Yardbarker: Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Acquire RH Reliever Jon Rauch

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:06:04 -0500

Major League's tallest player in history, 6'11" Jon Rauch was traded to by the Nationals to the Diamondbacks today for 2B Emililo Bonifacio. The Diamondbacks were forced to shore up their bullpen after their three expected pitchers, Qualls, Lyon and Pena did not pitch well and have struggled. Rauch is 24-17 and has a career ERA of 3.63 in six years.

Biggest Needs for NL Playoff Contenders

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:06:03 -0500

Foxsports contributor Dayn Perry took a look at the most pressing needs for playoff contenders with the deadline being a mere eight days away.
- Let's start with the Cubs who came back from the All-Star break with a 4-game lead and after a dismal, offensively ice cold week, now cling to a one game lead over the Brewers. With Carlos Marmol's ERA at 8.83 since June 1st and Kerry Wood ding battle with a blister on his pitching hand that won't seem to heal, Perry sees their greatest need as relief pitching.
-The Brewers have made signifigant improvements by acquiring CC Sabathia and Ray Durham but could use some more middle relief help.
-For the Cardinals, it is also pitching, pitching, pitching. It is pretty impressive that they've been as successful as they have so far, considering the precarious condition of their rotation and their distinction of leading the league in blown saves.
The Mets need a corner outfielder and they need him now. Perry feels they need to go after a big name like Holliday, Bay, Dunn or Giles.
-The Phillies could use more pitching help, as well. Even with the addition of Joe Blanton, they could use another starter or some lefty relief help. Expect them to make a run for Brian Fuentes or Damasco Marte.
-The Marlins catcher situation is not pretty. Their catchers are hitting a combined .226 but the odds of landing a worthwhile catcher at the deadline are not looking too good. Like everybody else on this list, they could another starting pitcher.
-The Diamondbacks need a big bat. To that end, there are the aforementioned Giles and Dunn. They also might want to consider going after Mark Teixeira.
-The Dodgers-what don't they need?? Their ace and closer are both on the DL and their 2B, 3B and CF are all under-performing. Perry suggests Brian Roberts would boost the offense and defense at second base.

Some of these teams will be able to upgrade in the next week and some won't. There just isn't enough talent available to go around.

Basebrawl: Arrests, Ejections, Fun.

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:25:57 -0500

Listen or read about a hilarious and entertaining brawl in a Minor League baseball game. [Video inc.]

The skyrocketing price for relievers

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:56:13 -0500

I understand that the cost of relievers over the past few years has skyrocketed, but this asking price is a tad bit ridiculous.. The Boston Globe reported last night that the Red Sox were in the mix for former National's reliever Jon Rauch. Rauch has a 2.98 ERA and was dealt to the Diamondbacks for Arizona's #6 prospect, Emilio Bonifacio. Here is where the story gets interesting, Washington asked for Jed Lowrie AND Michael Bowden from the Red Sox. Last year cost the Red Sox big-time (Kason Gabbard and David Murphy) to acquire Eric Gagne. Gagne was only a rental and his contract expired 2+ months after the trade took place yet the Texas Rangers now own 2 ex-Boston prospects for a few more years. This year the Rockies have asked for Clay Buchholz in a potential trade for Brian Fuentes. Fuentes would have been a rental as well and Theo Epstein seems to have decided that the asking price is way too high. If Buchholz for Fuentes was too high, how in the world did Washington think that Lowrie and Bowden for Rauch would be doable? Insanity.

Teixeira to the Diamondbacks?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:12:35 -0500

There are a number of rumors flying around the league about the possibility of the Braves dealing Mark Teixeira to anyone who is willing to take on his 12.5 million dollar a year contract. The most recent news coming hot off the wire is from Ken Rosenthal over at FoxSports.com who reports that the Diamondbacks have supposedly looked into acquiring the first basemen. It hadn't crossed my mind that the Dbacksa would consider going after him, but now that I think about it he would fit in well in Phoenix. This year Teixeira is batting .277 with 19 HRs and 73 RBIs, which could provide some added run support for Arizona. First is a position they need help with as they have recently gone out and acquired first basemen Tony Clark by sending pitcher Evan Scribner out to San Diego. Tony Clark has posted a .222 average with 2 HRs and 14 RBIS this year which is not even close to impressive. The other option at first for the DBacks is Chad Tracy who is batting .302 with 5 HRs and 25 RBIs, not exactly what you're looking for in a position where you usually find a power hitter. According to Rosenthal's report the acquisition would be unlikely since the Diamondbacks would have to absorb nearly $5 million, a price that I think is worth paying considering their payroll of just over 66 million (23rd highested in the majors). If I'm Arizona I go out there and make a serious attempt to pick up the star first basemen, they could really use the help. 4Real Out….

AccuScore Closer Report - 7/23

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:51:08 -0500

With the trade deadline looming and injuries to several players, bullpen situations remain in flux throughout baseball. Jonathan Lee takes a look at recent moves and ranks all of MLB's closers.

Overflow Thread 2: Cubs vs. Diamondbacks, Wednesday 7/23, 8:40 CT

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:41:55 -0500

I have to get up early to go to work at 3:30 a.m., so enjoy the rest of the game. Oh yeah, I really hope Cuban doesn't buy the team. Excuse me, I need to go to the men's room now.

Jerry Manuel, Thank You

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:00:07 -0500

I just wanted to take a moment and personally thank Jerry Manuel on behalf of every Phillies fan out there for taking Johan Santana out of last night's game. Santana was cruising along last night in complete control of the game. Through eight innings (105 pitches) he had given up eight hits but only two runs. The Phillies just could not get anything going and looked dead. Then the Mets' manager decided to do the Phils a favor and didn't bring Santana back in to finish out the game in the ninth inning, instead opting for Duaner Sanchez. The Mets were up 5-2 at that point and the Phillies had appeared so lifeless all game, I for one wasn't optimistic they were going to be able score no matter who was on the mound. Sanchez then loaded the bases without getting a single out. So long Sanchez (0.0 IP, 3 ER, INF ERA). In comes Joe Smith. With the bases loaded and Carlos Ruiz at bat, I was sure we were about to see a game ending triple play. I've said repeatedly that the best way to get the Phillies out is to let them load the bases and Ruiz has become known as the "Rally Killer" among the Phillies' faithful. Little did I know but the Mets' pitching was so bad last night that they actually allowed Ruiz to not only not hit into a triple play (although let me be fair here, Ruiz tried very hard to hit into a double play, but was helped out by a showboating Jose Reyes who tried to make the out at second all by himself and failed), but allowed him to get his second hit of the game. That's right. As soon as Ruiz got his second hit (and even an RBI!) I knew the game was in the bag. Smith (0.0 IP, 1 ER, INF ERA) exits stage right. In comes Pedro Feliciano. The other indication that the game was in the bag for Phils? So Taguchi not only got a hit, but drove in two runs to tie the game at 5. Ruiz and Taguchi, an unbeatable combination. After giving up the game tying hit to Taguchi, Feliciano gave up a double to Jimmy Rollins, scoring both Ruiz and Taguchi. Chase Utley would then ground out, moving Rollins to third. Pat Burrell is intentionally walked, then Ryan Howard grounded out to the pitcher, scoring Rollins. Out goes Feliciano (0.2 IP, 2 ER, 90.00 ERA). In comes Aaron Heilman who would eventually get the final out with no more damage done. Johan Santana: 8 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2.25 ERA Mets' Bullpen: 1 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 54.00 ERA Thank you Jerry Manuel. ShareThis

Pedro Martinez a Failure for the Mets

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:54:49 -0500

The Pedro Martinez signing by the Mets in 2005 has been a failure. He has started 68 games with 30 wins in 3 1/2 seasons. The Mets intention was to sign an ace who would lead them to the World Series. Pedro has averaged less than 10 wins per year. This makes him a very expensive number five starter. When the Mets signed Pedro in 2005, the New York media claimed that this made the Mets "legitimate". They signed more high end players and the press claimed that they were following Pedro to the Mets. I don't recall any of the players actually saying that, but the media ran with it. Pedro and the media have shared a warm and wonderful relationship ever since. The Yankees signed Randy Johnson that very same off-season. The Big Unit came to town being his normal abrasive self. He was nasty to the media and the New York media acted surprised. Randy pitched two seasons for the Yankees and won 17 games in each of them. That's 34 wins, 4 more than the Met savior. He could never do enough in the eyes of the NY press. He was basically "run out of town". Maybe the Mets would be in better shape now if the press ran Pedro out of town 2 years ago. Now he is nothing more than an expensive roster spot.

Who Wants to Win the NL West?!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:59:47 -0500

It seems as if no one in the NL West wants first place. It is truly sad when the Rangers would be in 1st place if after the All Star break if they were in the NL and they're only 4 games over .500. No NL West team is above .500 as of July 21, 2008. So what seems to be the problem? Could it be that most teams in both leagues are having difficulty winning on the road, a 2008 phenomenon? It's not that these teams lack talent, they're just not performing. The San Diego Padres have good pitching with Jake Peavy, Chris Young (before the injury), Greg Maddux and Randy Wolfe, but 40 year old Trevor Hoffman might just be showing his age despite having only 3 blown saves thus far. Their infield is OK with Adrian Gonzalez (1B) having another great year in a non-hitter friendly park, Khalil Greene at SS and Kevin Kouzmanoff is solid at 3B. Where they need help is at catcher (due to injury) and the OF. They're not even playing .500 baseball at home, let alone only having 15 road wins so far and their runs scored/against difference is a - 99. Geoff Young, author of the Padres blog "Ducksnorts", if you're reading this, what is your take on the situation that has plagued them so far this year? The San Francisco Giants started out well, but now find themselves close to the bottom of the division which is where most people expected them to be this year. Sorry Giant fans, but it's true. Now don't get too depressed, look on the bright side. You have two great young pitchers in Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum and if Barry Zito can learn to breathe out of his eyelids once again, he might round out one of the best starting three rotation in the major leagues. Your outfield is also in decent shape with Aaron Rowand in center, Randy Winn in right and the young speedster Fred Lewis in left. But your infield is a mess especially after Ray Durham was traded. Now you only have Rich Aurilia (1B/SS/3B) when he's healthy, but he's not the player he once was. As for your catcher, Benjie Molina, his better days are behind him although he is having a decent year. He still shouldn't be a cleanup hitter. That right there should tell you something! J It has recently been mentioned that manager Bruce Bochy has informed SS Omar Vizquel that his playing time will be reduced in the second half so that they can see what they have for young talent at the position. His glove work is still one of the best in the game, even in his 40's, but he's below the Mendoza line offensively. Can someone over at Bay City Ball or The Giants Baseball Blog shed some light on the direction their team is going towards. The Colorado Rockies have a potent line up when healthy, especially at Coors Field, but find themselves 7 games out of first place and smack dab in the middle of this division. What I see as a number one problem is the last of good solid pitching. They lost a few arms from the starting rotation and the bullpen from their trip to the World Series last year. They do still have their ace in Aaron Cook and their young gunslinger in Ubaldo Jimenez, but he is too inconsistent to be a number two starter in nasty Coors Field. In Coors park, you need a good pitching staff to survive, even with the Humidor. Young SS Troy Tulowitzki has been either slumping or hurt for most of the year so far (2 stints on the DL) and things have gotten so bad that there are rumors of trading set up man/closer Brian Fuentes and/or LF Matt Holliday who was once again an All Star and is even signed through 2009. They still have the speedy Willy Taveras in CF and Brad Hawpe, but even he is struggling as he always does against lefties. Then there's 3B Garrett Adtkins who is currently playing 1B for the injured Todd Helton (back woes). Their runs scored, by no surprise is the best in the division, but it is dwarfed by their division high runs allowed which leaves them with a negative split (-75) that is worse than the SF Giants. This might be a stretch, but I think this stat tells a lot. Maybe someone over at Purple Row can elaborate more on the state of the Rockies for us. We're all eyes and ears! The Los Angeles Dodgers have a new manager this year and with him comes a wealth of knowledge about how to win at this game. As you all know, it's the well respected Joe Torre, formally the manager of the NY Yankees for the previous 12 seasons. They host the lowest runs against total in the division at 405 and that's with # 1 starter Brad Penny, RP Scott Proctor, SP Jason Schmidt and closer Takashi Saito on the DL for the better parts of this year. Starters Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and especially their rookie from Japan, Hiroki Kuroda have held the fort so far this year. They have gone to the youth movement for most of the year, a smart move if you ask me, with James Loney at 1B, Blake DeWitt at 3B with Matt Kemp and Andre Either in the OF to go along with fellow outfielders Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones, who currently just came off the DL and has been disappointing when healthy. SS Rafael Furcal started off hot as a firecracker, but landed on the DL not too long into the season and is now out for the year with a back injury. Nomar Garciaparra is now back at SS at least until they find a replacement. Nomar just isn't the same player he was in Boston. His fielding and power have both gone south due to various injuries. Both Jeff Kent (2B) and Russell Martin (C) are having typical years for the Dodgers. In Martin's case, that means an All Star performance yet again while also filling in at 3B (the position he was drafted in) for a few games due to injuries to DeWitt and Nomar. Typical set up man Jonathan Broxton has also been his typical good self even when called upon to close when Saito's been hurt or on the DL. What insight can Dodger Thoughts, from the baseball toaster add to this discussion? The Arizona Diamondbacks are also going young and were lights out to start the year, but soon fizzled out come May and have continued to do so thus far into July, too. As an example, the injury to Eric Brynes not only slowed him down and kept him from stealing bases, but he is now lost for most, if not all of the season. This has forced them to switch 1B Conor Jackson to LF duties and now rookie RF Justin Upton is also on the DL (oblique) as of the 19th. Upton's injury has placed utility man Chris Burke into a starting role in RF. The pitching has been very good most of the time with starters Brandon Webb, newly acquired during the off season Dan Haren, Doug Davis (even after his short cancer scare), Micah Owings and 45 year old Randy Johnson. Owings started off red hot, but has recently cooled off considerably in the past month or so due to control issues and the like. Their relief pitchers are highlighted by Set up man Tony Pena (who might close some day), Chad Qualls, Doug Slaten and current closer Brandon Lyon. The remaining infielders aren't too shabby either with Orlando Hudson at 2B, Stephen Drew (J.D.'s little brother) at SS and Mark Reynolds at 3B with Chad Tracy back from injury playing 1B, but will now be platooning with recently re-aquired 1B Tony Clark and Chris Snyder behind the plate. Anything to add from the desert on behalf of their team from either AZ Snakepit or MVN's Out in the Desert? This is really a two team race right now unless something drastic happens between the two teams who are currently tied for first, but are both still under .500; the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks. Joe Torre is an advantage for the Dodgers, but I still like the talent on the Diamondbacks to take this division. NL WEST W L PCT GB HOME PCT ROAD PCT RS RA DIFF Arizona 49 50 .495 - 29-21 .580 20-29 .408 437 432 5 LA Dodgers 49 50 .495 - 25-24 .510 24-26 .480 422 405 17 Colorado 43 58 .426 7 29-22 .569 14-36 .280 457 532 -75 San Francisco 40 58 .408 8.5 17-31 .354 23-27 .460 392 464 -72 San Diego 38 62 .380 11.5 23-30 .434 15-32 .319 376 475 -99

Early Morning Madness: Jerry pulled a Willie edition

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:55:08 -0500

There are two sides to every coin. On one hand, I leave Johan Santana out there for the 9th inning to work his magic. That's why he's getting the big bucks. On the flip-side, I can see why you don't want to run your "ace" out there and run up his pitch count, especially with Pedro Martinez ailing. But, your closer is unavailable, and no one has really shone through as a viable replacement. Why not give Santana a shot? Maybe you keep him on a very short least, if he gives up a hit or two, you yank him. Easy as that. Just have the bullpen ready to go as soon as possible.

Olney on Ibanez, Rhodes

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:36:13 -0500

Trade rumors on Raul Ibanez and Arthur Rhodes

Refuse to Lose: The 1995 Seattle Mariners

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:47:33 -0500

The other day I popped in one of my favorite videos of all time, "My Oh My". Recently, the Mariners have been pretty depressing and every once in awhile I need to remind myself that at one time, the M's were really good. The mid '90s were the glory years of..

Open Letter To Pat Gillick: Bring Holliday To Philly

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:33:29 -0500

July 22, 2008 Pat Gillick, Senior Vice President & General Manager Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park One Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA 19148-5249 Dear Mr. Gillick, With the recent trade for Joe Blanton from the Oakland Athletics, it has become apparent that the Phillies are not going to acquire an "A List" starting pitcher. I understand that the Phillies just did not have the prospects to get the deal done with the Cleveland Indians for CC Sabathia, and it seems that the Seattle Mariners' asking price for Erik Bedard is just too steep. Rich Harden is obviously no longer available as he was recently traded to the Chicago Cubs, although I do not understand why he is not a Phillie right now considering the Athletics received better prospects for Blanton than Harden. Regardless of why the Phillies were unable to land Harden, it is now irrelevant. What is important now is that we focus on the deals that can be made, and that means Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes. It has been widely reported that the Colorado Rockies are interested in dealing the pair to the Phillies for centerfielder Shane Victorino, top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco, catching prospect Lou Marson, and pitcher JA Happ. That certainly seems like a lot to give up, and it is. With Victorino, the Phillies would be losing a quality defensive centerfielder, as well as a switch hitter with some serious speed. Victorino, despite not having as good a season as we all would like, is still a very versatile player that can lead off, hit second, or deeper in the lineup when needed. Most people balk at the idea of trading away a catching prospect because Chris Coste is already in his mid 30's and Carlos Ruiz has been an all around disappointment. This is not an area of serious concern, however, as one of the Phillies' other big prospects is Jason Donald, also a catcher. The Phillies can afford to trade away Marson. Happ was good in his brief stint in the majors this season, but has also had his share of ups and downs. He is a promising young pitcher, but is the type of player you have to give up to get players the quality of Holliday and Fuentes. The obvious big chip here is Carrasco. I can understand your reluctance to part with the top pitching prospect in the organization, especially since there is not a lot of pitching depth in the minors, or the major league club for that matter. Carrasco, however, is the key to the deal. By trading him you lose a lot, but you also stand to gain a lot. Rather than dwell on Carrasco and what the Phillies lose by trading him, I'd rather focus on what they gain by acquiring Holliday and Fuentes. Let us begin with Brian Fuentes. For starters, Fuentes provides the Phillies with that much needed second left arm in the bullpen. As the only left hander in the pen, J.C. Romero is relied upon more than is probably healthy. Fuentes will be able to carry some of that load and take the pressure off Romero. Likewise, with 101 career saves, Fuentes can step in and get a save once or twice a week to give some time off to all star closer Brad Lidge. He would also take the pressure off of Tom Gordon as the 8th inning set up man. Fuentes is arguably more important to the Phillies right now than Holliday. That's not to say that Matt Holliday wouldn't be a huge acquisition for the Phils. As you already know, Holliday is batting .338 this year with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. Add on top of that 13 stolen bases and you have one of the most complete players in the major leagues. Holliday has hit over 30 home runs in each of the last two seasons and is well on his way to eclipse that mark again this season. The most impressive aspect to Holliday's game is his ability to hit for average despite being one of the premiere power hitters in the league, hitting above .300 in every season of his career except his rookie year in 2004, when he hit a paltry .290. Since it is apparent, as I said before, that the Phillies are not going to be able to land that ace starting pitcher, then you need to position this team to outhit their opponents. This team currently has the type of pitching that will at the very least keep them in every game. With the addition of Holliday, it would give you a starting lineup that looks like an all star roster. Here's an example of what a Phillies' batting order could look like: SS Jimmy Rollins 2b Chase Utley RF Matt Holliday 1B Ryan Howard LF Pat Burrell CF Jason Werth 3B Pedro Feliz C Chris Coste P Cole Hamels Mr. Gillick, I think that that lineup speaks for itself. This is the year that the Phillies have to go for it as the National League is the weakest it's been in year. The only contenders this year are the Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and by default the Arizona Diamondbacks. That's not a list of teams that are going to make the playoffs; that's a list of teams that are any good in addition to the Phillies. The Phillies need to put themselves into a position to make it to the World Series this year and not worry about four or five years from now. With the aforementioned lineup, and the number of talented pitchers eligible for free agency this coming off season (including Sabathia and Ben Sheets), the Phillies can put themselves in a position to win and compete for the World Series for at least three more years. That is why you need to pull the trigger on this deal and bring Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes to Philadelphia. Sincerely, Jonathan Atwood HSP Senior Writer

Got 99 Problems But a Reliever Ain’t One

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:34:23 -0500

The D-backs addressed one of their needs today, by trading for Nationals' closer Jon Rauch in exchange for 2B/prospect Emilio Bonifacio. Besides providing some immediate relief to the taxed bullpen, it is difficult to see what this accomplishes. There is still a glaring hole in the outfield and the D-backs dumped one of [...]