Season thread-the road to the playoffs

[Lefty]

Maybe I was wrong. The Dodgers have scored 2 runs in the first.

 

[IndyDevil]

Fossum was so close to getting out of the first inning unscathed....Beltre doubles in 2 runs, Dodgers still batting.

 

[Lefty]

If the Diamondbacks lose this game will Brenly be the manager tomorrow against the Giants?

 

[AZZenny]

Jeeez. Bases loaded. I'm sorry - We got so ripped off in the Schilling trade.

Re: Olson - I was a bit surprised - he's only had 60 AB since coming off 6 weeks on the DL and both Andy Green and Alan Zinter have very good OPS and both can do infield utility. I liked Olson in AZFL two years ago, and Schilling liked him a lot in 2003 ST - lots of hustle - BB likes him, too. But that's all about mental make-up stuff. Tools-wise, he's just a mid-level prospect, not a Tracy/Hairston type guy. Utility guy all the way; he (like anyone else we have in Tucson) has played OF a few times lately.

 

[AZZenny]

Fifth inning, two on, no outs, and Koppy starts warming up. Oh- I meant bases loaded... again.

Brenly shouldn't be fired. He should QUIT and publically suggest Joe Garagiola Jr. step in and pitch the fifth and sixth innings for Sparks, Fossum, and Daigle. Now that we have our closer problem taken care of.

 

[Lefty]

Way to go Fossum. Strikes out the side with the bases loaded. Rally time.

 

[Evil Ash]

Fossum gets out of the jam by striking out the side. Good job by Fossum

Now lets get the offense to show up

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Ishii is struggling with his control (this is a major under-statement) and good clutch-hitting Finley swings at the 1st pitch......WTF?

 

[Evil Ash]

Ishii is struggling with his control (this is a major under-statement) and good clutch-hitting Finley swings at the 1st pitch......WTF?

Got me.

The only thing I could think of as for a reason why is that since Ishii was struggling so much that he would throw one right over the heart of the plate after a visit from the pitching coach. Of course like every other hitter on this team he extended the strike zone and had a bad at-bat, to say the least.

The veterans, like Finley, on this team should know better.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

And then Brenly claims to ESPN that the reason why he removes Fossum from the game is because he's suffering from fatigue, but then he promptly brings in the excessively used Koplove (who will be on the DL by mid-June)....

Sorry for all these rantings.....I've avoided posting on this forum recently since Im pissed off beyond belief.....

 

[Lefty]

We're all pissed. I hope Jerry sells the team this year and we get an owner who wants to win, not worry about saving a buck.

 

[Evil Ash]

We're all pissed. I hope Jerry sells the team this year and we get an owner who wants to win, not worry about saving a buck.

Jerry sold his part of the Dbacks around a year ago.

I mentioned this in another thread. The Dbacks sold their souls for a WS title. The defered payments on players' slaries were going to eventually bite us in the ass and its proven to hurt us sooner rather than later.

Now ask yourself the question ... do you prefer to have a WS title now and only worrying about our second one or would you prefer for us to be still building and just becoming good now?

 

[Evil Ash]

Dbacks lose 3-0. Can't win any games if you can't score any runs

 

[Lefty]

The 1998 Diamondbacks were more competitive. There is absolutely no fire in these guys. I don't know what the answer is to get the team going.

 

[IndyDevil]

From today's AZ Central:

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX
The Diamondbacks were outscored by an abysmal 71-39 margin in going 4-9 on their longest trip of the season, and after playing a cat-and-mouse game with minor league call-ups, it's time for a major move.

Firing the manager won't make this bunch come alive, but trading a player or two might hit closer to home and send a message. If not, turn the whole thing over to the Baby Backs and kiss the postseason goodbye.

- Bob McManaman

I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[AZZenny]

Go for it. This team as constituted isn't going anywhere but down. But - if we trade our few strengths for pitchers - please let someone else choose the pitchers and make the deals? Please?

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I have this grave concern that when Alomar and Reynolds both return (I believe they're due back respectively by mid-late June) that the Dbacks will start both of them regularly due to them having guaranteed contracts of $1 mil.....

Alomar obviously will affect the development of Hairston (unless the Dbacks trade either Finley or Bautista and insert Hairston into the OF as a replacement)....Even though that Reynolds doesnt figure into the long-term plans, he could salvage the "younger arms" if the Dbacks use him in the best role suited for him "long-relief" with probably the ocassional "spot-start"....

A good scenario though for Alomar would be if he did receive a chance to become the every-day 2B, perhaps the Dbacks could showcase him to a contending team that might need an IF desperately due to injury. I dont know though that Alomar would accept such a trade since I guess he rejected higher offers from other teams because he only wanted to play for the Dbacks.....



The Dbacks should trade both Finley and Bautista....Promote Terrero (and insert him in CF), use Hairston in RF, shelve Gonzo by August so he could promptly have his surgery and probably do something that others might believe to be too drastic, but promote up someone like Noochie Varner to replace Gonzo........In the process...Marland Williams should be brought-up to Tucson and be given every opportunity to be an every day OF with the "parent club" next season.....

I see a surplus of middle IFs and I'm wondering if the Dbacks would part with any in a package trade for an above average pitching prospect or an OF that combines both power and speed..... Sergio Santos is the "prized" prospect out of them and I would consider converting him into a 1B (especially at 6'3, his height would be ideal)....That only would be necessary if Sexson doesnt figure into the Dbacks long-term plans......

I mentioned on another thread awhile back that there is a "standard operating procedure" of when a manager gets fired....Even though it didnt happen by choice...the promoting of prospects is one of the phases, then the trades.....If those fail......Then that's when Brenly will "resign"....More than likely him and Jerry C will make it appear on the surface that it was a "mutual decision" to part ways...

 

[IndyDevil]

Is Terrero going to be cleared to play anytime soon, or will he spend the rest of the season battling legal issues due to the brawl in Albq.?

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Is Terrero going to be cleared to play anytime soon, or will he spend the rest of the season battling legal issues due to the brawl in Albq.?

This is true....I am wondering when the precise details of his suspension will be announced and if he has already begun to serve the anger management classes that are mandated..... I guess though that there is a chance that he might be deported because of his outburst as well....

If Terrero isnt able to return, then Victor Hall (he's been hitting around .230, but exhibiting some patience and has speed) should be given an opportunity or have Marland Williams make the jump from AA (since he's the "real deal")...

 

[AZZenny]

Assuming no criminal assault charges/no Visa stuff, Chip Hale said Terrero is expected back with the team in three weeks. Has to complete an anger course, serve his suspension. Hmmm...just around trade deadline he could be back and ready to step in to an OF slot.

OF Josh Kroeger and Marland Williams should make it to Triple-A this summer. Maybe Noochie Varner, too, he looks pretty good. Kroeger and Williams are top-20 prospects. And we have more and better in single-A.
Jesus Cota, still a strong prospect, can play first, also Andy Green, and btw, so can Chad Tracy, since some think Santos may be best suited at third - being defensively just fair at SS. But right now he's our best SS candidate. Alex is not the long-term answer. Jaime D'Antona, also in Lancaster, plays third but so far he's comparable defensively with Santos - but he's a real serious slugger, so perhaps will end up at first base in 2-3 years.

Some theory moves Hairston to OF to replace Gonzo - less stress on his weak back, and not as demanding on his glove, although he's looked just fine so far.

We have a couple promising catchers so we can pack off "Mayner" anytime. What we may be thinnest on is healthy, solid starting pitchers, alas.

In short - we could bring up a bunch of promising but somewhat raw youngsters for position players soon, and we have equal or better prospects 1-3 years off - so start rebuilding anytime, gentlemen! You've persuaded us, that's the only way to go - mission accomplished. Now get 'er done.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Maybe Noochie Varner, too, he looks pretty good.

I guess Noochie was promoted up to Tucson recently and has produced some decent stats thus far...

.272-BA
18-Runs
25-Hits
1-HR
10-RBI
4-Doubles
2-2 SBs
9 BBs/12 Ks (not that bad of a ratio in 92 ABs)

I'm not completely certain of his OPS or OBP, but he's generally been a solid line-drive hitter throughout his Minor League career with some above average speed.....He's been playing RF and should be considered to replace Bautista (once he's traded or signs elsewhere)....

It's about time that the Dbacks do a complete overhaul of the OF.....Time to inject much needed youth out there......

 

[BC867]

And then Brenly claims to ESPN that the reason why he removes Fossum from the game is because he's suffering from fatigue, but then he promptly brings in the excessively used Koplove (who will be on the DL by mid-June).

In Monday's Republic, BB referred to his team's play as horse (manure) and said he doesn't know what to do.

Doesn't know what to do? This is a good time for "the boss", Jerry (as opposed to Steinbrenner "THE BOSS") to give Bob four words, "I ACCEPT YOUR RESIGNATION".

I have ten numbers for you, Bob . . . 415.972.229. It's the San Francisco Giants.

Well, actually, it's their ticket office, but you have to start somewhere.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

In Monday's Republic, BB referred to his team's play as horse (manure) and said he doesn't know what to do.

Doesn't know what to do? This is a good time for "the boss", Jerry (as opposed to Steinbrenner "THE BOSS") to give Bob four words, "I ACCEPT YOUR RESIGNATION".

I have ten numbers for you, Bob . . . 415.972.229. It's the San Francisco Giants.

Well, actually, it's their ticket office, but you have to start somewhere.

I'm shocked that on azcentral.com's poll that only that 28% (out of 2159 votes) are favor that Brenly should get fired.....I know that doesnt carry much merit to it, but just fascinating nonetheless....

I guess the reason people are hesitant is because they're overly concerned (including myself) that Mark Grace would succeed Brenly.... I'm starting to warm-up to your idea that Al Pedrique is the only viable candidate and deserves an opportunity despite of not having any Major League managerial experience...

I liken what the Dbacks can do to the direction the Detroit Tigers took with their managerial/coaching staff....

Alan Trammell became their manager last season and most are aware that he didnt have any managerial experience at any level whatsoever...He just coached 3B with the Padres for at least a couple of seasons (that was his only coaching background).... He assembled a coaching staff consisting of mainly former Tigers and the BIGGEST hire was Kirk Gibson as their bench coach....

Kirk Gibson didnt have any coaching experience at all and was for 2-4 years the Tigers color analyst on FOXSports....People back in Detroit some times couldnt tolerate his style of announcing and were afraid that he'd be too "buddy-buddy" with the players or stir a lot of conflict, but he's maintained his composure for the most part.....

The reason why I brought all that up is because the Dbacks should have Grace serve in the same capacity as Gibson, as a "bench coach" to mediate between the players and whichever manager they hire.....

I still can't believe this remark that Brenly made a couple months ago and was shocked then that Jerry C. didnt demand a retraction.....

"I try not to look in the stands when the Cubs and Giants come to town," Brenly said. "It can be a little irritating . . . I understand the lifelong, blueblood Cubbie fans - great-grandpa, grandpa, dad and the whole deal. I certainly understand that as well as anybody. God bless them, but I'd wish to hell they'd go to Wrigley and stay out of our ballpark."

So this could essentially motivate the Giants further in this upcoming series....

I do agree though with the premise that once you're an Arizonan (in the case of being a transplant like myself), that you should completely convert from the team you grew-up rooting for to the "home team" (can't really have 2nd favorites or such as well), but with a team that has had some below average attendance at times, those remarks obviously compound matters worse.....

That along with him airing out his "dirty laundry" to the media opposed to the players directly suggest that he's searching for a "way out"....

I've been meaning to check, how long until Brenly's contract expires anyways? Would Jerry C. pull the trigger if he has more than a year remaining on it?

 

[AZZenny]

Runs out at the end of this season.

Perhaps people don't think Brenly should be fired for other reasons - they know the GM saddled him with a lame excuse for a team and HE should be fired first - or they blame the players directly for being exactly what they could be predicted to be if anyone cared to look, and/or injuries.

I think Grace should be kept out of the mix totally for several years - he could only interfere with any manager at this point, since he has stated his desire to manage here. (A conflict of interest that wouldn't be tolerated in most business environments.) That can't happen until all his old cronies are long gone.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Runs out at the end of this season.

Perhaps people don't think Brenly should be fired for other reasons - they know the GM saddled him with a lame excuse for a team and HE should be fired first - or they blame the players directly for being exactly what they could be predicted to be if anyone cared to look, and/or injuries.

I think Grace should be kept out of the mix totally for several years - he could only interfere with any manager at this point, since he has stated his desire to manage here. (A conflict of interest that wouldn't be tolerated in most business environments.) That can't happen until all his old cronies are long gone.

Thanks for the info on when Brenly contract expires....

I always thought for whatever reason that he had at least one more year remaining, but now since you've provided me with the right info....this puts a lot more into perspective....

I can never recall Jerry C. giving Brenly a true "vote of confidence" or even a hint that he'll extend Brenly's contract...... I am wondering if "Mr C." was waiting to see what direction this season took, and taken into account that
Brenly is in a "lame-duck" situation and how poorly this team is performing, Brenly will be terminated during the All-Star break (especially if the Dbacks are still mired in last place).....That would give enough time for Brenly and Jerry C. to both hold press conferences announcing Brenly's resignation, give a chance for the players to regroup (for Brenly, then upper-management, and Brenly's replacement to meet w/them).....

I have a feeling that Pedrique will be hired on an interim level and ala Mike D'Antoni (for those who dont know, the coach of the Phoenix Suns), Pedrique will receive a 2-year contract extension regardless of the Dbacks record under him immediately after the season......

Even though Grace expressed his desire to manage the Dbacks, I hope he didnt think w/in 2-years of retiring either....If he is already been guaranteed the managing job.....I dont know how I would react to that.....Mere words wouldnt express the disgust I would have......

I know there are some camps who completely target Joe G. for the Dbacks woes, but he had to adhere to the $85 mil budget constraints that Jerry C imposed on him....That's why he signed Sparks and Reynolds as "cheap", "low risk" short-term prospects until some of the AA and lesser AAA experienced pitchers were ready enough..... I do fault him though for getting damaged goods (Reynolds, Nance, Lyons, and Fossum) with advance knowledge of their condition.....

Everyone from top down is to blame and true they did win one WS and have been contenders every year (but '98), it's about time they go for a complete over-haul starting w/Brenly and most of the hold-overs from the '01 team IE Finley and Bautista....