Over the last week, the dbacks offense has been dead cold, leading to them dropping from first all the way to fourth place. But all is not bad in Arizona, as the team is showing signs of life. Randy Johnson made his first start, facing another dinosauric lefty, the diabetic David Wells. Together, they're the oldest matchup of left handed pitchers in history, at the age of 86 combined. All though we lost that game 5-10, there were some bright spots. Chad Tracy actually got a couple of XBH off the lefty Wells, and the younger players showed signs of getting more comfortable in the batter's box. Unfortunately, the pitching just didn't hold up.
There were a few keys to the last two wins. First, the pitching. While Jake Peavy was out there K'ing 16 of our hitters, Brandon Webb kept us close, holding the Padres to two runs. That game was won in grand fashion, as Stephen Drew hit his first home run of the year, a walk off two run bomb. All though I should mention, with out Miguel Montero's home run, the win wouldn't have been there.
Yesterday, Livan Hernandez put up a three spot in the first, but didn't allow much after that, except for a paltry two hits, and a few ealks. Tony Clark, starting at first for the injured Conor Jackson, was the hero of the game, hitting two home runs once again. Has Tony reverted to his awesome 2005 form? God willing he has.
Up next, we face the San Francisco Giants for a three game set over the weekend. Today's match up is Doug Davis(1-2, 3.27 ERA) vs Barry Zito(2-2, 3.70 ERA). It's worth noting that Zito has not given up a run in his last two starts.
Saturday will see two young pitchers take the mound, Edgar Gonzalez, (1-2, 4.26) vs the up and coming Matt Cain(1-1, 1.55),
And Sunday, we'll see the big bird killing tall man, Randy Johnson, vs Matt Morris( 3-0, 2.49)
I'll be doing a look at some of the farm hands in the dbacks system, and see how they are doing over the course of the weekend.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Return of RJ+Chad Tracy
A lot of things I'd like to cover today, so let's get this underway.
Randy Johnson will make his first start this season, after starting the year on the Disabled List, and making several rehab starts in spring training and in the minor leagues. He'll be facing another old lefty, David Wells. There are a few nagging things about this though. Brandon Webb was scheduled to start today, after the day off yesterday, but was pushed back another day for RJ. It seems like the most logical choice would be to start Webb today, and RJ tommorow. The questionable aspect of this move is that Webb tends to show poor control after long periods of rest.
Another questionable move that goes along with the return of RJ is that Robby Hammock will get the start at catcher. At first glance, the move makes sense, as Hammock has a history of catching Johnson, and in fact, caught Johnson's perfect game in 2004(argueable the highlight of the 2004 season). This shouldn't be that big of a deal, unless Hammock becomes Johnson's regular catcher. In that case, he'd be taking valuable playing time from Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero. Overall, it's not that big of a deal.
Ok, so the next thing i'd like to discuss is a topic that has been brought up by some of the regulars at the DiamondbacksBullpen message board. Chad Tracy can't hit lefties.
OPS vs. lefties
2004: .560
2005: .723
2006: .627
2007: .134 (15 PA)
Career .612 (428 PA)"
Tracy hits righties just fine, but he's definately a liability offensively against left handers. after 4 years in the big leagues, I think it's safe to say that Tracy's big 2005 year(.308/359/.553 with 34 doubles, 4 triples, and 27 hrs) was a fluke.
So, I think at this point, it's apparent that Chad Tracy can't hit lefties. we have essentially five guys who can play third base, and are (relatively) close to major league ready. Callaspo, Barden, Mark Reynolds, and Jamie D'antona.
Out of all these guys, the only one who has a long track record of hitting LHP better than RHP is D'antona. 643/.667/.857 this year against LHP(.419/536/.721 vs RHP), and .356/.432/.595 prior to this year against LHP(.257/.317/.381 vs RHP). He's in Triple A this year, and is working on playing as catcher. I assume, in a pinch, he could play first base without too much trouble. Overall he's hitting .474/563/754
Mark Reynolds, before this year hit .275/.356/.538 against lefties, but this year(small sample size beware) is hitting 333/.391/524 against lefties, better than the .267/.298/533 line he's putting up against RHP. Reynolds has some serious power, and he's pretty damned versatile defensively, having played 3b, SS, 2b and left field. He's playing AA right now, but I think that's mostly so he'll have a chance to play every day at 3b.
overall he's hitting .288/.329/530 this year.
Last year, Callaspo hit .292/.357/.358. Not the best, but still better than Tracy. The real advantage with Callaspo over the other guys at this point is of course, he's already on the roster, and second, I'd imagine he's better defensively, and doesn't strike out nearly as much.
Barden can barely hit lefties. The sample size is too small for me to list his stats against lefties this year(1 hit in 6 Abs with a run scored), but prior to this year, he hit .220/.286/.312 against lefties. Definately not the answer there.
And just for arguments sake, Robby Hammock: 0.280/.331/.551 vs lefties last year. A decent platoon parner at the moment, since he's already on the roster.
So, in summary, in the short term, Callaspo and/or Hammock should be platooning with Tracy against left handers. In the long term, Jamie D'antona seems to be the best bet if Tracy doesn't improve at all against left handers.
Randy Johnson will make his first start this season, after starting the year on the Disabled List, and making several rehab starts in spring training and in the minor leagues. He'll be facing another old lefty, David Wells. There are a few nagging things about this though. Brandon Webb was scheduled to start today, after the day off yesterday, but was pushed back another day for RJ. It seems like the most logical choice would be to start Webb today, and RJ tommorow. The questionable aspect of this move is that Webb tends to show poor control after long periods of rest.
Another questionable move that goes along with the return of RJ is that Robby Hammock will get the start at catcher. At first glance, the move makes sense, as Hammock has a history of catching Johnson, and in fact, caught Johnson's perfect game in 2004(argueable the highlight of the 2004 season). This shouldn't be that big of a deal, unless Hammock becomes Johnson's regular catcher. In that case, he'd be taking valuable playing time from Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero. Overall, it's not that big of a deal.
Ok, so the next thing i'd like to discuss is a topic that has been brought up by some of the regulars at the DiamondbacksBullpen message board. Chad Tracy can't hit lefties.
OPS vs. lefties
2004: .560
2005: .723
2006: .627
2007: .134 (15 PA)
Career .612 (428 PA)"
Tracy hits righties just fine, but he's definately a liability offensively against left handers. after 4 years in the big leagues, I think it's safe to say that Tracy's big 2005 year(.308/359/.553 with 34 doubles, 4 triples, and 27 hrs) was a fluke.
So, I think at this point, it's apparent that Chad Tracy can't hit lefties. we have essentially five guys who can play third base, and are (relatively) close to major league ready. Callaspo, Barden, Mark Reynolds, and Jamie D'antona.
Out of all these guys, the only one who has a long track record of hitting LHP better than RHP is D'antona. 643/.667/.857 this year against LHP(.419/536/.721 vs RHP), and .356/.432/.595 prior to this year against LHP(.257/.317/.381 vs RHP). He's in Triple A this year, and is working on playing as catcher. I assume, in a pinch, he could play first base without too much trouble. Overall he's hitting .474/563/754
Mark Reynolds, before this year hit .275/.356/.538 against lefties, but this year(small sample size beware) is hitting 333/.391/524 against lefties, better than the .267/.298/533 line he's putting up against RHP. Reynolds has some serious power, and he's pretty damned versatile defensively, having played 3b, SS, 2b and left field. He's playing AA right now, but I think that's mostly so he'll have a chance to play every day at 3b.
overall he's hitting .288/.329/530 this year.
Last year, Callaspo hit .292/.357/.358. Not the best, but still better than Tracy. The real advantage with Callaspo over the other guys at this point is of course, he's already on the roster, and second, I'd imagine he's better defensively, and doesn't strike out nearly as much.
Barden can barely hit lefties. The sample size is too small for me to list his stats against lefties this year(1 hit in 6 Abs with a run scored), but prior to this year, he hit .220/.286/.312 against lefties. Definately not the answer there.
And just for arguments sake, Robby Hammock: 0.280/.331/.551 vs lefties last year. A decent platoon parner at the moment, since he's already on the roster.
So, in summary, in the short term, Callaspo and/or Hammock should be platooning with Tracy against left handers. In the long term, Jamie D'antona seems to be the best bet if Tracy doesn't improve at all against left handers.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Notes -4/17
Let's of random things to talk about. Carlos Quentin came off the DL, and Brian Barden was sent back down to AAA Tucson. Quentin had two doubles off Bard Penny in his first appearence of the season, going 2-4 on the day. Unfortunately, due to computer troubles yesterday, Quentin was left on the bench in my fantasy team. Oh well.
_______
Luis Gonzalez's was largely uneventful. He had a standing ovation in his first at bat - which i might add was rightfully deserved - but went 0 for 4, with two strike outs. He did have a rare outfield assist, helping Rafael Furcal throw Chad Tracy out at home. All though I have to say, that was definately a blunder on the part the part of third base coach Chip Hale. We were all ready down 3-0 with 2 outs. If Tracy hadn't been sent around, we'd have had two runners in scoring positon for Connor Jackson, who was due up next. Being overly aggressive on the base past ended the rally, and potentially cost us the game. I like aggresive base running, but I think this team needs to be a little more intelligent on the base paths.
_______
Randy Johnson will make one more start in AAA Tucson on Thursday, and is slated to start on the 24th against the Padres. Someone will have to be sent down to make room, and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Micah Owings and Dustin Nippert are the likely candidates, but both have pitched extremely well. Nippert has been untouchable in his three outings, striking out two, and giving up only one hit and no walks. Micah Owings has been extremely effective, with a 1.59 era in 11 innings, with a k/bb of 11/4. There aren't any guys that are struggling enough to warrant being sent down, and those who are, can't. The only guy besides Nippert and Owings that could be sent down is Brandon Medders, who's been by far the most hittable guy in the bullpen, with a 5.40 ERA. I'd like to see Nippert used more by Bob Melvin in the coming week, just to see if he deserves to stay up with the big club. This should be something to watch in the coming week. Owings gets the start today against Brett Tomko.
_______
The Diamondbacks held first place over the weekend, but not only did they lose the game 5-1 to the Dodgers last night, they also lost first place in the NL West. TheDbacks are now 9-5, and a half game out of first place. Hopefully they split series against the Dodgers by getting a win tonight.
_______
Luis Gonzalez's was largely uneventful. He had a standing ovation in his first at bat - which i might add was rightfully deserved - but went 0 for 4, with two strike outs. He did have a rare outfield assist, helping Rafael Furcal throw Chad Tracy out at home. All though I have to say, that was definately a blunder on the part the part of third base coach Chip Hale. We were all ready down 3-0 with 2 outs. If Tracy hadn't been sent around, we'd have had two runners in scoring positon for Connor Jackson, who was due up next. Being overly aggressive on the base past ended the rally, and potentially cost us the game. I like aggresive base running, but I think this team needs to be a little more intelligent on the base paths.
_______
Randy Johnson will make one more start in AAA Tucson on Thursday, and is slated to start on the 24th against the Padres. Someone will have to be sent down to make room, and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Micah Owings and Dustin Nippert are the likely candidates, but both have pitched extremely well. Nippert has been untouchable in his three outings, striking out two, and giving up only one hit and no walks. Micah Owings has been extremely effective, with a 1.59 era in 11 innings, with a k/bb of 11/4. There aren't any guys that are struggling enough to warrant being sent down, and those who are, can't. The only guy besides Nippert and Owings that could be sent down is Brandon Medders, who's been by far the most hittable guy in the bullpen, with a 5.40 ERA. I'd like to see Nippert used more by Bob Melvin in the coming week, just to see if he deserves to stay up with the big club. This should be something to watch in the coming week. Owings gets the start today against Brett Tomko.
_______
The Diamondbacks held first place over the weekend, but not only did they lose the game 5-1 to the Dodgers last night, they also lost first place in the NL West. TheDbacks are now 9-5, and a half game out of first place. Hopefully they split series against the Dodgers by getting a win tonight.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Dbacks win home opener 3-2
So I've got a couple things I feel like I need to ramble about today.
First, the CW sucks balls, They don't carry enough games down here in Tucson, and they often don't have some marquee games scheduled. And of course, it's hard to find a list of all the games carried down here.
If you live in Phoenix(and as being a life long Tucsonan, I collectively refer to all the surrounding cities as Phoenix, because honestly, it's easier than remembering Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Peoria, Chandler, et cetera). you should be good with basic cable, as most of the games should be on 3tv, or FSN. And the 11 games that aren't on TV, I can handle going to the ball park or watching them online. This is one of the reasons why the Diamondbacks don't have a good of fanbase in Tucson. It's a pain in the ass figuring out if the games are carried on the CW. In the long run, I guess I'm going to have to buy extra innings or MLB.tv subscription as long as I live in Tucson. Or I'm just going to have install a really really big antenna.
So Dayn Perry over at Foxsportsnet.com's weekly MLB Power rankings had Arizona at number four, Best in the NL, behind only the Indians, the damned Yankees(*shakes fist angrily*), and the Twins. Dayn used to really hate the Dbacks a few years ago, but these days, he seems to be in love with the Dbacks, and seems to have an honest man cruah on GM Josh Byrnes. Here's what Dayn had to say:
Orlando Hudson is thriving in the three hole, but it’s doubtful he has the bat to remain there long term. Carlos Quentin is swinging a bat again and could be within 10 days of returning to the lineup. Right now, Hudson and Eric Byrnes are doing the heavy lifting on offense, but the young bats will wake up soon enough.
Nice to hear some positives about the team. It'll be interesting to see how the roster shakes out after the return Quentin, RJ, and eventually Davanon. I'd hope Josh Byrnes makes a trade to give Hairston left field for the rest of the summer. If Byrnes plays well, I'd hope JB cashes in and trades him at the deadline. Micah Owings will probably be moved to relief, but a pitcher(probably Nippert in this case) would be sent down to Tucson. Micah could also be a valuable bat off the bench, and could pinch hit and then stay in the game to pitch in relief.
Anyway, Today's game is on the Cw today, so I'll be watching. I've had writers block, so i haven't thought of anything too specific to write on. When I think of something, i'll post it.
First, the CW sucks balls, They don't carry enough games down here in Tucson, and they often don't have some marquee games scheduled. And of course, it's hard to find a list of all the games carried down here.
If you live in Phoenix(and as being a life long Tucsonan, I collectively refer to all the surrounding cities as Phoenix, because honestly, it's easier than remembering Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Peoria, Chandler, et cetera). you should be good with basic cable, as most of the games should be on 3tv, or FSN. And the 11 games that aren't on TV, I can handle going to the ball park or watching them online. This is one of the reasons why the Diamondbacks don't have a good of fanbase in Tucson. It's a pain in the ass figuring out if the games are carried on the CW. In the long run, I guess I'm going to have to buy extra innings or MLB.tv subscription as long as I live in Tucson. Or I'm just going to have install a really really big antenna.
So Dayn Perry over at Foxsportsnet.com's weekly MLB Power rankings had Arizona at number four, Best in the NL, behind only the Indians, the damned Yankees(*shakes fist angrily*), and the Twins. Dayn used to really hate the Dbacks a few years ago, but these days, he seems to be in love with the Dbacks, and seems to have an honest man cruah on GM Josh Byrnes. Here's what Dayn had to say:
Orlando Hudson is thriving in the three hole, but it’s doubtful he has the bat to remain there long term. Carlos Quentin is swinging a bat again and could be within 10 days of returning to the lineup. Right now, Hudson and Eric Byrnes are doing the heavy lifting on offense, but the young bats will wake up soon enough.
Nice to hear some positives about the team. It'll be interesting to see how the roster shakes out after the return Quentin, RJ, and eventually Davanon. I'd hope Josh Byrnes makes a trade to give Hairston left field for the rest of the summer. If Byrnes plays well, I'd hope JB cashes in and trades him at the deadline. Micah Owings will probably be moved to relief, but a pitcher(probably Nippert in this case) would be sent down to Tucson. Micah could also be a valuable bat off the bench, and could pinch hit and then stay in the game to pitch in relief.
Anyway, Today's game is on the Cw today, so I'll be watching. I've had writers block, so i haven't thought of anything too specific to write on. When I think of something, i'll post it.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Dbacks 8-6
The dbacks offense was as good as I've expected yesterday. with 12 hits and 5 walks. Webb wasn't as great as you'd expect, considering he's the reigning cy young champ, all though aaroon cook was just as bad. Today we see livan vs francis. I'll have to miss the first 30 minutes of the game, as i 've got a job interview at 5. My posts will be a lot more sparse this week, as i'm job hunting. I'll try to get some good pieces up for your reading pleasure.
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