az diamondbacks 7-2

[tsb2000]

They need to take care of their business against teams they should beat

That's the part that gets me worried, really.

[JMarkJohns]

Thanks to Boomer Wells getting shelled, Diamondbacks gain a half a game, increasing their lead to a full two games.

Keep going St. Louis. Here's to taking three of four, minimum!

[tsb2000]

No doubt. Too bad SF couldn't help the DBacks out over the weekend by beating SD in that series.

[JMarkJohns]

It's their stupid bullpen. They blew two wins.

[yourcheatinheart]

hell yeah san diego gets fucking rocked tonight and goes 2 games back. true test comes in the next two series. i hope the d-backs don't get to comfortable and think they can walk all over the pirates and nats.

[tsb2000]

The Nats have really picked it up recently, so I hope not!

[JMarkJohns]

There pitching has been a good bit better. We'll have to see...

[JMarkJohns]

Byrnes signs a three year extension worth around 30 million. It's pretty steep, but It's better to overpay per year, than by offering less money per, but more money overall and for a longer contract.

I'm glad he's staying!

[JMarkJohns]

I think this means the Diamondbacks will shop a combination of Hudson, Tracy, Jacckson, Quentin and prospects like Nippert, Scherzer, Gonzalez and Salazar for a legit #1 pitcher.

A package of Tracy/Quentin/Nippert/Salazar or Gonzalez may be tempting to Minnesota for Santana, Florida for Willis and, maybe, even a team like Houston for Oswalt.

[tsb2000]

I think Quentin's days are numbered, for sure. It's great news though. I'm glad the DBacks are keeping the face of the franchise. It would be awesome if the DBacks get a solid pitcher in return for a package of those guys- especially if it were Santana or Oswalt!

[yourcheatinheart]

good move by the d-backs locking up byrnsy for 3 more years. i could never get tired of watching him play. i hope the d-backs find a way to resign orlando. i would rather big name prospects like quenton, jackson, tracy, drew, or callaspo go before a proven, consistent, gold glove winning second baseman.

[JMarkJohns]

I've been told a package of even Quentin (top-20 prospect), Gonzalez (top-20 prospect), Nippert (top-50 prospect) or Owings (top-25 prospect) and/or Scherzer (top-50 prospect) could be a quality starting offer.

It's a bit steep, but to get a Santana or Oswalt, I'd say it's well worth the risk, so long as said pitcher comes with a signed extension for a minimum of three or four years.

Let's say a deal for Quentin, Gonzalez, Owings and Scherzer can get it done. That means the Diamondbacks pitching staff would look like...

1st - Santana or Oswalt
2nd - Webb
3rd - Davis
4th - Petit
5th - Nippert

With, I believe, Gonzalez, Cruz, Pena, Lyon, Valverde and several younger prospects like Peguiero, Eveland and the recent prospect acquired for Hairston in the bullpen.

With a lineup that, if Hudson, Tracy, Jackson and Upton are all kept, that looks like this...

1st - Young
2nd - Hudson
3rd - Byrnes
4th - Tracy
5th - Jackson or Reynolds
6th - Upton
7th - Drew
8th - Snyder or Montero

or, if Hudson is traded with a prospect like Nippert for another quality pitcher...

1st - Young
2nd - Drew
3rd - Byrnes
4th - Tracy
5th - Jackson
6th - Upton
7th - Reynolds
8th - Snyder or Montero

That's pretty solid, especially if players like Jackson, Drew, Young and Upton continue to improve and Tracy returns to his .280/.300, 20-to-25 HRs, 20-to-25 2Bs, 75-to-90 RBIs type of batter.

[JMarkJohns]

good move by the d-backs locking up byrnsy for 3 more years. i could never get tired of watching him play. i hope the d-backs find a way to resign orlando. i would rather big name prospects like quenton, jackson, tracy, drew, or callaspo go before a proven, consistent, gold glove winning second baseman.

Even if you can have four of the "prospects" you named for the same price as Hudson? Not me. I love Hudson, and do wish it were possible, but I'd said all along that it was either Byrnes or Hudson. Sorry.

Diamondbacks are still operating under a restricted budget due to excessive dept. Factor in that they are still paying 8 million a season for the failed Russ Ortiz experiment, and the 50 million payroll is that much smaller.

I think they are another two or three seasons away from being able to sign a big-time player. Livo's 8 million is off the books at this years end, while Johnson's is off (for this latest go round), basically, after next year.

I believe Santana is cheap for one more season after this, so if the Diamondbacks can acquire him, they could probably afford his upwards of 20 million per year with Johnson's 10 per and Livo's 8 per off the books.

[tsb2000]

I feel bad Randy got hurt again. I really hope he can come back next year, if only to reclaim #2 on the SO list from Clemens. I think the only reason Rocket is pitching this year (and not too well at that) is so RJ wouldn't take his spot on the list. I'd like to see Unit go out on his own terms.

Either way, if the DBacks could get Santana or Oswalt, they would have a more than real shot at a WS title. :spin

[JMarkJohns]

They don't need a top-line starter. Even just a legit #2 starter, maybe a Bronson Arroyo or Dontrelle Willis? Problem with Willis is he thinks he's a #1, and will be asking for a good bit more than he's really worth based off of hype and his lefty status.

Arroyo wouldn't be a bad get, if the price is right. The Reds are going to lose Dunn in the offseason. Maybe Gonzalez, Nippert and another prospect are enough to get it done? He's mid-level inexpensive for a few more seasons before his 12-per, two year extension kicks in.

[tsb2000]

They don't need a top-line starter. Even just a legit #2 starter, maybe a Bronson Arroyo or Dontrelle Willis? Problem with Willis is he thinks he's a #1, and will be asking for a good bit more than he's really worth based off of hype and his lefty status.

Arroyo wouldn't be a bad get, if the price is right. The Reds are going to lose Dunn in the offseason. Maybe Gonzalez, Nippert and another prospect are enough to get it done? He's mid-level inexpensive for a few more seasons before his 12-per, two year extension kicks in.


The thing about Willis is he's lost his mojo. He's lost a lot of games this year, and his stock is about in the tank. I don't know what's happened to him (I think I've seen him once this year), but he's got to figure it out if he wants to get paid at all.

[JMarkJohns]

His team sucks. That'll take a lot of the mojo out of ya...

I think he wants to pitch, but right now, he knows he's not going to be extended, and while he's trying hard, he may be overpitching, trying too hard, and therefore not being himself. It's funny how the slightest thing that tweak a pitcher's effectiveness. Being on his third set of coaches in three years doesn't much help matters either.

[JMarkJohns]

Hell, I'd take Joe Blanton, who was rumored to be headed to both the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks around the deadline. Neither team went through, but He's got a sub-4 ERA in the AL, which should translate to a low 3's ERA in the NL.

[tsb2000]

Definitely. Quality bullpen help has a multiplier effect in the NL.

Speaking of the bullpen, I just hope the Snakes get a win tonight.

[tsb2000]

BK Kim. Like a fish I've caught before....

....and threw back. :rolleyes

[JMarkJohns]

We need this win, badly. Don't look now, but if Arizona loses, Colorado is just three games back, as they moved past the Dodgers and into third with their win today.

[JMarkJohns]

Hopefully that three-run innings to build a four-run lead will be enough for the win. Thank you Snyder! Some BIG hits! Four RBI!!! Not bad for a defensive catcher...

[tsb2000]

Snyder had a great night last night. Funny, just as how ESPN said the DBacks were winning in spite of having no offense, they put 10 runs on the board- and the bullpen showed up. Plus the Padres lost! Nice!

Speaking of the Rockies, they PASTED the Brewers last night. Yikes!

[misterx91578]

3 game lead over the pads now

[JMarkJohns]

Very good game. I was pissed that Davis was so inconsistant to start, but in typical Davis fashion, after early struggles, he settled down, found a groove and went 7-strong. The offense did what it could against a pitcher who was on, doing just enough to get the lead, then the bullpen dominated for the win.

Three games over the fathers, 5-ish over both the Dodgers and the Rockies.

[ducks]

diamondbacks again score 10 or more runs
no o my foot

[misterx91578]

best record in the nl now

[ducks]

yep

eat dirt new york

[tsb2000]

Exactly! Best part is it's not the usual suspects. Guys last night like Snyder, and today like Co-Jack are coming through in a big way. Great game, and great of the DBacks to keep their heads up after the Nats tied it up.

[tsb2000]

BWebb is on the hill tonight with the early start- keep it goin' DBacks! :)

[yourcheatinheart]

let's go CHANDLER NATIONAL!! one more win and their in the little league world series. their about the only team as hot as the d-backs right now.

[ducks]

nice sac webb

[ducks]

upton is a keeper!

[misterx91578]

webb 33 straight shutout innings and pad our lead to 4

[ducks]

unreal web
cyyoung

[ducks]

mets lost yes

[ducks]

Of Upton's nine hits since being called up from Double-A Mobile last week, seven went for extra bases. ... Arizona improved to 20-6 against NL East. ... The Diamondbacks are 20-8 and have won eight of nine series since the All-Star break. ... Logan extended his hitting streak to a season-high nine games. ... The Nationals were without 1B Dmitri Young for the third game in a row because of a sore hamstring.

[JMarkJohns]

Webb for Cy Young? For a while, he wasn't really even in the consideration. Now, I'm not sure it's even debateable. His wins will be low, but his ERA, innings and strikeouts are all among the tops in the bigs.

Considering he plays his home games in a top-5 hitters park, I think his stats are phenominal, especially this run. If he can push his scoreless innings streak to 40 or so, he'll definately kick himself into the discussion.

[ducks]

Diamonbacks wouldn't part with Gonzalez
Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 11:16 am EDT

Getty Images
The New York Mets and Washington Nationals tried to involve a third club, the Arizona Diamondbacks, in an attempt to complete a deal that would have involved Washington closer Chad Cordero.

The Nationals' main Arizona target was outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who was ranked as the 18th-best prospect in the game by Baseball America before the season.

Cordero would have gone to the Mets, but sources said the Diamondbacks would not part with Gonzalez.

Source: Washington Post


if upton is this good what will gonzalez do :drunk

[ducks]

I think webb can get 17 wins!

[yourcheatinheart]

I think webb can get 17 wins!


and break orel hershiser's consecutive scoreless innings streak.

[ducks]

what a dumb game

what the hell

[tsb2000]

what a dumb game

what the hell

No kidding. It's was pretty obvious that Owings should have left the game after the 6th inning. They were hitting him a lot. He got out of a couple of jams, but paid the price later.

[misterx91578]

even with the bullpen blow up yesterday we are still 3 games up

[Spider TX]

Damn it's rough to be fans of the same baseball team with some of you but hate your basketball team so damn much because mine cannot beat yours. Oh well.

On another note, I fell asleep yesterday while watching golf, woke up and saw the DBacks were up 5-1. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED FROM THERE?!?!?!?

[tsb2000]

Owings got tired, and the Nats went to town. Snakes got another run late, but Valverde choked on the save.

All I can say, is if San Antonio had a baseball team...well, let's not get into that. :lol October will be here soon enough- and with a little luck, it will still be baseball season for the DBacks! :)

[tsb2000]

Ugh...the DBacks can waive BK Kim any day now... :rolleyes

[JMarkJohns]

Bad showing by everyone tonight, basically... Young, Cruz, then nothing...

[misterx91578]

Ojeda pitching also

[ducks]

kim sucks

[tsb2000]

Ojeda pitching also

At least he had a solid inning!

That reminded me of the day where Mark Grace took an inning several years ago when the DBacks were getting smoked in a game.

[JMarkJohns]

Steve Finley also pitched once.

I didn't watch the game, and didn't realize that it was that Ojeda.

[tsb2000]

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE! :spin

Woo-hoo! :spin

The DBacks cut BK Kim! :clap

[JMarkJohns]

Dbacks cut Kim and Kennedy, place Tracy on the DL, recall Nippert, Peguiero and Salazar from Triple-A, with the expectations of recalling Petit to replace Kim's rotation spot.

[tsb2000]

Wow! Did you see that ump take that pitch off his knee in the top of the 8th? Ouch!

[misterx91578]

yea and he stayed in the whole game and even better the dbacks won

[JMarkJohns]

Dbacks now three up, again...

[tsb2000]

and so far leading 2-0 today, last I checked online.

Excellent, Smithers! :)

[Xylus]

8 straight series wins. Amazing.

These D-Backs are a lot of fun to watch.

[misterx91578]

yep and now 3.5 game lead as of now

[JMarkJohns]

It'll be a tough series vs. Atlanta. Hopefully Webb can set a good tone and dominate tonight.

[misterx91578]

It'll be a tough series vs. Atlanta. Hopefully Webb can set a good tone and dominate tonight.


Well Webb is a dominated pitcher

[ducks]

Well Webb is a dominated pitcher
lets hope no runs again and a complete game

heck lets hope for a no hitter :clap

[ducks]

one inning perfect webb

[ducks]

perfect thru 3

[ducks]

and break orel hershiser's consecutive scoreless innings streak. which is?

[ducks]

not watching game at work

[JMarkJohns]

Orel's streak is 59 innings. He'll have to go into September for that.

[misterx91578]

the streak is up to 39

[DOMINATOR]

the streak is up to 40

[ducks]

3-0 diamondbacks

[ducks]

back to back complete games?

[misterx91578]

42 innings

[ducks]

2 more comlete games

[ducks]

But Cormier matched Webb nearly pitch for pitch until the eighth. Conor Jackson singled to center with one out, and Reynolds followed with his 11th homer of the year, driving a 3-1 pitch onto the concourse beyond the center-field seats.

The drive was estimated at 453 feet -- the sixth-longest homer in Turner Field history

[ducks]

found elsewhere on net
on the broadcast they said the furthest was a 471 foot Sammy Sosa HR. and that Bonds had 2 longer than Reynolds...Mark Grace seemed to think Reynolds got shortchanged and Deron Sutton said he hadn't seen one there any further and he broadcast the Braves for years

[misterx91578]

found elsewhere on net
on the broadcast they said the furthest was a 471 foot Sammy Sosa HR. and that Bonds had 2 longer than Reynolds...Mark Grace seemed to think Reynolds got shortchanged and Deron Sutton said he hadn't seen one there any further and he broadcast the Braves for years


that ball was killed

[misterx91578]

back to a 4 game lead

[ducks]

Young had more fun watching Webb from center field. The right-hander got ahead in the count on 21 of 29 hitters, and went to three balls only twice

[JMarkJohns]

2 more comlete games

Wrong. Every outlet is saying this and it's wrong.

The record is at 59. Webb sits at 42.

With 2 more complete games, he would sit at 60 innings.

Well, as far as I remember, baseball works in thirds of an inning.

In reality, Webb needs 17-1/3 innings to break the record.

Here's an interesting question... if you're Bob Melvin, let's say Webb pitches seven scoreless in his next start, but only has around 80/90 pitches. Let's say he has dominated, has been hit a bit, maybe walked a batter or two, and just doesn't seem to have his great stuff. Would you take him out for preserving the record, or risk the record by sending him out a bit fatigued, a bit hittable in an attempt to set another recent record of four-straight CG shutouts?

If the Diamondbacks are winning, and Webb has thrown seven scoreless, I'd take him out and rest him up for the next game.

You don't want to wear him down for every record. Not if you're winning. Not if you're still in first place. They'll need him to be tip-top in the playoffs.

[tsb2000]

Apparently, the record deals with consecutive innings. Pulling Webb early or missing a start means his streak would end.

[ducks]

if you complete the inning it should not count againts you

[DOMINATOR]

Apparently, the record deals with consecutive innings. Pulling Webb early or missing a start means his streak would end.
no... it's innings while not giving up a run. not complete games.
he could pitch 6 innings of scoreless ball next game and it would still be on for his next start.

[tsb2000]

Woo-hoo! Owings is the man, and the beatdown is on!

9 straight series wins! :clap

tomorrow however, will be difficult. Smoltz is pitching for a now very embarassed Atlanta team.

[JMarkJohns]

Kind of figured yesterday's loss was coming. Hate to see that the Padres also won, cutting the lead from 5 to 4 games.

Home for Milwaukee, Chicago and then a HUGE four-game series at San Diego. It could decide the division.

[ducks]

I dislike the brewers

[JMarkJohns]

The Dbacks need to pull their heads out of their asses tonight. They need to get Webb four or five runs so he can just pitch, and they need to right the ship before the San Diego series next week. That's a huge series and they need to be playing well entering it. Luckily San Diego is scuffling a bit as well, or this could be a one or two game lead as of now. They have to win tonight to keep the pressure on San Diego and they need to take the next series vs. the Cubs. It's a "gotsta do" sicheation...

[ducks]

atleast webb is pitching but webb is due to give up a run

[SrA Husker]

I've been a D-Backs fan the past two days. Will they win one please before I hate them with a passion in the next couple days (when the Cubs come to town)?

[misterx91578]

i think the streak for webb continues past tonight

[SrA Husker]

i think the streak for webb continues past tonight

Fucking Webb gives it up in the first. DAMNIT BEAT THE BREWERS!!!!!

[DOMINATOR]

Fucking Webb gives it up in the first. DAMNIT BEAT THE BREWERS!!!!!
yeah brewers bats are hot... their pitching sucks though.

[misterx91578]

dbacks win

[T Park]

alright, thank you D Backs. Now do it again tommarow, then sweep the shit out of the small bears would ya.

[JMarkJohns]

Hated to see Webb's streak end in the first. Everyone I was watching with was like, "Walk fielder... set up the double-play!" ... shame Melvin botched that.

Yeah, I know Braun is tough, but Webb had him all night. Fielder has a history of hittin' Webb, so to pitch to him with a runner on third and just one out was begging for a sac-fly at the minimum or a base-hit, which is what happened.

Very glad for the win, but even in the win the offense played shitty. They need to pull out of this funk they are in or it'll be a long homestand.

[tsb2000]

Back from trip to San Jose just in time for the game last night. Davis looked great, and really matched the Cubs pitching. I hope they can get it done tonight, then beat the crap out of the Padres and get some real distance between them before September.

[JMarkJohns]

The lead is back to 3 games. I believe it's a four-game series, which means the Dbacks need to, at worst, come away with a split. They need to strive for three wins. That would push the lead back to five!

Young is a beast, but at some point he's going to need to stop trying to hit homeruns and just hit.

I'd rather have Young develop into a .289/.300 batter with a .350+ OBP with around 100 runs scored, 50-to-60 RBI and 20ish homeruns than his current .230/.250 batter, with a sub .300 OBP with 30+ homeruns.

[tsb2000]

Another great win today. Valverde had to make it interesting, of course, but the Snakes got it done in the end. Good thing is the Cubs didn't face Webb, so he will pitch during the SD series.

[ducks]

wish I could go to see the diamondbacks but I have to work!

[TheSanityAnnex]

Padres fan checking in................


Living out here in Arizona I must I say I really, really, really hate the announcers out here on FSN. Mark Grace and that other douche bag drive me nuts. Looks to be the start of a great series.

[JMarkJohns]

I like Grace, but he can really over-homer things. I dislike Sutton very much, but he's on par with Brennaman or whatever the hell his name was.

I much prefer when Shulte, their radio-host, calls the games. Better voice, better insight.

I thought the game was great, but am really pissed at Livan for failing to get the third and final out of the seventh on two batter with an 0-2 count on the first and a 1-2 count on Blum, who's homer won the game.

I mean, WTF?!

I expected to lose this one, but with the game being so close, I had to get my hopes up. Livan pitched very well. He just made that one mistake. Oh well...

Diamondbacks need to split. That's all I ask. That means they exit with the three-game lead they entered with.

[TheSanityAnnex]

That was one of the widest strikezones I've ever seen. And it disappeared when Brocail came in to pitch and suddenly reappeared when Hoffman took the mound.

Great game though. The whining from the announcers after Bradley's homerun was pitiful. Why the fuck else would there be a yellow line painted on the wall?

[JMarkJohns]

You're right, but... if it doesn't make it out of the park, then it really shouldn't be a homerun. Unless there's something drastic like that fifty-foot wall in center at Chase. I mean, it was only like 10-feet high and that porch is barely, what, 320? It was most definately a cheapy.

Still, by the rules, and with the line, I guess common sense, that it was most certainly a homer.

Peavy is unbelievable. Just flat-out sick. Just wondering, what's his contract situation? I'd hate to see him leave the NL West. I'd very much like for him to stay with the Padres or join the Dbacks. He and Webb would be flat-out disgusting... For as impressive as Young's numbers are, his inconsitancy home and away mean he's not at the level of Webb, so while he and Peavy are a fantastic combination, it's not quite the equivalent of Webb and Peavy.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Knowing the Padres cheap asses, they will let Peavy go and spend the money on mediocre talent. If they don't pay him, I'm not sure I'll be able to support the team anymore. Having to put up with these cheap asses after they promised to up the payroll once the new stadium was built is just too damn frustrating.

[JMarkJohns]

Yeah. I certainly understand. With Peavy and Young, all they need is a few more "gap" power bats that can make their offense come alive. They keep this core together, add a few good to great bats to the lineup and they are legit Title contenders.

[TheSanityAnnex]

It's tough to get anyone with decent gap power to come here, especially when the FO isn't willing to pay. I was really hoping you guys wouldn't resign Byrnes..........that kid is awesome and I wanted to see him in SD.


I've been extremely impressed with Milton Bradley. Before he got here, all I heard from Dodger fans was "cancer cancer cancer". After doing some research, it sounds like it was the fans saying this more than his teammates. Every Padre has said he's an awesome teammate.

[tsb2000]

Wasted great game by Hernandez last night. DBacks couldn't get it going on offense. Peavy needed a gem on the hill and he pitched one last night.

Turnabout is fair play though. BWebb is on tonight! :)

[JMarkJohns]

Bradley can be a cancer, but he's kind of like a Rasheed-type. All he wants to do is win. When he's not winning, he can press, and when he presses he can get frustrated by trying to do so much, but getting so little, at which point he becomes volatile and liable to do something stupid to either a manager, unpire or fan.

When he's mellow, he's a hell of a ball player.

[TheSanityAnnex]

San Diego has been known for resurrecting the careers of malcontents. I believe Bradley will be no different.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Germano can't win a game to save his life but somehow beats Webb twice? Go figure.

[tsb2000]

That game was quite wierd. I watched the whole thing. Seems as though the Pads have BWebb's number. Hopefully, the Snakes can get the next two and a split, then beat the crap out of them next week at the Chase.

[JMarkJohns]

My friend Reggie has an opinion of how the diamondbacks are playing of late... (http://hk.geocities.com/miller_reggie08/miller_with_no_ball08.jpg)

[TheSanityAnnex]

If I have to hear Mark Grace say "gaassss" to another 89 mph fastball I'm gonna shoot myself.

[JMarkJohns]

Sanity, you can console yourself with the fact you'll sweep the series. I don't trust Davis, and if, as I was told, that Chris Young is pitching tonight, then you'll be the favorite tonight as well.

Way to take the series. Holy crap the Diamondbacks picked a terrible time to go into an offensive slump.

Still one more series vs. the Padres, this time at Chase, but unless they right the ship tonight, it may not be enough to win the division, and if the don't right the ship real fast, they may slip out of the Wild Card race as well...

[ducks]

pathetic

[JMarkJohns]

Pathetic is right. That's the only way to describe the bullpen.

Valverde blows another save. Gets two outs, gives up a single to Helton, pinch-runner steals second, Atkins singles him home.

Factor in Lyon gave up two runs in the eighth to a team that couldn't score a run in seven vs. Livan and you've got just another bullpen meltdown.

[JMarkJohns]

Add in Pena in the 10th... get's ahead of the first two batter, works the count to 1-2 on each, then gives up a triple and and single... 4-3, Colorado on a night when San Diego has already won!

Goodbye lead, hello CHOKE!

[TheSanityAnnex]

Shit, I had tickets to today's game but I'm down in San Diego :pctoss

[Trainwreck2100]

wouldn't that be up in San Diego?

[ducks]

Peavy wants it now
Peavy wants it now

By Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
September 3, 2007





PHOENIX – Thirty minutes after Greg Maddux won for the first time in 11 career starts here, after the San Diego Padres moved into the National League West lead by themselves for the first time in two months, after they'd put a 10-2 beating on the Arizona Diamondbacks, their ace, Jake Peavy, nodded his head at the arguments against him risking fastball life and precious limb to pitch here Wednesday night.

The Padres are winning again.

He is pitching as well as he ever has.

He is healthy.

ADVERTISEMENT


Nearly a month of games remain, all but eight against NL West opponents, none without significance.

Peavy has pitched on three days' rest only once before, when his right arm was three years younger.

So why alter the methods by which they have won eight of 11 games, and in three weeks have gone from five back to one up, all but burying the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers, and just now getting started on the Diamondbacks?

Peavy threw 99 pitches in seven innings Saturday against the Dodgers, allowed two hits, won his 16th game and lowered his ERA to 2.10. The wins and ERA lead the league.

Now Peavy wants the ball back Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. The franchise pitcher wants a shot in this series, behind Maddux on Monday afternoon and Chris Young on Tuesday night, in the thick of the division race.

General manager Kevin Towers and manager Bud Black are considering it. They are thinking of the example it would set in the clubhouse, they are struck by the conviction of Peavy's request and, of course, they wouldn't mind putting another game or two between themselves and the Diamondbacks.

"You look at the situation, there are pros and cons," Peavy said. "It's a chance that needs to be taken. I'd love a chance to compete in this series, if that's the way it plays out. I'd love that chance."

He bunched his shoulders in a tiny shrug, adding, "I don't think it's that big a deal."

But, then, he wouldn't have asked. He wouldn't have Black and Towers weighing the issues of risk and reward, of allowing Peavy to be what he is – a pitcher who hungers for the big game.

Peavy has it all worked out. He'd pitch Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, miss the Colorado series, then pitch next Tuesday night in Los Angeles, on five days' rest, granting him extra recovery time. The schedule also would have Peavy pitch against only NL West teams for the final four weeks.

In first place by those five games on the morning of Aug. 19, the Diamondbacks have lost nine of 14 since. They've lost six of their last eight. In the past eight days, they are 1-4 against the Padres, and also lost a series in Colorado.

Peavy views it, probably, as an opportunity to press the Padres' advantage. Their pitching staff is the best in the National League. Their rotation's top end – Peavy, Young, Maddux – is the best of the league's potential playoff teams.

The idea here is to pitch the Diamondbacks as far out of the race as possible, just as Maddux did Monday, needing only 82 pitches to get into the seventh inning. And the idea is to take advantage of an offense that is generally limited, but over the past 2½ weeks has averaged six runs a game, and Monday afternoon hit five home runs, four against Diamondbacks starter Micah Owings.

It is tempting, Black, the first-year manager and former pitcher, acknowledged. It is a rare thing to possess a pitcher of Peavy's talent and desire, only 26 years old, not just willing to take the ball, but insistent upon it.

"He's getting to be 'a guy,' " Black said.

A guy who batters don't want to face.

A guy who dominates when he feels right, and simply wins when he doesn't.

That kind of a guy.

"This could be a situation where you do it," Black said. "We just want to make sure he's rested and feels good."

Before Maddux outpitched Owings, the talk was of bringing Peavy back early if they needed to avoid a sweep. Afterward, the talk was of him pitching for a sweep, if it came to that.

Black tried to stay out of the conversation most of the day, and did again before he left the clubhouse. He knows what Peavy wants. He also knows that Peavy's body sometimes needs to be protected from Peavy's purpose.

"I think we're going to sleep on it," Black said.

Peavy will be waiting.

"I've got no problem with it," he said. "Guys did it all the time back in the day. And it's not like they're not asking me to be Superman. They're asking me to come back a day early."

Of course, they're not asking him.

He's asking them.


Tim Brown is a national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Tim a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast

[TheSanityAnnex]

Let the ace pitch.

[ducks]

it is time the d-backs get with the program they are not the choking suns!

[TheSanityAnnex]

Chris Young (padres) looks very off. The guy can't seem to find the strike zone at all. Maybe he needs more time to recover from his injury. The Dbacks have lit him up twice now and can steal bases at will on him.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Fuck Mark Grace. He is the biggest piece of shit homer I've ever had to listen to. I've never heard an announcer talk so much shit on the other team. Rooting for your team is fine, talking shit is not. Not to mention he and his buttbuddy just sound ridiculous together. And again, no more "gaaaasssss".

[ducks]

peavy paid

[tsb2000]

Fuck Mark Grace. He is the biggest piece of shit homer I've ever had to listen to. I've never heard an announcer talk so much shit on the other team. Rooting for your team is fine, talking shit is not. Not to mention he and his buttbuddy just sound ridiculous together. And again, no more "gaaaasssss".

Grace is awesome- I like him because he's such a homer. Dude smoked in the clubhouse & dugout when he was a player! My kinda guy! :)

[TheSanityAnnex]

Grace is by far the worst announcer I've EVER HEARD FOR ANY SPORT. I used to think the Cubs/Celtics announcers were bad, but Grace takes the cake.

[ducks]

cards lose diamondbacks win

[Xylus]

DBacks take a 2-game lead over the Padres. Very nice.

[JMarkJohns]

Hopefully Hudson only needs a few weeks off. I think Ojeda and Callaspo can man the fort. I've got this feeling they would have been doing such next year anyways...

Still, I'd like to have Hudson for the final week or two of the season, plus any playoff series. He's most definately a leader, and while there won't be a significant dropp off of defense or batting, he brings a ton of intangibles that aren't so easily replaced.

[ducks]

lossing hudson sucks

[ducks]

cards are going to get their sorry asses swepted

[Xylus]

Papa Grande!

[Fabbs]

Chris Young (padres) looks very off. The guy can't seem to find the strike zone at all. Maybe he needs more time to recover from his injury. The Dbacks have lit him up twice now and can steal bases at will on him.
Today vs Colo marks the third time in the last month they have brought CYoung back to early imo. They act like its the last week of the season and Young must be brought back. Had they just left him alone for a month i think he would have came back as he was all year long. I am very unimpressed with Bud Black. He is about incompetent as Bochy.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Today vs Colo marks the third time in the last month they have brought CYoung back to early imo. They act like its the last week of the season and Young must be brought back. Had they just left him alone for a month i think he would have came back as he was all year long. I am very unimpressed with Bud Black. He is about incompetent as Bochy.It's Black's first year as a manager, I think he's doing a fine job overall. But I do agree with you about Young.

[ducks]

Last Play: J. Salazar homered to deep right, S. Drew and J. Upton scored

[ducks]

take about a good at bat for upton
take about a clutch pinch hit home run

[ducks]

D. Roberts in left field
- R. Davis in center field
- B. Hennessey relieved B. Wilson
- S. Drew doubled to right center
- T. Clark hit for M. Reynolds
- T. Clark struck out swinging
- M. Montero popped out to second
- S. Drew to third on wild pitch
- J. Upton walked
- J. Salazar hit for J. Peguero
- J. Salazar homered to deep right, S. Drew and J. Upton scored

[JMarkJohns]

It was a great game. I was constantly flipping twixt it and the Cardinals/49ers game. Glad one AZ team got a win in San Fran, and of the two, I'm much happier it was the Diamondbacks, but that Cardinals loss was damn tough to swallow. Damn hard.

[OldDirtMcGirt]

One thing I can't criticize about Bob Melvin, is that he absolutely knows the right pinch hitter to call up.

[JMarkJohns]

Melvin is starting to show real signs of being a quality manager. Maybe he's listening to his players, or coaches more? I don't know, but I've been pretty impressed with how he's handled this team in the second half of the season. There's been some devastating injuries (Johnson, Hudson) and some other significant setbacks (Quentin injury/struggles, a few player slumps) and yet they never seem to fall too far.

He's definately got a stranglehold on the Manager Of The Year award, and I'm actually starting to think he deserves it.

[OldDirtMcGirt]

Melvin is starting to show real signs of being a quality manager. Maybe he's listening to his players, or coaches more? I don't know, but I've been pretty impressed with how he's handled this team in the second half of the season. There's been some devastating injuries (Johnson, Hudson) and some other significant setbacks (Quentin injury/struggles, a few player slumps) and yet they never seem to fall too far.

He's definately got a stranglehold on the Manager Of The Year award, and I'm actually starting to think he deserves it.

Definitely. I still question his constant lineup changes (I thought that Chris Young had locked down the leadoff spot), but I guess it's worth it if we kept getting these results.

[JMarkJohns]

I don't mind moving Young to around 4th or 5th, but if such happens, then Byrnes or Bonafacio need to leadoff. He must have some speed on the bases. Drew is great as a number two batter, but not as leadoff...

I'd like to see more of...

Bonafacio
Drew
Brynes
Young
Jackson/Clark/Tracy
Reynolds
Snyder/Montero
Utpon

[OldDirtMcGirt]

I don't mind moving Young to around 4th or 5th, but if such happens, then Byrnes or Bonafacio need to leadoff. He must have some speed on the bases. Drew is great as a number two batter, but not as leadoff...

I'd like to see more of...

Bonafacio
Drew
Brynes
Young
Jackson/Clark/Tracy
Reynolds
Snyder/Montero
Utpon

I think that Byrnes should be leading off next year with CoJack batting third. I'm not sure about Bonafacio's major league readiness, and Byrnes seems like the ideal leadoff guy.

Byrnes
Drew
CoJack
Young
Upton

is how I envision our top five guys next year.

[tsb2000]

Only prob with Byrnes is he's a first-pitch swinging afictionado. I like CY there, myself, but I'm not in charge.

What I do know is the DBacks looked pretty decent today. Almost there! :)

[ducks]

Wild card analysisArizona will not make the playoffs, says Y! Sports' Tony Gwynn
rolleyes

[OldDirtMcGirt]

Pretty good game going on with the Giants right now. Hopefully we can come out on top and the Padres will lose.

[tsb2000]

Why must the DBacks make it so hard? So many LOB tonight! Ugh! :madrun

[ducks]

rockies swepted dodgers thanks rockies

[tsb2000]

DBacks win! Woo-hoo! :spin

Damn Padres won with a walk off HR though...@#%$@!

[JMarkJohns]

Former D-Backs top prospect, Scott Hairston, was the one who hit the walk-off. It's the second walk-off he's hit for the Padres since the trade.

Ouch!

[tsb2000]

Yup, and the Padres are all over the Pirates again today...no love, I tell ya!

[TheSanityAnnex]

I was sitting at the bar when Hairston came to bat and just had that gut feeling that he'd go yard.

[T Park]

Melvin should win manager of the year, but damned if Charlie Manuel isn't giving him a run for his money.

[ducks]

they won
peavy did not get a run gave up one run
but rockies closer gave up a homerun in the 9
go rockies

[ducks]

paddress lost in the 14 yes!

[JMarkJohns]

Melvin should win manager of the year, but damned if Charlie Manuel isn't giving him a run for his money.

Have the Phillies gones through the injuries that the Diamondbacks have? D-backs have lost Randy for half the season, Tracy for half the season and now Hudson for the final month or so... All three are out for the playoffs.

Throw in the Diamondbacks have three regulars in their lineup that were in double-A to start the year, and you have a team that shouldn't be anywhere near where they are, yet through some pretty slick coaching and a good amount of luck, some of which can be attributed to the coaching, they are the team with the best record in the NL.

Manuel, as far as I know, has had a relatively healthy team (Hamels has missed some time, so I know not entirely), has the reigning offensive MVP to lead an unbelievable offense, with a a half-a-dozen veterans to lead the way.

The only "real" veterans the Diamondbacks rely on is Eric Byrnes, Tony Clark and Augie Ojeda. I mean, good freakin' Lord!

[OldDirtMcGirt]

Speaking of Byrnesie, I love the guy, but I'm starting to regret our 30 million dollar man. Despite how well we're doing without O-dog, I think that I'd rather have kept him (though Bonafacio could be able to step in next year along with Callaspo and Ojeda). I really wanted Quentin to succeed next year, and although he's off to his rough start, Byrnes is coming back down to Earth in the second half, and has really been cooling off hitting .265 after the all-star break. Sure a veteran presence and hustle is nice to see, but at 10 million a year with a ton of good outfield prospects might not be worth it.

[JMarkJohns]

While what you said is true, remember that he also has been drawing a good bit more walks. His OBP is nearly identical pre to post break, and his steals are way up. His power is down, but so are his strike-out rates...

Post All-Star Break, he's got 63 hits and 25 walks. of those 63 hits, 23 have been extra-base hits, leaving 40 singles to add to his 25 walks. Of those 65 times on first base, he's got 28 steals. Which means, of his 88 times on base in the second half, he's ended up on second base or better 51 times. That's a 2nd-base or better rate of .580. That's amazing!

I would like to see his average get back to .280 or so, but I'll take what he's giving. By and large, the Diamondbacks haven't lost of late because his batting average has declined. It's been because of some spotty bullpen sessions and some poor starting pitching.

I mean, going into last weekend, the Diamondbacks were up four games. Friday vs. Penny, the offense scores four runs in the first four or five innings, but Davis can't hold the lead and the bullpen makes the deficit worse. Saturday was a combination of bad pitching and bad offense. Monday Webb struggled, but the Diamondbacks scored five to take a two-run lead late, but Pena gave up five runs to take the loss.

Those are the three games the Padres took off the lead. Two really should have been wins, with one being a legit loss.

Again, Byrnes' OPS is very similar and his slugging isn't too far down as well. Factor in he's walking more, stealing more and is still playing great defense, I'd say if this is the "bad" Byrnes, then the investment wasn't too shabby.

Like I said at the signing, I'd rather overpay at a yearly rate then overpay for long period of time.

I can take his 10-per over 3 years over a 7/8-per over 5 years.

[tsb2000]

DBacks win again- and Padres are losing again! Oh yeah! :spin

[JMarkJohns]

Tough break for San Diego, losing Bradley like they did. It will probably cost them the division, and may cost them a playoff spot.

I've never seen anything like that before, but I don't really think Black did anything wrong. He was doing damn near everything he could to keep Bradley from getting suspended. Bradley just wouldn't take no for an answer and just had to get at the 1st-base ump, no matter how. Black tackled him, Torn ACL for Bradley.

[misterx91578]

2 game lead with 5 to play

[misterx91578]

:bang 1 game lead with 4 to play

[TheSanityAnnex]

As a Pads fan, I'll take a division or a wild card spot.

[misterx91578]

As a Pads fan, I'll take a division or a wild card spot.


i want a playoff spot to but we cant even beat the pirates right now

[T Park]

Man here I was hopin the D Backs would play the Cubs and I'd get to put on a DBacks hat and root like hell for em.

Now I don't even know if there will be even a playoff game :lol

[tsb2000]

I've still got faith in the Snakes. If nothing else, the Pads finish with 4 on the road in Milwaukee, so that's a big plus. The DBacks will win tonight and stomp Colorado, IMO. I think the DBacks have been caught looking forward a bit, but BWebb will get them on the right track tonight.

Get ya RED out! :spin

[misterx91578]

Owings may have just saved the season

[ducks]

ownings needs to be used a pitch hitter in post season

[Xylus]

I hear Webb is 0-3 against the Rockies.

That's going to be a tough, tough series, with the Rockies on a roll at the moment. It'll be great for team morale to end their obscene win streak, though.

[misterx91578]

I hear Webb is 0-3 against the Rockies.

That's going to be a tough, tough series, with the Rockies on a roll at the moment. It'll be great for team morale to end their obscene win streak, though.


yea he is 0-3 vs the rockies this season

[T Park]

Im rooting for a finish like this


brewers win the division

Rockies win the wild card

DBacks win the division



Then I can sit back and not have to root heavily against anyone :)

[TheSanityAnnex]

Im rooting for a finish like this


brewers win the division

Rockies win the wild card

DBacks win the division



Then I can sit back and not have to root heavily against anyone :)Looks like you'll be rooting heavily against someone.

[T Park]

The only one I'd honestly root heavily against is the Cubs.


The Rockies would be cool cause it would be someone new, same with the Brewers.

[T Park]

BTW, the Padres are throwing Brett Tomko and another rookie this weekend against a great hitting Brewers team.

thats two wins right there.

The Padres better hope young and maddux don't pitch like they have been recently.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Peavy is pitching again on Sunday. Tomko hasn't been bad for us either. Maddux will come through. I hope they don't pitch Young.

[T Park]

Young is pitching tommarow I think.


The padres have it far from locked up.

BUT.

They are playing the now suck ass Brewers :lol


Peavy going on 3 days rest? Or resting him till game 1 vs Philly/New york.


I'd rest him.

You don't want a rookie pitching game 1. Ex Cardinals 2000.

[T Park]

Tomko hasn't been bad for us either

Do NOT, trust, nor depend on Brett Tomko.

Take it from someone who rooted for the guy once....

[TheSanityAnnex]

I'm a what have you done for me lately guy.

[T Park]

Im warning ya. Don't depend on Tomko...

[misterx91578]

:clap we are in the playoffs

[T Park]

Congrats D Backs.

I will be at game 1 tuesday or wednesday to root on the DBacks VS the Cubs.


LETS KICK THE CUB's ASS!!!!

[JMarkJohns]

That was a feeling I haven't felt while watching a baseball game since 2002. What a rush! I mean, damn! They had opportunities to blow that game open, leaving the bases loaded twice, but damn did the pitchers step up against a hell of a lineup!

Great run this year to clinch a spot. Now, let's clinch the division and the top overall spot!

[misterx91578]

That was a feeling I haven't felt while watching a baseball game since 2002. What a rush! I mean, damn! They had opportunities to blow that game open, leaving the bases loaded twice, but damn did the pitchers step up against a hell of a lineup!

Great run this year to clinch a spot. Now, let's clinch the division and the top overall spot!


a win today or pads loss

[JMarkJohns]

No. A win AND a Padres loss...

The magic number is two.

[misterx91578]

No. A win AND a Padres loss...

The magic number is two.


not really we own the tie breaker over the pads and with there loss eailer we won the divison :elephant

[ducks]

Byrnes has the D-backs' backs
Byrnes has the D-backs' backs

By Ryan Fagan - SportingNews







Justin Upton, the Diamondbacks' 20-year-old rookie, was ready this time around.

He had seen this scenario before: sixth inning, one out, bases loaded, tight game, Upton at the plate, Scott Munter in from the Giants' bullpen. Munter had won the battle the night before, when Upton watched a first-pitch strike slip by, then grounded into an inning-ending double play. The D-backs eventually lost, 2-1.

But Upton, thanks to a little prodding from teammate Eric Byrnes, was ready the second time. "I told him last night, 'You don't want to take that first one in a spot like that,'" Byrnes says. "Tonight, he ripped the first pitch for a double. That's just a classic example of the adjustments that he's making, learning when to be aggressive and learning when to home in the strike zone."

That 2-run double was followed by Conor Jackson's single, which brought home Upton and Byrnes, who then chatted up Arizona's young star-in-waiting all the way back to the bench.

"He just kept saying, 'Big hitter right there,'" Upton said after the D-backs' 9-4 victory. "Those are the kind of things we do to pick up each other and keep each other confident."

Leading man
Eric Byrnes has been the unquestioned offensive leader for the surprising Diamondbacks.

STAT TEAM RANK*
Runs: 98 1st
Batting average: .290 2nd
Hits: 172 1st
Home runs: 21 2nd
RBIs: 82 1st
Stolen bases: 45 1st
*Among regulars

Byrnes has been a little bit of everything for the season's most unlikely playoff contender -- coach, leader, clubhouse glue guy, cheerleader, cleanup hitter, leadoff man, left fielder, right fielder, center fielder ... just to name a few.

After a disastrous 2005 season spent with three teams, Byrnes has found a comfortable home in Arizona, reviving his career with a solid 2006 and then putting together a career season to show the way for a D-backs team that leads the N.L. West by half a game despite an extremely young lineup.

Unexpected? To you, maybe.

"I've never put limitations on myself," Byrnes says. "It might surprise everybody else, but it doesn't surprise me."

[tsb2000]

and....best record in the NL, in spite of the loss today! Woo-hoo! :)

[T Park]

Sorry D Backs fan, Im rootin today for Rockie's win, padres loss, and phillies and mets win.


Wed have two playoff games :)

[misterx91578]

bring on the cubs

[misterx91578]

game time 7 az time

[ducks]

webb is not a choker

[tsb2000]

BWebb dominated tonight- great performance!

The Billy Goat lives! :spin

[misterx91578]

Lets go Davis

[T Park]

Was at the game tonight, went to the team shop and bought a hat and Byrnes jersey.

Was sitting on the first base side and was surrounded by Cubs fan.

Actually had three fellow Cardinal fan temporary DBack fans around me and we had an absolute blast giving Cub fans the business :lol

Great job D Backs, 2 more!!!

[TheSanityAnnex]

Actually had three fellow Cardinal fan temporary DBack fans around me and we had an absolute blast giving Cub fans the business :lol

How exactly were four fans who's team was not in the playoffs giving anyone "the business"? http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smirolleyes.gif

[Cry Havoc]

Wow, congrats, your ace did what he was supposed to do at home.

Winning the next 3 will be a lot tougher without a Cy Young candidate on the hill.

[T Park]

How exactly were four fans who's team was not in the playoffs giving anyone "the business"?


Pretty easily.

Pretty damn easily.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Pretty foolishly.

Pretty damn foolishly.

[misterx91578]

Wow, congrats, your ace did what he was supposed to do at home.

Winning the next 3 will be a lot tougher without a Cy Young candidate on the hill.


yea we won 90 games with just 1 pitcher :p:

[tsb2000]

I wouldn't say Davis, Hernandez, and Owings are exactly sub-par...

[yourcheatinheart]

Wow, congrats, your ace did what he was supposed to do at home.

Winning the next 3 will be a lot tougher without a Cy Young candidate on the hill.

luckily the cubbies used theirs last night too. go doug!!

[misterx91578]

nice job Davis

[Xylus]

Great outing by Davis, way better than I expected. And now the bullpen is holding fort.

Who is this Stephen Drew guy, and where's he been all my life?? :lol

[T Park]

:lol @ sannity

[tsb2000]

Davis was huge last night, and the bunts he laid down were all great. Excellent work by all the Snakes last night- time to get out the brooms at Wrigley! :spin

[JMarkJohns]

Doesn't Hill pitch great at Wrigley? I thought I read he was the Cubs best home pitcher. With the crowd being fired up, and if such is the case, the Diamondbacks will be hardpressed to sweep. It's possible, but I expected a four-game series win entering, I still expect such.

[JMarkJohns]

I guess Hill is merely decent at Wrigley, but he did shutdown the Diamondbacks there, allowing just one earned run over six innings. If he can pitch like that again tomorrow, then the Cubs will have a decent chance to force a game five.

[T Park]

He is a rookie.

And it is the Cubs :)

[DOMINATOR]

He is a rookie.

And it is the Cubs :)
rich hill isn't a rookie

[T Park]

my bad im confusing him with marshall

[JMarkJohns]

Sean Marshall dated (maybe still dates) a former tv anchor ffrom Yuma. She was a bitch... I guess you really are who you eat... out :)

[ducks]

drew has been unreal

[Xylus]

:d

[ducks]

upton was awesome to

[JMarkJohns]

If there were an MVP of the divisional series, it would have to go to Drew. Great defense, and some HUGE hits that absolutely deflated the Cubs.

[Xylus]

The only person who comes close to rivaling Drew in the MVP category is Chris Young, who hit some brutal HR's against the Cubs.

1. That 3-run homer in Game 2 that erased the 2-0 Cubbie lead.
2. The lead-off homer in Game 3 that had Cub fans tying their own nooses.

[JMarkJohns]

Yeah, those were demoralizing, but Drew hit the first homer of the first game, had a triple, a double and added an emphatic homer tonight. Drew's defense was more impactful than was Young's.

Young is my favorite player on the team, so it's tough to go against him, but Drew was just more consistent throughout.

[T Park]

Stephen Drew is gonna end up being the best Drew.


That homerun in game 1 was AWWEEESOME.

Happened just to my right.


BTW, game 1 thursday, BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!!


I've got my tickets already. If anyone else is goin we oughtta have a beer or somethin..

[JMarkJohns]

Stephen Drew is gonna end up being the best Drew.


That homerun in game 1 was AWWEEESOME.

Happened just to my right.


BTW, game 1 thursday, BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!!


I've got my tickets already. If anyone else is goin we oughtta have a beer or somethin..

Wish I could. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings :) It's closer to my budget :dramaquee

[OldDirtMcGirt]

Wish I could. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings :) It's closer to my budget :dramaquee

No shit. Cards tickets have already raped my wallet, not to mention I've got to save up for B-ball season.

[tsb2000]

Wish I could. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings :) It's closer to my budget :dramaquee

Which BWW you at?

[JMarkJohns]

The one in Flagstaff :)

[tsb2000]

If you had said Gilbert, I would have bought you a beer. Flag is a bit of a drive. :)

[JMarkJohns]

That's what I figured :lol

[JMarkJohns]

I so don't want to jinx anything, but this is too good to be left alone. Various publications are reporting that The Diamondbacks and and the Athletics are progressing nicely in their discussions for Haren. The most discussed package involves Conor Jackson and either Petit, Edgar Gonzalez or Nippert to join a prospect package of top 25 overall OF prospect Carlos Gonzalez and likely a lesser pitching prospect.

This would be great, and while I hate giving up Jackson and super-power bat prospect Carlos Gonzalez, this gives the Diamondbacks another #1 Ace and a true power pitcher.

[tsb2000]

That's great news! Glad to see the Snakes aren't sitting around watching the usual suspects getting better, especially with the Dodgers landing Torre as skipper.

:crosses fingers :)

[JMarkJohns]

Actually, it's now being reported that Jackson is no longer a part of the deal. It will be Carlos Gonzalez and three good prospects/player or *GULP* Chris Young for Haren straight up. I hate the latter, but the Diamondbacks keep their top-5 farm system in tact and add a pitcher that will likely be top-10 in the NL. It's a heavy price either way, only that Young is a name while the prospects most people doesn't even know about.

[misterx91578]

Actually, it's now being reported that Jackson is no longer a part of the deal. It will be Carlos Gonzalez and three good prospects/player or *GULP* Chris Young for Haren straight up. I hate the latter, but the Diamondbacks keep their top-5 farm system in tact and add a pitcher that will likely be top-10 in the NL. It's a heavy price either way, only that Young is a name while the prospects most people doesn't even know about.

where did you hear cy for haren and if we do this does this mean Carlos Gonzalez comes up?

[JMarkJohns]

Nick Piecoro believes the offer includes Carlos Gonzalez and three undisclosed player. Jackson is definitely a Billy Beane-type player and he's the most expendable top youngster the Diamondbacks have, so we assume he has to be involved if something is going to get done. The other option would be to include Chris Young.

It's hear say, but the poster is very trusted at quoting what he hears. It may just be rumor, and I'm unsure to what extent, but word has it the A's are looking for a centerfielder and with Upton actually developed as a centerfielder, I guess connecting the dots could lead some to see this scenerio unfolding.

As for Gonzalez, most everyone I've talked with agrees he's at least one year away.

I don't think this is going to happen. It started off great, being reported on by the AzCentral.com, the Boston Globe and rotoworld, but has now changed too much for me to think it went any farther than talk.

[JMarkJohns]

According to the East Valley Tribune, talks have been put on hold. A's want too much right now and would like to wait until Johan is traded to guage other's interest.

Word is they were asking for: Jackson, Valverde, Bonafacio, Nippert, along with super-prospect Gonzalez and lefty prospect Anderson.

That's two players too much, in my opinion. Maybe even three. If a deal of Jackson, Gonzalez and Valverde isn't enough, then it's so not worth it.

[tsb2000]

Honestly, I'd do that original deal, even with Valverde. CY, on the other hand, would be untouchable in my book.

[JMarkJohns]

You don't do 6-for-1 trades. You just don't. That means you're giving up too much at the present and too much of you future.

Or rather, you don't make 6-for-1 trades for Dan Haren. Santana I understand, but Haren has had one very good season and was merely good before that. He's an ace, but not a likely Cy Young candidate yearly. He's still young and could get better, and, perhaps pitching in the NL would boost his stats, but he'd be going from an AL pitcher's park to an NL hitter's park, so I think the park swap equalizes the league swap.

He's a fine player and one I'd give up a FAIR package for, but no matter the market, you can't give up two top-25 prospects in Jackson and Gonzalez, the best closer in the NL and three good prospects for one very good pitcher.

[misterx91578]

you still consider Jackson a prospect

[JMarkJohns]

No, but he was a top-25 prospect at one time, so, technically, the statement was correct, even if the timing makes the statement curious.

Right now he's a project. A good one at that, despite not being a HR hitter.

[JMarkJohns]

Talks have resumed with the A's with a package built around Gonzalez, Bonafacio and Brett Anderson being offered. Most believe another two quality prospects or major leaguer's will need to be added before it's considered heavily.

[misterx91578]

I wouldn't mind trading those 3 but i guess it depends on who the other players are

[JMarkJohns]

Yeah. I have a very knowledgeable buddy who's about had enough of Beane. He's trying to sell high off of a career year and I don't think many teams are gonna be willing to buy high knowing that he pitched in a pitcher's park and has had only one very good year in three.

I'd still like to net him and would love to package Tracy and Nippert with the three mentioned to make it happen.

[misterx91578]

what would the a's do with tracy they all ready have chavez there

[JMarkJohns]

Tracy can play a solid 1st-base. In fact, he's a better first baseman than is Jackson. If Tracy could refind the .300-20-85 hitting stroke, then I'd rather have him at first than Jackson. I'm just not sure he will. Still, he's a fine hitter that can be had for cheap.

[misterx91578]

the a's have johnson, swisher, and barton at 1st they dont need corner infielders they need a cf and some middle infield help

[JMarkJohns]

There's been talk of a Marlin-esque fire sale. Perhaps it's just as likely that no one gets traded, but I've heard every player on there roster can be had.

Perhaps they don't want Tracy or Jackson. Without one of them I'm not seeing a deal get done unless the Diamondbacks empty their farm system, which would entirely suck. At that point they'd have to trade one or the other to get a prospect or two back.

[tsb2000]

It looks like the Snakes have entered into wait and see mode, especially with the deal for Santana not being done yet (to any team). He will set the bar for all pitchers, and all other pitchers' agents are waiting for that number to be official in Santana's contract too see what their own players can get.

[i hate the suns]

D- Bags suck. I can't wait til some team puts them in their place in the post season. If they even make the post season. D-bags, Scums, Coyotes and obviously the Cardinals ALL suck. Go get em L.A.! or anyone else for that matter.

[Nash2Amare]

D- Bags suck. I can't wait til some team puts them in their place in the post season. If they even make the post season. D-bags, Scums, Coyotes and obviously the Cardinals ALL suck. Go get em L.A.! or anyone else for that matter.

If they even make the post season?

Apparently you're blind and don't realize what division we're in right now.
...
..
.
LA? The same team who LOST ground to us when we have lost our last 8 of 13? pssshhh LOL

good luck with that.

The division is ours.

[PHXSpursFan]

There's been talk of a Marlin-esque fire sale. Perhaps it's just as likely that no one gets traded, but I've heard every player on there roster can be had.

Perhaps they don't want Tracy or Jackson. Without one of them I'm not seeing a deal get done unless the Diamondbacks empty their farm system, which would entirely suck. At that point they'd have to trade one or the other to get a prospect or two back.


You just made that up. If not, please post a link. Thanks

[misterx91578]

why you guess posting here there is a thread about the team this year?

[ducks]

they need to get their act together
this last month has been pathetic
THEY ARE AT HOME
PLAY LIKE IT