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Gameday Thread, #7: 4/7 vs.Dodgers

Mrsnakepit_tiny by Jim McLennan on

Los Angeles @ Arizona


Cin_medium

Esteban Loaiza
RHP, 0-1, 3.38

 Ari_medium

Dan Haren
RHP, 0-0, 4.50

Baseball-Reference.com preview [opens in new window]

With all due respect to the Rockies, I think most D-backs fans would regard them as less of a threat to us repeating as champion, than the Dodgers. Los Angeles strengthened their team in a couple of significant ways over the winter, not least with the arrival of Jones and Kuroda, and also have some very good young players, such as Loney and Kemp. I mean, rather than Luis Gonzalez in left, they now have Andre Ethier. That's a big improvement, right there.

I think it's probably very important for Arizona to get the win today, as the rest of the series, the pitching edge probably goes to LA. We have Billingsley vs. Davis [it appears, at the moment, anyway] tomorrow, and then Kuroda vs. Owings on Wednesday, and I'd settle for a split of those two games. Today, however, pits the Dodgers' #5 starter against the Diamondbacks' #2, and we should be looking to make the most of this chance.

Haren's first start was solid, and he'd have picked up the win, if not for Lyon's ninth-inning meltdown. He did give up a couple of big flies, and that could prove problematic at Chase. Haren's effectiveness relies, to a great extent, on him keeping the ball down in the strike-zone, and as long as he does that, he should be fine. The Dodgers' pitching has been as good as advertised - only eleven runs allowed in six games - but Loaiza did take the loss in his only appearances, pitching in relief as the result of a rain-affected game. Because of off-days, this will be his first start of the season, all the more reason to pounce.

The game is a sellout, which is nice to see. Just poked my head round the door here [we're two blocks from Chase Field] and the place is already getting pretty busy. Be good to have a rockin' atmosphere for the game. Be even better to start off on the right foot, with another victory.

 

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Today's lineup:

C. Young cf
E. Byrnes lf
O. Hudson 2b
C. Jackson 1b
M. Reynolds 3b
S. Drew ss
J. Upton rf
C. Snyder c
D. Haren p

by foulpole on Apr 7, 2008 8:13 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm waiting for someone to convince me that Byrnes in the #2 slot is a good idea. We'll see how it goes.

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Convincing you

The grea thing about Byrnes in the #2 slot is that he's not up to bat with 2 outs to begin with. So when he golfs at the low ball, it's only an out, not the end of the inning. First time around, at least.

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 8:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

That is an excellent point. And with Chris Young leading off, there's a chance he's hit a home run, so Byrnes can't hit into a double play. I now see the method to Melvin's madness.

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Is a RBI triple a little convincing? ;-)

by foulpole on Apr 7, 2008 9:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

See Snyder

Is back down in the #8 hole...

by Jim McLennan on Apr 7, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And those other guys:

R. Furcal ss
R. Martin c
J. Loney 1b
J. Kent 2b
A. Ethier rf
A. Jones cf
B. DeWitt 3b
J. Pierre lf
E. Loaiza p

by foulpole on Apr 7, 2008 8:15 PM EDT   0 recs

soco's keys for the game

1) Eat a couple beef dogs
2) Switch over to "How I Met Your Mother" while the game TiVos.
3) Switch back and watch another Diamondbacks victory!
4 Dessert?

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 8:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Better re-work #2

How I Met Your Mother is bumped for the NCAA finals, I think.

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Screw that

Baseball is everything in the sports world right now to me, and "How I Met Your Mother," being a limited engagement, bumps baseball. I'd probably be more willing to watch the Final if UCLA was still in it so I could see if my bracket would win, but alas.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 8:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey

I loom in Purplerow and I gotta say, you guys out played us this last series.

However, KICK THE DODGERS @$$!!!

LOL

Die-hard Rockies fan. On the bandwagon since 7/6/93. Not giving up my seat. EVER! rockiesfan4ever reffered you

by rockiesfan4ever on Apr 7, 2008 8:28 PM EDT   0 recs

Thank you!

We will endeavor to do so, and we wish you the same over the Braves.

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 8:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL

We'd need an offense for that to happen

Die-hard Rockies fan. On the bandwagon since 7/6/93. Not giving up my seat. EVER! rockiesfan4ever reffered you

by rockiesfan4ever on Apr 7, 2008 9:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I can say though

Our AAA team beat your AAA (3 times out of 4)!

Die-hard Rockies fan. On the bandwagon since 7/6/93. Not giving up my seat. EVER! rockiesfan4ever reffered you

by rockiesfan4ever on Apr 7, 2008 9:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey man!

Don't rag on the Sidewinders!!

"I was tied to a chair and he had a baseball bat. Pissing him off was the smart thing to do."

by DbacksSkins on Apr 8, 2008 3:07 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

With pleasure.

Feel free to f#*% up the Braves, as well.

"I was tied to a chair and he had a baseball bat. Pissing him off was the smart thing to do."

by DbacksSkins on Apr 8, 2008 3:07 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

That scoreboard is ridiculous

I can't wait to see it this weekend in person.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Word up

That was really cool!

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

and it's ghost town here at the 'Pit.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

We're marshaling our forces. Or waiting for first pitch, whichever.

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Lot of people at the game, I imagine

I just got home, dealt with a wireless Internet outage and am getting set up here. Mrs. SnakePit has gone to get hot-dogs. :-)

by Jim McLennan on Apr 7, 2008 9:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

We've got pizza

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:41 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I just got home from eating Chinese food.

Glad I caught the bus in time to get home for the start!

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:42 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I made chinese food

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Oooh

I think you win.

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:44 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I actually had

leftover homemade chinese food. :) (Well... Trader Joe's made...)

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I noticed

Everyone must be there, or must be parked at the tv without their laptops! (Oh the horror...)

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:41 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Parked at the TV...

with my laptop, but busy with school work. I'll still be posting, though.

by azshadowwalker on Apr 7, 2008 10:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey all

Hey all,
New member to the Snakepit here. Been a fan of the Dbacks since the franchise formed in '98. Anyway, just wanted to say hey and I'm really lookin forward to how Haren fares in the home opener!

by jsk6788 on Apr 7, 2008 9:42 PM EDT   0 recs

welcome

Baseball season, when everything becomes right in the world.

by seton hall snake pit on Apr 7, 2008 9:42 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Welcome!

Glad to have you aboard. Hope you enjoy the 'Pit!

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Welcome!

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hello,

enjoy your time here:-)

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:44 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Glad to have you with us

If I do say so myself, we are a very nice group.

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

haha, I've noticed. I've been reading the boards while watching the games on mlb.com in class the past few days. haha

by jsk6788 on Apr 7, 2008 9:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

This is definately the place to be

pretty lively during games.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:47 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Getting moreso every series

It used to be soooo quiet... I'm very excited with how much it's grown. :)

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Even last year until the playoffs

we'd barely hit 100. This new posting system I think helps, though, with it being easier now.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Let me join in the chorus of Welcomes... AZ Snakepit - Guaranteed to distract you when you should be paying attention to thing like work.

by singaporedbacksfan on Apr 7, 2008 9:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

haha, or in my case, class. ha, at least its a very welcome distraction.

by jsk6788 on Apr 7, 2008 9:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Better late than never

Welcome! The more, the merrier. And, going by the results thus far, as Reynolds hits another bomb, you must really drop in more often. How does every game sound? :-)

by Jim McLennan on Apr 7, 2008 9:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I was resting

and making a hot water bottle.

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:42 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm here now

was finishing up a bit of homework. Won't be active early but I'll be lurking about.

Baseball season, when everything becomes right in the world.

by seton hall snake pit on Apr 7, 2008 9:43 PM EDT   0 recs

Nice start for Haren

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Haren looks good in that frame

location was a bit shaky at first but he locked down. Now let's rev up that offense!

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Gameday a bit behind (what's new?)

It just registered that the inning is over

by singaporedbacksfan on Apr 7, 2008 9:48 PM EDT   0 recs

I know,it's like deja vu all over again

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Okay!

Two strike outs, not bad. Let's show 'em the bats are working!

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:48 PM EDT   0 recs

Walk #8

I like Chris Young being more patient with his pitches!

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:50 PM EDT   0 recs

And here's Byrnsie!!

And he can't end the inning!!

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:50 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm glad Chris Young is getting that OBP up. Maybe he's not such a bad choice for lead-off after all...

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:50 PM EDT   0 recs

Wow another walk by Young

His work over the winter and spring seems to be paying off

by singaporedbacksfan on Apr 7, 2008 9:50 PM EDT   0 recs

Stand up triple

the most exciting play in baseball!

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:51 PM EDT   0 recs

See? See? See?

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:51 PM EDT   0 recs

Who was kvetching about Byrnes batting 2nd?

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:51 PM EDT   0 recs

Oh, hush, no one disagreed with me at the time. =)

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I did!!

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

That was Kishi

...but we (I) convinced him it was a brilliant move by Melvin.

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

two-zip!

Just like that!

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:51 PM EDT   0 recs

Woah!

Byrnes swings at the first pitch, and it works? I am shocked!

Maybe Byrnes can convince me he belongs in the #2 slot...

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:51 PM EDT   0 recs

he's doin a pretty good job of convincin me so far.

by jsk6788 on Apr 7, 2008 9:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Pretty good

Mrs. SnakePit just brough the laptop back. :-) Great start: Haren with a fine first inning, and our first three hitters all reach. 2-0 to yhr good guys, no outs...

by Jim McLennan on Apr 7, 2008 9:52 PM EDT   0 recs

Holy CRAP!!

what did you guys do?!?!

Baseball season, when everything becomes right in the world.

by seton hall snake pit on Apr 7, 2008 9:52 PM EDT   0 recs

OMG

I was going to bitch about the fact that Quentin is doing very well in Chicago... Prove you're worth it Byrnes!

by singaporedbacksfan on Apr 7, 2008 9:52 PM EDT   0 recs

GONE!!!

This game roooocks!

by snakecharmer on Apr 7, 2008 9:53 PM EDT   0 recs

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Apr 7, 2008 9:53 PM EDT   0 recs

WOAH BABY!!

Baseball season, when everything becomes right in the world.

by seton hall snake pit on Apr 7, 2008 9:53 PM EDT   0 recs

NICE

by jsk6788 on Apr 7, 2008 9:53 PM EDT   0 recs

Woooooh!

This is how you should start a home opener! Way to go, guys!

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:54 PM EDT   0 recs

First pitch homers

Are pretty awesome...

by Frank Squishy on Apr 7, 2008 9:54 PM EDT   0 recs

Ahem

have I ever mentioned that I love Mark Reynolds?

We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.

by hotclaws on Apr 7, 2008 9:55 PM EDT   0 recs

I second that.

by jsk6788 on Apr 7, 2008 9:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

You and DbacksSkins have the Sheriff fan club

if I remember correctly.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I like how Gameday has that third pitch on Stephen Drew's mid-thigh.

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:55 PM EDT   0 recs

Nice to see

Sutton calling up Hit Tracker as a measurement for homers.

by Jim McLennan on Apr 7, 2008 9:56 PM EDT   0 recs

Stanley did it again!

by foulpole on Apr 7, 2008 10:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And that's what speed does.

The boys in Sedona Red slugged it out with a pretty pesky poltergeist, then stayed on to dance the night away with some of the lovely ladies who witnessed the disturbance.

by soco on Apr 7, 2008 9:56 PM EDT   0 recs

It kills?

"Look what it's done for us. People still don't recognize us but..." *snaps fingers*
"We're contenders now!"

by kishi on Apr 7, 2008 9:57 PM EDT