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Arizona Diamondbacks

Miller Dominates as Fish Sweep D-Backs
2008-05-23 06:28:00
Andrew Miller showed up big-time tonight holding the Arizona Diamondbacks scoreless over 7 innings while striking out a career high 9. Hanley Ramirez was back in his familiar lead-off spot, hitting a triple in his first at bat and scoring the Marlins first run. A Wes Helms pinch-hit 2-run double sealed the deal ...
The save speculator: Arizona Diamondbacks
2008-05-01 20:50:00
Why Brandon Lyon might not last, and who might replace him as closer.
Max Scherzer Bio
2008-04-30 20:00:00
Max Scherzer Bio After one of the best MLB pitching debuts in recent memory we take a quick bio look at Max Scherzer.
2007 Sabermetric Year in Review: Arizona Diamondbacks
2008-04-13 07:01:00
Kids, if you’re out there reading this, take the following piece of advice. Never ever ever ever do a baseball annual. When I first started this series, I actually figured I’d be done by Spring Training. What was I thinking!?!?! We end our very long tour (stop #30) of the U.S. in the Arizona Desert ...
Cincinnati Reds sent left-hander Jon Coutlangus to Arizona Diamondbacks in
2008-04-08 02:25:00
The Reds traded left-handed reliever Jon Coutlangus to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league infielder Daniel Perales on Monday. Coutlangus went 4-2 with a 4.39 ERA in 64 appearances as a rookie last season. He failed to make the team in spring training. Perales batted .282 for Class A South Bend last season and drove ...
Drew?s solo homer in 10th lifts Arizona Diamondbacks to 5-2 win over Colora
2008-04-07 03:22:00
For three straight days, the Arizona Diamondbacks had to endure one celebration after another. First it was the fireworks and frenzy of opening day, next the Colorado Rockies raised their NL championship pennant and finally they held a ring ceremony. The Diamondbacks ruined each one, though. Mark Reynolds hit a two-run homer in the ninth ...
Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Doug Davis vows to return from thyroid cancer (A
2008-03-29 07:45:00
Diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Doug Davis decided he wanted to keep pitching until his April 10 operation. And he said he expects to pitch again soon after that. “It’s going to take me down for a while but not out for good,” said Davis, who spoke at a news conference after facing ...
NL West Anaylsis : 2008 Preview
2008-03-27 15:16:00
NL West Anaylsis : 2008 Preview The NL West division winner should still need 88+ wins to capture the division. I don’t see a repeat of the 90, 90 & 89 totals from 2007. You have three good teams in the east, four good teams in the west and pretty much one, maybe two good squads ...
Trot Tries To Catch On
2008-02-18 12:00:00
Former Boston Red Sox outfielder and Dirt Dawg extraordinaire Trot Nixon is still looking for a team as major league clubs are about to embark on spring training. Nixon, a former first round pick (7th overall) by the Red Sox in 1993, played last season with the Cleveland Indians and hit .251 in 307 ...
Bob Melvin and Arizona Diamondbacks optimistic about defending NL West titl
2008-02-16 11:20:00
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitchers and catchers reported for spring training on Friday brimming with confidence from their surprising success a year ago. A year of experience for their young lineup, and the addition of right-hander Dan Haren, has them believing they can defend their NL West title. “We should be the favorites,” former Cy Young ...
Tony Clark Won't Be Back With D'Backs
2007-12-15 22:50:00
MLB.com's Steve Gilbert talked to free agent first baseman Tony Clark recently, learning that the Diamondbacks have pulled their two-year offer to him off the table in light of their recent moves. The acquisition of Chris Burke eliminated the bench spot that might've gone to Clark.  While a few teams mentioned the idea of a full-time role, Clark hasn't received other concrete offers. The Rangers have acquired Ben Broussard, so they're probably out on Clark.  The Rays will get their leadership from Cliff Floyd.  The Twins probably don't have room for Clark anymore.  The Dodgers may still have their eye on him, but beyond that his opportunities are shrinking fast. showad();
Kuroda Remains Undecided
2007-12-15 04:50:00
After all the ruckus about Hiroki Kuroda earlier this week, his agent said today that he still has not reached a decision.  The decision is "very close," and may come by the end of the weekend.  The Mariners, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Royals have offers out. No word yet on whether the D'Backs will pull their offer after snagging Dan Haren.  I know they're going with the three-year payroll plan, so they can probably still fit Kuroda in. showad();
Royals Acquire Alberto Callaspo
2007-12-14 20:47:00
Interesting move today, as the Royals sent 24 year-old minor league starter Billy Buckner to the Diamondbacks for 24 year-old second baseman Alberto Callaspo. Buckner, a labrum surgery survivor, has a plus curveball according to Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein.  Goldstein adds that he's able to get groundballs and projects as a fourth starter.  Throw him in the NL, maybe he could even become a #3. Callaspo is one of the better second base prospects out there, but keep in mind that good prospects rarely come up at that position.  He almost never whiffs, and plays strong defense.  The high contact approach led to a .341 average in Triple A this year.  That the D'Backs shipped him off could imply they want to sign Orlando Hudson long-term.  Perhaps Callaspo's off-field indiscretions played into the decision.  At any rate he's a nice addition for the Royals. showad();
Mariners Leading For Kuroda?
2007-12-11 15:46:00
John Hickey has an update on Hiroki Kuroda this morning.  It seems the Mariners, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks are competing for his services.  Kuroda only wants a three-year deal, giving himself a chance to go back to Japan for the 2011 season if he chooses.  According to Hickey, "Kuroda's final decision will be between the Dodgers and the Mariners." Mariners: Hickey thinks they're in the lead with a three-year offer in the $33-36MM range.  The rumors of a four-year offer were false. Dodgers: They're at 3/30 and are considered the Mariners' biggest competition. Diamondbacks: Hickey says they're also close to 3/30 but on the fringes, which might imply his source was not aware of their recently improved offer. It seems Kuroda will make a decision within a week or so.  Maybe by then the starting pitching market will start moving. showad();
D'Backs Still Searching For A Starter
2007-12-07 23:25:00
The D'Backs' loss of Livan Hernandez should become official today when he declines their offer of arbitration.  That leaves the team with a rotation of Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Doug Davis, and Micah Owings.  The Big Unit is a question mark, so a starter must be acquired. Back on November 15th, Nick Piecoro noted the team's interest in Matt Clement and Bartolo Colon.  But the Diamondbacks are sticking to their no bonuses/no escalator clauses mandate.  So that pair will probably look elsewhere. Hiroki Kuroda received a three-year offer and a pitch video featuring Randy Johnson.  He'll visit Arizona next week.  If he chooses Seattle, L.A., or Kansas City, the D'Backs will have to move on.  It's rumored that the Ms added a fourth year to their offer. The big name is Dan Haren.  Jack Magruder says Arizona's proposal included two of Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio, and Brett Anderson.  Magruder believes the A's are also seeking Ma...
Micah Owings Pitcher & Hitter in 2008?
2007-12-07 16:29:00
Micah Owings Pitcher & Hitter in 2008? (more…)
Micah Owings Pitcher & Hitter in 2008?
2007-12-07 16:29:00
Micah Owings Pitcher & Hitter in 2008?
Three-Team Deal Fell Through
2007-12-06 21:28:00
Quick note from MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.  He has a source indicating that the Diamondbacks were close to a three-team trade with the Rays and another club, but it fell through.  Any guesses?  Something involving the Astros and Luke Scott, maybe?  Ed Wade spoke of multiteam deals that didn't work out. showad();
Hiroki Kuroda Rumors: Wednesday
2007-12-06 00:59:00
UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 5:59pm: Per Scott Lauber, the Phils are out on Kuroda. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 10:46am: Todd Zolecki says Kuroda will visit the D'Backs, Mariners, and Dodgers next week, so it's fair to assume those are three of the four finalists. FROM 12-5-07 at 9:41am: Yesterday morning it was reported that the Mets had reached "Round 2" of the bidding for free agent Hiroki Kuroda.  At that time 8-10 teams were in on him. Now, the Kuroda derby is down to four finalists and the Mets aren't one of them. David Lennon agrees, saying the Mets were "drifting to the back of the pack" for Kuroda. My guess on the four finalists: Mariners, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Royals. showad();
Kuroda Wants Four Years
2007-12-04 20:26:00
Previous reports floating about had the Mariners offering four years, $44MM to Hiroki Kuroda.  Not so, according to MLB.com's Jim Street.  Street says the Mariners, Dodgers, and D'Backs have all made offers in the three-year, $30MM range.  None of the three clubs wants to go to four years on soon-to-be 33 year-old pitcher with no MLB experience. Kuroda may make his decision early next week, after his agents meet with the interested parties. Street adds that the Ms plan to meet with the Orioles today to discuss Erik Bedard possibilities.  Also, he mentions the rumor that the Mariners inquired on Ben Sheets.  Maybe it was both the Dodgers and Mariners. showad();
Today's Arbitration Decisions
2007-12-01 19:18:00
The decision whether to offer your own free agent arbitration can affect your team in two ways: you may end up retaining a player you didn't want, or you may score a draft pick or two as compensation.  With that in mind let's run down the rumors regarding some Type A and B free agents. The Red Sox plan on offering arbitration to Type B Eric Gagne.  Worst case scenario, they hang onto him for one more year.  Best case, they get a sandwich pick. The Astros have to decide on Trever Miller and Mark Loretta.  Both are Type Bs, but the Astros might not want them back.  Richard Justice notes that the old Astro regime made a mistake not offering arbitration to Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. The Angels decided not to offer arby to Bartolo Colon, because the most they could give him would be a 20% pay cut.  So best case scenario they could get him for one year, $11.2MM.  Colon is not a Type A or B, so there's no compensation regardless. The Phils will ...
D'Backs, Dodgers, Royals After Kuroda
2007-11-28 06:30:00
UPDATE, 11-27-07 at 10pm: The D'Backs' offer is rumored to be for three years and $27MM.  The Royals were connected to Kuroda today also, but that rumor surfaced on November 8th.  It was also revealed tonight that the Dodgers sent three people to Tokyo last week to talk to Kuroda, including Takashi Saito. FROM 11-27-07 at 9am: According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks made an offer to free agent Hiroki Kuroda ten days ago.  Piecoro suggests Kuroda could receive $10MM annually for three or four years.  A recent Japanese report indicated it might take four years, $45MM.  The Phillies also have an offer out to Kuroda.  Jim McLennan of AZ Snakepit has some additional info on the Japanese starter. The Mariners are in the lead for Kuroda; they sent a contingent to Japan to speak with him.  Interest is huge - we've got the Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Tigers, Royals, Mets in the mix as well.  The Cubs might be out no...
Silva Rises To Top Of Free Agent Starter Market
2007-11-04 17:53:00
About a year ago, the Twins were seriously debating whether to exercise Carlos Silva's $4MM option for 2007.  After all, he'd posted a ghastly 5.94 ERA in 180 innings in 2006.  His 246 hits allowed was among the highest totals in baseball that year. What difference a year makes.  Silva posted a solid 4.19 ERA in 202 innings, a performance more in line with his career marks.  As a result he's arguably the best available free agent starter this winter and stands to snag a contract of at least four years and $40MM (with no cost in draft picks).  La Velle E. Neal III says the Twins want him back, and Bill Smith is already talking about the intangibles the team offers for him. The Twins may balk at even $8MM annually. Neal notes that the Diamondbacks, Braves, Cubs, Mets, and Phillies had interest in trading for Silva this summer.  That pretty well sums it up.  We can probably add the Reds to the mix.  Looking at Nick Cafardo's recent summary, t...
D'Backs Hope To Retain Tony Clark
2007-10-17 16:30:00
As expected and mentioned in late August, the Diamondbacks hope to bring first baseman Tony Clark back for 2008.  Josh Byrnes said yesterday, "We're certainly going to make an effort." Clark will probably cost $3-4MM over two years.  His presence and a healthy Chad Tracy might make Conor Jackson expendable for starting pitching.
Keith Foulke To Return
2007-10-13 19:34:00
Last winter, Keith Foulke signed with the Tribe for one year and $5MM.  It was supposed to be a battle of the questionable closers with Joe Borowski.  Instead, Foulke "retired" with an elbow issue while JoBo went on to post what was easily the worst 40 save season in baseball history.  Antonio Alfonseca's 2000 is a distant second (he had a 4.24 ERA). Foulke had a simple elbow procedure in September, and will start throwing in November.  He's coming back for the 2008 season, with the Red Sox first on his list.  The Indians and D'Backs may also get special consideration.  We first heard about Foulke's comeback plans back in May.  In my opinion, the changeup artist would be best served in the NL.  He hasn't seen the league except for a brief stint as a starter for the Giants ten years ago. Fortunately here at MLBTR we have a fairly comprehensive archive of last winter's hot stove dealings.  The D'Backs and perhaps four other...
Red Hot Rockies Go Up 2-0 [David Stefanini]
2007-10-13 18:32:00
The Colorado Rockies have won 19 of their past 20 games. They have yet to lose a single post season game, and now they are up 2-0 in the NLCS, without even playing a home game. Their pitching has been stellar, their hitting has come up big, and as Willy Taveras showed us last night, a little defense never hurts. As Jayson Stark puts it, can they lose: But heck, does the plot line even matter anymore? Do the details ever get in the way of the Colorado Rockies these days? They win when they hit. They win when they don't. They win when they pitch. They win when they don't. They win when they score early. They win when they score late.The Rockies are becoming accustomed to these on-the-field handshakes because they've happened after 19 of their last 20 games.And Friday, they even won when their closer blew a save with one out in the ninth inning.It's enough to make you wonder: Is there any way they haven't found to win a game over the last four weeks? http://img68.imageshack.us/my..-.
When a Sellout Isn?t a Sellout
2007-10-12 17:55:00
Like any good producer/directors in the television business, there was only one brief sweeping shot of empty seats at last night?s Game One NLCS game at Chase Field in Phoenix by TBS. And like other professional sports leagues, MLB has been tracking ?paid attendance??the number of tickets sold?not turnstile clicks that would show exactly how many fans actually went to last night?s game. While it?s a bit of smoke and mirrors by both parties, it?s understandable. Hey, MLB and TBS have a product to sell and that product is baseball (although last night seemed to be a bit of WWE, as well). But, what strikes me as odd is that in more than one story today, the game was referred to as being sold out. Whether it was the Arizona Republic or Jeff Passan at Yahoo! Sports, both referenced the announced crowd of 48,142 as being a sellout. Maybe the public address announcer said it was a sold out game?empty seats in the house be damned? and they reported what they heard. Still, there?s a slight p...
Colorado Rockies beats Arizona Diamondbacks 5-1: 18 wins from 19 baseball g
2007-10-12 09:59:00
The Colorado Rockies have made it an amazing 18 out of 19 by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-1. Thursday night was a great night for the Rockies, 18 baseball game wins out of 19 is a great achievement and one to be proud of in the NL championship series. The night did not get off to ...
Colorado Rockies Notch Win in NLCS Opener [J. Mark English]
2007-10-12 06:45:00
The scorching hot Rockies have won 18 of their last 19 games. Talk about a Rocky Mountain High. This team is livin' and flyin', and are tearing up the National League.For we turn to Thomas Harding of MLB.com:Rockies right fielder Brad Hawpe doesn't have to hit the ball far to torment the Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb. After hitting three home runs off Webb during the regular season, Hawpe greeted him in the National League Championship Series with a two-run single in the third inning to pace the Rockies' 5-1 victory in Game 1 at Chase Field on Thursday night in front of a sellout crowd of 48,142.The Rockies, who swept the Phillies in the NL Division Series, stayed unbeaten in the postseason with eight hits, but none for extra bases. As a result of the win, Colorado grabbed home-field advantage. After Friday's 8 p.m. MT Game 2, the teams will play three straight at Coors Field starting Sunday at 6:30 p.m.http://img68.imageshack.us/-my.php?image=amerlegendslogo5wj-.gif
Wacky Playoff Predictions
2007-10-12 00:46:00
Wacky Playoff Predictions I can’t predict this stuff…   Kman Predicitions  Forget doing the pretty write up with reasoning. When it comes to the playoffs, it?s a crap shoot. Therefore; Tribe over Red Sox in 6 (Like the top 2, plus the O in Cleveland) DBacks over Rockies in 6 (I think the wait between series will cool of the Rockies) Coin Flip (2/3, home team heads) Boston wins 2 out of 2 tosses Arizona wins 2 out of 2 tosses (hey, four heads in a row!) Statistical Soup, Six Point Max: (1 point each for Most Runs Scored, Fewest Runs Allowed, Run Differential, Best Road Record, Defensive Efficiency Leader, Season Series Winner) Boston: 6 Cleveland: 0 Colorado: 4 Arizona: 2      
NLCS: The Improbable Match-up [J. Mark English]
2007-10-11 19:40:00
As of yesterday there was something like 8,000 tickets available to the D'backs vs. Rockies NLCS. It just shows how little interest there is in this bout. It also is an indication of just how low the expectations were for both of these ball clubs. The Diamondbacks are probably less of the surprise team here. They have solid pitching, and gutsy hitting...the same kind of combo that helped the Cardinals win the World Series last year. They are a scrappy team. The Rockies may be the beneficiaries of an off season discovery. Before the season, the Rockies ground crew realized that the baseballs in the high altitude would dry out, causing great lift in the ball. Combine this with the light air, and you have a ball that will travel a lot farther then at any other ball park. They decided to humidify the balls up until game day, keeping them nice and moist by the first pitch. The added density helped keep the ball in the park more often then not, and finally the Rockies were able t...
Mysteries Needing Answers
2007-10-11 17:57:00
Some questions have befuddled me lately in the world of sports. If you have answers to these, please, let me know.- A betting scandal in tennis? Who the hell bets on tennis?- When did Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas and Cincinnati become football schools?- At what point in time did Nebraska football stop being Nebraska football?- I don't dislike the guy, but is anyone else starting to be a wee bit annoyed by Tony Romo (or to put it better, the media's fascination with him)? Seriously, what has he done yet? - Evander Holyfield is still fighting? Why?- For that matter, why is Trent Green even considering playing football again?- If Colorado can sell out their playoff games, why can't Arizona?- Anyone else get the feeling Matt Leinart might become a bust sometime down the road?- The Knicks signed Allan Houston? Seriously?- How long until Jazz coach Jerry Sloan pummels Andrei Kirilenko?- When will this stupid post end? Oh, right now. Good.
Could the ALCS/NLCS Match-ups be Known by Tomorrow? [J. Mark English]
2007-10-06 22:17:00
In short...yes.The Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and the Colorado Rockies all are up 2-0 in the their respective division series.By tomorrow night, game 3 in each series will have been played. All four teams could sweep, and we can begin the NLCS/ALCS.Baseball's worst nightmare has to be a match-up between the Rockies/Diamondbacks. That series will probably get dreadful ratings. Fortunately for MLB, it will be on TBS where the ratings expectations aren't quite as important as they will be for FOX which will carry the ALCS.should bring in enough good ratings to help the Obviously, FOX would prefer a Yankees/Red Sox match-up, but a Indians/Red Sox MLB should bring in better ratings then last year when the Tigers played the A's in the ALCS.Last year's World Series ratings were so horrific that the Major League Soccer championship game had a higher rating then any one game of the World Series between the Tigers and the Cardinals.http://img68.imagesha-ck...
MLB Divisional Playoff Predictions Part 2
2007-10-03 19:05:00
MLB Divisional Playoff Predictions Part 2   Sneaking up on me was the late night Cubs vs Dbacks game. Back into part two of the predictions. Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks Lou had all of these money teams in Seattle and could never get the job done. Will now be any different? This is almost a David vs Goliath type of battle. The Cubs added many parts to their team for hundreds of millions, the Dbacks added a few (Hernandez, Johnson). Yet for the most part, it is young farm hands Drew, Young, Reynolds and company getting the job done for the Diamondbacks. As for pitching, I’d have to think that the Cubs have a better top 3 in Zambrano, Hill & Lilly. Webb can’t do it all by himself, so he’ll need Davis, Hernandez or Owings to step up. Overall the advantage goes to the Cubs but as we’ve all seen, every post-season has a few unexpected pitching performances. On the same front, the Cubs have more big name offensive depth, with reliance upon the long b...
NL-West champion Arizona Diamondbacks are playoffs? most hard-to-explain wi
2007-10-02 01:40:00
The kids have made it this far. Now the pressure rises. The young Arizona Diamondbacks, with their rallying cry “Anybody, Anytime,” head into the division series against the Chicago Cubs with the best record in the National League. This unlikely mix of rookies, role players and a few veteran leaders finished last in hitting and ...
The Arizona Diamondbacks are the 2007 National League West CHAMPIONS!!!!!
2007-09-30 06:57:00
With the San Diego Padres loss today to the Milwaukee Brewers the Arizona Diamondbacks have clinched the National League West and the best record in the National League. A team that most thought would finish 3rd or at best 2nd in the division they have over come the odds makers and have pulled off
Septemeber 11, 2001: Never Forget [J. Mark English]
2007-09-11 14:05:00
http://img68.imageshack.us/my.p-hp?image=amerlegendslogo5wj.gif-
Mailbag: Chris B. Young's AVG
2007-09-08 17:52:00
The Diamondbacks' Chris Young is knocking on the door of a 30/30 season, an impressive feat for a rookie.  Not so impressive is his .238 batting average.  Michael R. asks: How do you value a guy like Chris B. Young of the Diamondbacks in 5x5 rotisserie?  Young looks to be a legitimate 30/30 player but his batting average is an abysmal .238 - not to mention the fact that he's currently on pace to score less than 90 runs and knock in only 65 RBI. The home runs and stolen bases have to be worth something - how many 30/30 players are there? - but how much does his lack of production in other roto categories injure his value? "); // --> The batting average obviously has negative value.  In a 12-team mixed league, I've found a .272 average to be the neutral point.  Young loses a good $5 off his value for hitting .240.  Basically he's a $9-10 player if he hits .240, and a $15 player if he hits .275.  Can he do so?  This year he has a 76.2% con...
Diamondbacks Sign Bob Wickman
2007-09-07 23:47:00
The D'Backs have experienced second-half dropoffs from late-inning relievers Tony Pena and Brandon Lyon.  Plus, Juan Cruz's shoulder may be barking again.  As a result, Arizona added some depth by signing 38 year-old Bob Wickman today.  The team's press release is claiming he's 35 but the beer gut is definitely more indicative of a 38 year-old. Wickman must've gotten over his dissatisfaction with pitching in non-save situations, since Jose Valverde is going strong with 42 saves.
Arizona Diamondbacks win another nailbiter, 5-4 over Chicago Cubs (AP)
2007-08-27 10:27:00
The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a habit of winning most of their close games this season. The Diamondbacks are in first place despite allowing 32 more runs than they’ve scored. A 5-4 victory over the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs on Sunday was a perfect example of how they’ve been doing it. Arizona spotted the ...
Chicago Cubs, Marshall defeat Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 in showdown of NL di
2007-08-25 06:48:00
The Chicago Cubs and their legions made themselves at home in the desert. Sean Marshall gave up one run in six innings, Jacque Jones had four hits and the Cubs defeated Arizona 6-2 on Friday night in a showdown of NL division leaders. The left-handed Marshall (7-6) cruised through a lineup with eight right-handed hitters, ...
Brandon Webb Finally Allows A Run [David Stefanini]
2007-08-23 16:40:00
In the first inning of last nights game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona pitcher Brandon Webb, allowed one run. It was the first run allowed in 42 innings of work for Webb. The streak started all the way back on July 20th against the Chicago Cubs. In the sixth inning of that game Webb allowed two runs; from that point on he didn't allow a single run until last night. Over that stretch his ERA went from 3.38, which is still very good, to an amazing 2.63, where it currently stands. Put his great ERA alongside his 14-8 record, and we have a Cy Young candidate. Webb's 42 consecutive innings without giving up a run left him 17 innings shy of the all-time record held by, Orel Hershiser. Since 1940, only four guys have had longer scoreless inning streaks. Though Webb did give up a run, he still won the game which is his sixth straight. He pitched seven innings, gave up two runs, and only allowed five hits. His next start will be on the 28th against the San Diego Padres, who curre...
Rookie Yovani Gallardo helps Milwaukee Brewers beat Arizona Diamondbacks fo
2007-08-21 10:50:00
Rookie Yovani Gallardo is used to seeing big leads disintegrate for Milwaukee. He wouldn’t let that happen when the Brewers scored six runs early on against the team with the most wins in the National League. Bill Hall hit a three-run homer in the first, Gallardo and Prince Fielder added home runs in the ...
NL West, House of Surprises [David Stefanini]
2007-08-16 19:20:00
Raise your hand if you thought the Arizona Diamondbacks, without Randy Johnson, would be have the 2nd best record in the NL (behind the New York Mets). Neither did I. The NL West is a very close division. The Diamondbacks have the most wins in the NL, but they are .001 percentage points behind the NY Mets for #1 seed in the NL. Their lead-off hitter is a guy who can hit the ball out of the park, and that's about the only place he hits it. If it isn't a home run its an out, I think he is playing his own HR Derby. 3 games behind the Diamondbacks are the San Diego Padres. The Padres have an amazing pitching staff, but can't seem to get the bats going. They don't give the pitchers enough runs to get them wins. However, they hold a half game lead in the wild card over the Atlanta Braves. The Colorado Rockies are third in this division 5 games out of first. I don't think they are a serious contender. The LA Dodgers, this was the team most people expected to win this division. Inste...
Where's David Wells Headed?
2007-08-12 17:40:00
Another August, another David Wells trade.  Which teams would consider the 44 year-old southpaw? Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe believes there's a small chance the Diamondbacks or Dodgers could be interested.  Wells' agent, Gregg Clifton, specifically mentioned the Mets, D'Backs, and Dodgers as teams the pitcher would strongly consider. However, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic indicated Friday that the D'Backs "do not appear to have interest" in Wells.  Similar story for another West team, the Mariners.  Larry Stone of the Seattle Times says the Ms "don't appear to be interested."  Stone says Wells has a strong preference to stay in the NL.  I don't blame him.  I wonder if Wells is on Atlanta's radar. var random_number = Math.random(); if (random_number
Arizona Diamondbacks - 2008 Trading Belles of the Ball?
2007-08-08 23:05:00
In a surprise move, the Arizona Diamondbacks resigned LF Eric Byrnes to a three-year $30MM contract.  Surprising because the two parties broke off talks prior to the trading deadline.  However, it was more surprising for a different reason. That is the OF depth of the team.  With Chris Young in CF and recently recalled phenom Justin Upton in RF, there is no longer an opening for either Carlos Quentin or AA OF Carlos Gonzalez.  With two players of that pedigree blocked, expect the Diamondbacks to be the big player in this year's Winter Meeetings. To burnish their attractiveness to other clubs, the emergence of UT Mark Reynolds clogs the corner spots already occupied by Conor Jackson and Chad Tracey.  Throw-in AAA 1B Chris Carter (327/385/523), and the Diamondbacks should have enough chips to upgrade a starting rotation of Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis, Byung-Hyun Kim and Michah Owings.   Don't believe the 1st place Snakes don't need a rota...
Diamondbacks Sign Byrnes To Extension
2007-08-07 19:31:00
According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have reached an accord with outfielder Eric Byrnes in the $30MM over three years.  Piecoro believes that the fallout of the deal will be a trade of right fielder Carlos Quentin. Byrnes, 31, can play all three outfield positions.  He's having the best season of his career, hitting .303/.365/.497 while shuffling between the first four spots in the batting order.  Long-term, it looks like the Diamondbacks plan on using Byrnes in left field, Chris Young in center, and Justin Upton in right.  It's possible Young and Upton will swap positions, but you really can't go wrong either way. Was Byrnes worth it?  PECOTA would say no, instead valuing Byrnes closer to the Diamondbacks' original offer of $22.5MM.  However, Josh Byrnes ultimately decided to spend the extra $7.5MM to retain one of the team's veteran leaders and popular players.  And 3/30 is undoubtedly a below-market deal given...
Diamondbacks Claim Byung-Hyun Kim Off Waivers
2007-08-04 02:14:00
Not only did the D'Backs snag Jeff Cirillo today, but they brought back an old friend in 28 year-old hurler Byung-Hyun Kim.  The Diamondbacks traded Kim to the Red Sox for Shea Hillenbrand back in May of 2003.  With Yusmeiro Petit and Micah Owings filling out the back end of the rotation, the Diamondbacks needed to add some depth. I like that the D'Backs are willing to spend a few bucks to strengthen the back end of their roster.  Kim will make approximately another $800,000, and the Marlins were happy to be free of it.  Kim's always posted a nice strikeout rate; maybe the Diamondbacks can help him regain some semblance of control. I was just talking to a coworker about how the Diamondbacks are in first place with very little star power.  Brandon Webb is probably the only player on the roster currently considered elite.  Eric Byrnes leads the team with an .871 OPS.  Doug Davis is their #2 starter, but they still have the fifth best starting pit...
Minor Moves: Cirillo, Elarton, Clayton
2007-08-04 01:32:00
Some minor moves occurred recently.  Let's catch up. The Diamondbacks claimed 37 year-old infielder Jeff Cirillo off waivers from the Twins.  I still remember when Cirillo was a perennial .320 hitter and regular third baseman for the Brewers and Rockies.  This looks like a salary dump, with the Twins not wanting to pay the $550,000 or so due to Cirillo for the remainder of the season.  The Indians signed Scott Elarton to a minor league contract.  Elarton was last semi-useful in Cleveland back in '05, when he posted a 4.61 ERA in 181 innings.  Currently, southpaw groundballer Aaron Laffey is looking to secure the fifth starter job. The Blue Jays designated Royce Clayton for assignment.  Looking for an aging backup shortstop with no discernible talents?  Clayton is your man.
Arizona Diamondbacks - Justin Upton
2007-08-03 18:35:00
The top prospect in all of baseball, Arizona OF Justin Upton, made his debut late in yesterday's game and fouled out in his only AB. At 19-years of age, one can conclude he is going to be a star. A slash-stat line of 319/410/551 confirms that conclusion. However, there are only 50 games left in the major league season, and Upton's stats were accummulated in High A and AA. Not having faced the best minor league competition (AAA) leads me to conclude he will not be a mixed league fantasy asset in 2007 as he struggles to adapt to the best pitchers in the world. His fantasy baseball value is almost entirely wrapped up in 2008 and beyond. If you play in an NL-only league, though, he is worth a pick-up assuming you have an easily upgradable spot. I would not rush out to add him if I had to cut Luis Gonzalez or an OF of that ilk unless the league was a keeper one. In a keeper league, I would chance that the net difference between Upton and a decent OF would not be the difference maker ov...
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