I don't think this year is anywhere near as bad as 2004, not least because there was precious little hope then. Now, I am fairly optimistic for the future - though I confess I would be happier if Young, Drew and Quentin were tearing it up a bit more down in Tucson. Generally, the only players whose performance I care much about are those who'll be here next year: Webb, Jackson, Tracy, etc. I almost want L.Gonzalez to suck, and remove any chance of his option being picked up. So far, he's doing well. ;-)

I agree, we do need another top-tier starter, but think it'll come via a trade. It obviously should not be Russ Ortiz v2.0 [I see he got lit up for the Orioles again yesterday, including two homers to Thome, one a grand slam and once more denied there was any problem!], but till it gets announced, I'll be on tenterhooks. All told though, it's a good time to be a D'backs fan, and I too look forward to seeing how the rest of the season and beyond pans out.

I want these boys to win.

They have provided such an array of emotions since 1998.

I insufferably followed the performance of the Cubs from late fall of 1968, through the great and disappointing seasons from 1969 through 1984; 1984 and the Cub killer Padres; 1989 and the Cub killer Giants; through the 1990's until the strike year of 1994.  I lost faith in Baseball until MLB named the Dbacks as our expansion team in 1995.

I remember the 1999 campaign where until after the All Star game this team was just biding its time.  Then they went on a terror and completed the season with 100 wins.  That season's results ended with Todd Pratt's walk off homerun over the center field wall at Shea.  That was the year of the NY Subway Series.

The 2000 campaign was the final year of Buck and his boys.

The 2001 campaign was very emotional and finally very rewarding.  Being a long and suffering Cub Fan, the Diamondbacks were so kind enough to give me the chance to view a World Series of unforgettable proportions.  The fact that I could personally witness games 2 and 6 with incredible wins was a lifetime dream come true.  Game 7 will always be absolutely the best sports drama one could have ever witnessed.

Since those wonderful days, this team has been mediocre for all kinds of reasons.

I do dream of a more competitive team for our future.  If we can stay healthy and competitive, we should not be at the bottom of this division by the end of the year.  

As for the expected fire sale, I don't know what value there really is.  Everyone thinks that there are going to be all kinds of tire kickers looking for one of our gems.  We got no gems.  Just obsidian non valued stones who lack work and shine.  We are stuck with what we paid for.

I will continue to smile when we win and complain creatively when we lose.  I will complain when we win barely, like the results from tonight's soiree!

I love when a player plays with passion.  EByrnes is one of those players.  So is OHound.  Craig Counsell excels when his producing at the plate.  His defense is usually pretty sound.  It is the little things that he does that makes me appreciate his work ethics and efforts.

I don't like when players play with non-emotion and dog their duties.  I don't like when LuGon plays a soft LF.  I don't like when SHGreen plays a soft RF.  I don't like when there appears to be a lack of desire to make the opposing pitcher work for his pitches.  I don't like when our pitchers don't prepare for the opponents hitters.  I didn't like the way Pedrique was managing his baby players.  I don't like BoMels' lack of passion.

What is boils down to is that there are plenty of professionals making plenty of money playing a sports game with their God given talents.  Go out and make it look like your earning your first $100 for your first game.  Fans and general public will give players all kinds of credit if the players appear to be hustling and having fun.  We all know when the players are dogging their performances.

I am very critical of how the game should be played.  I am also very envious that these professionals are making a very good living for themselves and their families.  I work hard for myself and my family.  I expect them to do the same.

Maybe in my children's life time will we all be able to experience a Chicago Cub World Series and World Championship.  If the White Sox can do it, so can the Cubs.

The Diamondbacks will always be my team.  Until the management can get rid of Baxter, the Bobcat, I will not be complete!

Let's all keep up the good writing and sporting vigilance of our Dbacks performances.