DBacks Daily 10/15/07 - It wasn't roaring, it was weeping

by snakecharmer on Oct 15, 2007 2:03 PM EDT in Diamondbacks News

Sorry guys, I've been sick the past few days and hardly had the energy to type, but I figured if you wanted to read the bad news, there was no shortage of it. And unfortunately, that trend continues today, because the losing trend continued last night.

Eric Byrnes was right, this team hasn't given anybody any reason to believe they're going to win this thing. They're not up there scratching and clawing for runs as they did all season long, they're swinging at first pitches (Drew, Callaspo) and popping out (Byrnes, Young) and striking out (Reynolds, Salazar, Upton) when we need hits. The team isn't really here, not the team that picks itself up after losses like this. We aren't out there roaring for a win with only 4 runs scored in the first three games. This team can do better, but it hasn't shown up yet, and it's hard to tell if it will.. Down 3-0, it's not impossible to come back from this, but frankly I'd almost (not totally) rather be swept tonight and have the Rockies go on to sweep the AL team out of the World Series... that would be pretty cool to see.

Anyway. On to some of the news of the day. (There's plenty more out there.) Torrealba spoiled Livan's (Republic) magic show last night with a blast to put this one firmly out of reach in the 6th. At the moment, Owings is still set and ready (Republic) to pitch tonight in Game 4, but that could change.. Other changes include Jeff Cirillo starting tonight (Republic) at second base in place of Ojeda, who hasn't looked terribly good at the plate all series.

Despite the hole and the need for a great comeback (MLB.com), the Dbacks actually still have a lot of confidence (MLB.com) that they can come back and rattle off some wins. And as Tony Clark says, he's been on the losing end of it, so he knows how possible that is.

The Rockies are ready to put this one away, (SportsTicker) but there's still a game to be played. Maybe Micah Owings' bat will do some good (SportsTicker) in the lineup tonight. It's Game 4, tonight, (InsideEdge) 7:18pm, TBS.

Tweet Comment 26 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Melvin's given up

Cirillo at second?

"Obviously my range isn't as good as Augie's or Orlando's..."

Understatement of the year.

While we're at it, let's put Reynolds at short, Jackson at 3rd, Drew in Center, Byrnes at catcher, Clark in left, Doug Davis in right, Upton at 1st, and have Owings catch Edgar Gonzalez.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Hmm...

2 catchers... I guess Byrnes is on the bench.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, there's no center fielder.

So you're stuck with your favorite guy out there, unless you put Nippert out there. Both make sense.

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, Drew's in center.

Well, I give up.

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Drew's in center

But I may sit him for Nippert. I think Nippert's height would really help him in center.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Doug Davis

would make an awesome right fielder. No one would think of taking home on him. A regular Francouer of an arm.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 15, 2007 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

That

and he's been one of our best hitters in this series.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Only because

Colorado had its outfield playing basically on the basepaths.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 15, 2007 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll be very surprised...

If Webb pitches tonight. All of Melvin's comments seem to be leaning toward Owings, and I think it's the right decision (one of few Melvin has made in this series). Owings has the added advantage of not having faced the Rockies this year, which means his 2 1/2 pitches will be brand new to them.

Bottom line, it won't matter who pitches unless the offense wakes the hell up. There will be no excuses for another one-run performance at Coors Field, regardless of how well the Rockies have pitched out of jams.

by Azreous on Oct 15, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

It should be Webb

Owings needs to win a game, the bats need to wake up, but our backs are toally against the wall, and we need to do everything we can to win this game, which means pitching our ace. The fact that he could then pitch game seven if we manage the near-impossible is just gravy. You need to do everything you can to win now.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 15, 2007 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree 100%

I think Melvin HAS to start Webb tonight. We are now officially playing for 7 games and having Webb available for the 7th on regular rest has to be considered.

I have Webb start and Owings warming in the pen if Webb should show signs of not having it.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Well

I guess I could back off of that a little, but even if he doesn't start tonight, I still hold Webb for game 7 whether it ever comes or not.

Bob Melvin Sucks

by nihil67 on Oct 15, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll take Owings

At least he can hit. We are like 2 for 5,000 with RISP in this series, so I'll take another bat.

by oklahomasooners on Oct 15, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

Owings

Stick with Owings. It's not the pitching that lost us the game but the lack of hitting. I think he has earned the right to pitch one game in the post season. Maybe his bat can also help ignite something in the way of timely offense.

by TwinnerA on Oct 15, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Micah should be given a chance!

There are so many reasons for him to pitch: Rockies have never faced him, he's rested unlike Webb, he has a big bat, and he is a competitor who rises to the challenge. I don't recall Webb being incredibly effective against the Rockies. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.) Other teams--yes. Rockies--no. Also, 4 days rest is pushing it for any pitcher and if we won, we will still need him for lots more baseball. As TwinnerA states, the lack of hitting has been our biggest deficit not pitching. Since Melvin seems to err on the side of player confidence, I doubt he will pull Owings.

by batster on Oct 15, 2007 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

BOMEL

BOMEL named NL manager of the year!!!!!!!!!!!

by trevjohnson on Oct 15, 2007 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

Great

Maybe he can have a glass of the (f-bomb deleted at the request of moderator)-ing champagne they're busting out at Coors tonight.

Does Coors make champagne? That would be sweet, watching the Rockies all have to drink Adolph Coors & Co. Sparkling wine.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 15, 2007 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

It's not about Micah getting a chance

Micah deserves a chance -- in Game 5, after we win this one. We need all four games anyway, and I'm more confident in Webb tonight & Webb in 7 then I am in Owings, Webb, Davis, and then Hernandez. So sue me.

by andrewinnewyork on Oct 15, 2007 5:15 PM EDT reply actions