yankees finished the night with twelve hits, eight of which came off the bats of the first four batter in the lineup.
The visitors busted the game open after Haren’s exit in the eighth with 109 pitches under his belt. New York tacked on six combined runs off Arizona relievers, Esmerling Vasquez and Chad Qualls. The six spot started with Mark Teixeira’s RBI single. Robinson Cano added a run-scoring base hit before Qualls was summoned from the DBack’s bullpen. Jorge Posada lofted a sacrifice fly to score Teixeira. Curtis Granderson drove in a run and scored the final tally of the big inning on pinch hitter, Colin Curtis’, double. Cano also crossed home on the extra-base blast. It was Curtis’ first big league hit and first two RBIs that certainly capped off a firm frame for the visiting team. Joba Chamberlain and Dave Robertson relieved Pettitte in the final two innings with a seven run cushion. Chamberlain issued a walk and struck out two in the eighth, and Robertson allowed a run on a Kelly Johnson’s double. The Yankees improved to 44-27 on the season and play the rubber game of the series late tonight. Dontrelle Willis toes the rubber for Arizona against former Dback, 6-6 Javier Vazquez.
Parting Points: Wimbledon updates- Samantha Stosur lost to a qualifier, eighth seeded, Fernando Verdasco was dropped by a clay courter and James Blake suffered a straight set thumping against a Dutchman. What do these three losses have in common?
I did not recognize any of the winners’ names.
The Marlins fired Freddy Gonzalez and the USA pulled off a last-minute win to advance at the World Cup.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Arizona Appeal
Baseball in the desert has been dismal, depressing and dull lately. At least for the hometown team. Yes, there are many Spring training facilities and fans flock to root for their chosen Cactus League teams. But the Arizona Diamondbacks do not often headline the front pages. The Diamondbacks usually field a respectable team each season but lack the appeal of other major league ball clubs. Maybe baseball isn’t the prominent sport in a state where golf is king and college teams are worshipped. Local sports reporters are focused more on what is coming out of Shaquille O’Neal’s mouth and whether the Wildcats are bubble-bound this NCAA tournament. It doesn’t help the Diamondbacks when the previously pathetic and laughable franchise, the NFL Cardinals, earned a trip to the Superbowl. Getting back to the diamond though, this year’s NL West team from Arizona has a chance in today’s state of parity in baseball. However, here is my cynical synopsis.
The team has one goal heading into the 2009 campaign. The offense needs to reduce the amount of strikeouts. I realize it is refreshing to feel the “whiffs” in the dry desert air in the Southwest but come on. Arizona set franchise record 1,287 strikeouts in 2008. 3B, Mark Reynolds had 204 on his own, setting a new major league record. Mark was a promising player and I thought he was headed in the right direction when he began his career. I considered Reynolds one of the best up and coming third basemen in the league. He can still redeem himself. Reynolds has been working on his defense with former formidable fielder, Matt Williams. He accumulated 97 RBIs and 28 HRs hitting near the bottom of the Diamondbacks order in 2008. Mark’s defense is not stellar but he does the little things in the field and can play the position well when he takes his time and concentrates.
Manager, Bob Melvin, does not have a true leadoff hitter yet, so he will probably tinker with the lineup a lot. Felipe Lopez, the second baseman, is the best option to bat first. Loose Lopez is a quality switch hitter. CF Chris Young and SS Stephen Drew are projected to bat second and third. Each player moves down in Melvin’s batting order. The shift spells success for Arizona because they can be more productive in that order. Young needs to focus on patience at the plate and take a few pitches. He’s capable of stealing bases and ideally suited to hit second. Drew ‘s ability is limitless and the shortstop is only 25 years old. J.D. Drew’s kid brother had 11 triples last season and drove in 67 runs. He showed pop as well, slugging a modest 21 homers. The Florida State alum has improved every year since his first full one in 2007.
Conor Jackson and Justin Upton are the best hitters on this young team. Jackson will clean up and play left field or first base. He averaged an even .300 at the plate in 2008 and will look to match that again this season. Many are expecting a 90 RBI season for the third year player and hoping for 20 or more long balls. Upton came up as one of the best prospects and brings a lot to the table. The fire starter is a five tool player, but he has had his share of growing pains. Justin is only 21 years old but still managed to hit 15 out of the park. This rangy right fielder is flexible and makes great throws with an authoritative arm. Upton benefits from playing on a low-key team in the National League.
Left-handed first baseman, Chad Tracy, has a history of being injured. Tracy will help Arizona if he can remain on the field. If he is healthy, Tracy may take playing time away from Reynolds. Chad has been practicing third base during Spring training games. His career .285 average ignites the bottom of the order. Behind the plate, the Diamondbacks have viable options in Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero. Snyder is the front-runner and will probably be the opening day starter. He had surprising power for a catcher in 2008, with a career high 16 homeruns. Snyder also possesses post-season experience with Arizona. He had a HR in the 2007 LCS and his .333.
Veteran class-act, Tony Clark, is a first base reserve who will probably retire a Diamondback in the near future. Clark has been around the block a few times and is the best pinch hitter available off the bench. Infielder Augie Ojeda is efficient at three positions and will play a backup role. Eric Byrnes is also an option for any of the outfield positions. Byrnes is as gritty and hard-nosed as they come. I have a soft spot for Byrnes because he autographed a baseball card and ball with my name on it. He was sidelined with a bad hamstring and opted for surgery last season. It will be interesting to see how the departure of talented 2B Orlando Hudson will affect Arizona. Felipe Lopez arrived from St. Louis and I think the addition is appealing.
The rotation shakes out like this for the snakes: Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Jon Garland and Max Scherzer. Webb and Haren are arguably considered the best 1-2 in the league. Both will be innings-eaters like they were last season. Webb is reliable and if he can win another 22 games, Arizona need not worry about their ace. He also strikes out a lot of guys. Haren came to the desert from the Oakland surf, where he was not a top starter. Here, he has been nothing but a hard worker and an effective player. The Pepperdine graduate is also a strikeout artist. Dan will carry most of the load now that Randy Johnson signed the Giants. Haren won’t have to share the spotlight with the future Hall of Famer. If he can locate his pitches, Haren should be very good in 2009. Davis is a tossup, having just been treated for thyroid cancer. Garland was a risky but inexpensive addition this off-season. When healthy, both provide quality starts and should be decent 3-4 pitchers. Scherzer may be on the DL to begin April so Arizona could opt for a rookie slot starter. Cesar Valdez is that candidate.
The Arizona bullpen has no nastiness to it. Closer Brandon Lyon is replaced by either Chad Qualls or Tony Pena. Qualls is a ground-ball pitcher and Pena better suited for the closer role with his flame throwing stuff. Scott Scoheneweis breaks down easily but will be the lefty specialist for the most part. RHP Tom Gordon is coming off elbow surgery but can shut down just about any hitter when he wants to. Relievers Jon Rauch and Leo Rosales are unproven. Rauch is a fly-ball pitcher but is reportedly working on adding a cut fastball to his repertoire. The pen will sorely miss Brandon Lyon and Juan Cruz, who were both under the radar, effective relief men last season.
Arizona has a shot at the division but like the other teams in the NL West, were hurt by the Dodgers re-signing Manny Ramirez. With their shaky bullpen and youth up the middle, the Diamondbacks will eventually need to add an impact player near the trade deadline to remain in the playoff hunt. Maybe Arizona should consider signing Kurt Warner for a relief role.
Parting points: Song choice- “Cold-hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul
The outspoken WR, Terrell Owens will play in Buffalo next year. His strength and speed will be good for the Bills’ red zone offense but best of luck to everyone in that clubhouse who has to put up with his attitude.
The team has one goal heading into the 2009 campaign. The offense needs to reduce the amount of strikeouts. I realize it is refreshing to feel the “whiffs” in the dry desert air in the Southwest but come on. Arizona set franchise record 1,287 strikeouts in 2008. 3B, Mark Reynolds had 204 on his own, setting a new major league record. Mark was a promising player and I thought he was headed in the right direction when he began his career. I considered Reynolds one of the best up and coming third basemen in the league. He can still redeem himself. Reynolds has been working on his defense with former formidable fielder, Matt Williams. He accumulated 97 RBIs and 28 HRs hitting near the bottom of the Diamondbacks order in 2008. Mark’s defense is not stellar but he does the little things in the field and can play the position well when he takes his time and concentrates.
Manager, Bob Melvin, does not have a true leadoff hitter yet, so he will probably tinker with the lineup a lot. Felipe Lopez, the second baseman, is the best option to bat first. Loose Lopez is a quality switch hitter. CF Chris Young and SS Stephen Drew are projected to bat second and third. Each player moves down in Melvin’s batting order. The shift spells success for Arizona because they can be more productive in that order. Young needs to focus on patience at the plate and take a few pitches. He’s capable of stealing bases and ideally suited to hit second. Drew ‘s ability is limitless and the shortstop is only 25 years old. J.D. Drew’s kid brother had 11 triples last season and drove in 67 runs. He showed pop as well, slugging a modest 21 homers. The Florida State alum has improved every year since his first full one in 2007.
Conor Jackson and Justin Upton are the best hitters on this young team. Jackson will clean up and play left field or first base. He averaged an even .300 at the plate in 2008 and will look to match that again this season. Many are expecting a 90 RBI season for the third year player and hoping for 20 or more long balls. Upton came up as one of the best prospects and brings a lot to the table. The fire starter is a five tool player, but he has had his share of growing pains. Justin is only 21 years old but still managed to hit 15 out of the park. This rangy right fielder is flexible and makes great throws with an authoritative arm. Upton benefits from playing on a low-key team in the National League.
Left-handed first baseman, Chad Tracy, has a history of being injured. Tracy will help Arizona if he can remain on the field. If he is healthy, Tracy may take playing time away from Reynolds. Chad has been practicing third base during Spring training games. His career .285 average ignites the bottom of the order. Behind the plate, the Diamondbacks have viable options in Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero. Snyder is the front-runner and will probably be the opening day starter. He had surprising power for a catcher in 2008, with a career high 16 homeruns. Snyder also possesses post-season experience with Arizona. He had a HR in the 2007 LCS and his .333.
Veteran class-act, Tony Clark, is a first base reserve who will probably retire a Diamondback in the near future. Clark has been around the block a few times and is the best pinch hitter available off the bench. Infielder Augie Ojeda is efficient at three positions and will play a backup role. Eric Byrnes is also an option for any of the outfield positions. Byrnes is as gritty and hard-nosed as they come. I have a soft spot for Byrnes because he autographed a baseball card and ball with my name on it. He was sidelined with a bad hamstring and opted for surgery last season. It will be interesting to see how the departure of talented 2B Orlando Hudson will affect Arizona. Felipe Lopez arrived from St. Louis and I think the addition is appealing.
The rotation shakes out like this for the snakes: Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Doug Davis, Jon Garland and Max Scherzer. Webb and Haren are arguably considered the best 1-2 in the league. Both will be innings-eaters like they were last season. Webb is reliable and if he can win another 22 games, Arizona need not worry about their ace. He also strikes out a lot of guys. Haren came to the desert from the Oakland surf, where he was not a top starter. Here, he has been nothing but a hard worker and an effective player. The Pepperdine graduate is also a strikeout artist. Dan will carry most of the load now that Randy Johnson signed the Giants. Haren won’t have to share the spotlight with the future Hall of Famer. If he can locate his pitches, Haren should be very good in 2009. Davis is a tossup, having just been treated for thyroid cancer. Garland was a risky but inexpensive addition this off-season. When healthy, both provide quality starts and should be decent 3-4 pitchers. Scherzer may be on the DL to begin April so Arizona could opt for a rookie slot starter. Cesar Valdez is that candidate.
The Arizona bullpen has no nastiness to it. Closer Brandon Lyon is replaced by either Chad Qualls or Tony Pena. Qualls is a ground-ball pitcher and Pena better suited for the closer role with his flame throwing stuff. Scott Scoheneweis breaks down easily but will be the lefty specialist for the most part. RHP Tom Gordon is coming off elbow surgery but can shut down just about any hitter when he wants to. Relievers Jon Rauch and Leo Rosales are unproven. Rauch is a fly-ball pitcher but is reportedly working on adding a cut fastball to his repertoire. The pen will sorely miss Brandon Lyon and Juan Cruz, who were both under the radar, effective relief men last season.
Arizona has a shot at the division but like the other teams in the NL West, were hurt by the Dodgers re-signing Manny Ramirez. With their shaky bullpen and youth up the middle, the Diamondbacks will eventually need to add an impact player near the trade deadline to remain in the playoff hunt. Maybe Arizona should consider signing Kurt Warner for a relief role.
Parting points: Song choice- “Cold-hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul
The outspoken WR, Terrell Owens will play in Buffalo next year. His strength and speed will be good for the Bills’ red zone offense but best of luck to everyone in that clubhouse who has to put up with his attitude.
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