Off-day thread: Second-half Edition

If the Dodger's ownership/management group...

...didn’t think they were in Pittsburgh instead of LA we’d have no chance, but thankfully they seem unconcerned about improving their team and we’ll be the recipient of the NL West, even though I don’t think we’re going to be but a handful of games over 500.

"There are only two seasons: winter and baseball"
-- Bill Veeck

by njjohn on Jul 17, 2008 1:02 PM EDT 0 recs

If we get swept

this weekend against the dudgers though, I think we can officially stick a fork in the season.

There were some hopeful signs before the break. Let’s hope they continue on that track once the games start again.

"It's like deja vu all over again."

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 17, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Tony Clark

I’m sure this will come up pretty soon on its own thread but Buster Olney is reporting on ESPN that the DBacks traded for Tony Clark. No word yet on what they gave up.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3493542

Where have you gone Mike Fetters?

by NewJackCity on Jul 17, 2008 1:48 PM EDT 0 recs

I heard

that we traded Chris Burke and Chad Qualls for Tony Clark and Jake Peavy.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

Also,

the blood of Eric Byrnes was required to seal the deal, but because he’s the FOTF, the Padres threw in Adrian Gonzalez and/or Chris White Young. (Details are still sketchy)

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

SWEET!

somehow though, I bet Burke sticks around

"It's like deja vu all over again."

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 17, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

I freaking wish

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The first is never get involved in a land war in Asia. The second, only slightly less well known, is this: never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha --

by utahdbacksfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

Before coming here I had just said to my sister that I wish we had gotten Peavy too in the trade. That would be sweet! Peavy isn’t having such a good time tonight vs. the Cardinals as he’s given up 4 solo homers (2 to Glaus, 1 to Ankiel and 1 to Mather) and is in line for a loss.

by TwinnerA on Jul 17, 2008 10:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Off Topic...

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.
:-D

Discuss.

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 2:11 PM EDT 0 recs

I still

have no idea what that is, but I do see you and Liz talkin’ boudit.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

Watch it.

Now.

www.drhorrible.com

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Um....

Maybe after work?

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

oh, fine.

:-)

it’s basically a mini-musical written in 3 acts by the guy who did Buffy…I’m not really his biggest fan, but this is so great.

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll pass

I saw the Buffy musical – that was the moment the show jumped the shark for me. About two members of the cast could carry a tune, and Whedon’s talents are not as a composer or lyricist.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 17, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll admit

I was wary of this because of the Buffy musical. I never like Buffy, and that didn’t help. Give Dr Horrible a chance. Neil Patrick Harris is perfect for the role (I didn’t know he could sing…) and the whole thing is just funny.

C’mon…you know you want too… :-)

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

Neil Patrick Harris has done some good Broadway stuff- he was great in Assassins, and he played Toby in the revival of Sweeney Todd, if I remember right.

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

Eagerly awaiting Act III. NPH is just so perfect as Dr. Horrible; and Nathan Fillion goes above and beyond in his smarminess. I loved the chorus that represents Bad Horse. The look on Dr. Horrible’s face at the beginning of Act II—heartbreaking.

“if you’re gonna get into the Evil League of Evil, you’ve got to have a memorable laugh.”

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

Who is the actor

playing the moist guy?

He looks familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it.

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 2:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

Simon Helberg

He’s been in a bunch of stuff- MadTV and Big Bang Theory are the two I recognize him from.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0374865/

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

Thanks.

:-)

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up 0 recs

Playoffs?

I hope so, but I don’t believe it. CJ and Hudson are the only hitters I have any faith in (although I have hope for LOTS of others). Haren won’t pitch all year like he did in June/July, Webb is Webb and Davis is Davis, but RJ and Owings look suspect. Hopefully the break will refresh Qualls, but Pena is worrisome. Lyon will have a few hiccups. All in all, we have to hit better to win. And I wouldn’t bet my paycheck on that happening.

by Craig from Az on Jul 17, 2008 2:35 PM EDT 0 recs

We hit MUCH better

in the 2nd half last year, even with Eric Byrnes’ annual second half slump.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

PLAYOFFS!?

You wanna talk about playoffs!?

By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

by soco on Jul 17, 2008 11:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

+1

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 11:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

I was

waiting for that, and I pretty much assumed you’d be the one to post it.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 18, 2008 12:48 AM EDT up 0 recs

Agreed

But we balmed Seitzer for our first half woes. Looks now like he was a scapegoat.

The thing that worries me is that our 1st half stats reflect a FANTASTIC April/half of May and a HORRIBLE June/July. I have no idea what to expect going forward.

by Craig from Az on Jul 17, 2008 2:52 PM EDT 0 recs

i think we'll need to pack some

Dramamine…. The ups and downs will likely induce motion sickness.

"It's like deja vu all over again."

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 17, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I thought we traded away Valverde just to avoid the motion sickness.

by Bcawz on Jul 17, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

SURPRISE!!!!!

"It's like deja vu all over again."

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 17, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sexson

Saw that the Yankees are gonna sign (or did) Sexson. I know many here are not fans of him.

by Bcawz on Jul 17, 2008 3:53 PM EDT 0 recs

Give the devil his due.

Sexson is a pretty decent hitter when he’s not sucking so much.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

That’s like saying it’s dark outside when it’s not so sunny. He’s either a decent hitter or he isn’t. And he isn’t.

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 6:51 PM EDT up 0 recs

Errrr....

maybe I should have included a little winky face or a ”/sarcasm” flag….

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah, probably I should have too!

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

I shouldn’t have, because I didn’t post in this conversation.

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

You don't need to

because we know you are ALWAYS sarcastic.

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

“Oh, sarcasm! That’s original.”

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

+100!!

So, I think this game is somewhere on the East Coast, and I'm pretty sure someone mentioned that this time it counts. What it counts for, I'm still not sure. Also, there are some pretty good players in this one. Some of the best, I think.

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Oh, the Evil League of Evil wants you to join! Do you have a good (bad) laugh?

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

I have an excellent evil laugh

I can thank my grandfather for teaching me young.

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 10:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

I was just thinking of him.

That was one very very scary laugh. I wonder if he was secretly in the Evil League of Evil? He was a scientist, and they are very frequently portrayed as evil geniuses. . .

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Jul 17, 2008 10:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

can we please get rid of chris burke soon?

also, the dbacks website said we traded a minor leauge pitcher for clark, oh goodness, i do hope its not scherzer. hes too valuable

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The first is never get involved in a land war in Asia. The second, only slightly less well known, is this: never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha --

by utahdbacksfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:13 PM EDT 0 recs

It's not Scherzer. I don't think ANYONE in our FO is THAT dumb.

It’s a guy having a good season in A+.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

There's a trailer for Watchmen out

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/watchmen/trailer

I’m still insanely skeptical that Watchmen can be made into a good movie without gutting it. The trailer looks pretty cool- what else would you expect from the guy who made 300 but elaborate visuals- but doesn’t do much to sell me on the idea that it’ll live up to the story.

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 7:21 PM EDT 0 recs

Alan Moore

Must be frothing at the mouth. Having seen Hollywood’s previous bastardizations of his work, like From Hell, V for Vendetta, Hellblazer/Constantine and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, I dread to think what they’ll do to his magnum opus.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 17, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up 0 recs

From what I’ve read, Alan Moore’s response gotten to the stage of “Fine, fine, whatever, just don’t talk to me about it or pretend I like it.”

"Evil lurks everywhere, often in plain sight... Can you lurk in plain sight? Or is that just walking?"

by kishi on Jul 17, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

Most comics make a great jump (in theory)

to film, but Watchmen is at it’s best in the comic medium. This film could be enjoyable at most, but like the Wanted movie, only because the concept is good, not because it’s a good adaptation.

By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

by soco on Jul 17, 2008 11:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

As the self proclaimed comic book professor of azsnakepit.com, I have to chime in on this subject.

The Watchmen is one of my favorite graphic novels of all time, all though personally, I think it’s quite overrated. Getting to the point, the book is not really just a political commentary thinly vieled with costumes and super heroes, but a reference to the comic book industry it self.

I think the hardest part of adapting the comic to film is the handling of Rorschach and Dr. Manhattan, for two completely different reasons. Rorschach is completely unsympathetic to the criminal element, and he’s willing to do just about anything to find the answers and reveal the truth to the world. In the process he’s completely alienated him self from the rest of society. I think accurately translating Rorschach’s moral absolutism and objectivism to film would be difficult, especially in the span of a 2-3 hour movie.

The difficulty in translating Dr. Manhattan to film not only lies in his personality and character, but in his appearance and powers. I mean, he’s essentially an omnipotent deity who’s perception of reality and time make it nigh-impossible for him to identify and empathize with his colleagues and friends, let alone the rest of humanity. Not to mention he’s a blue, bald, and wears nothing but a thong for most of the story.

The story with in a story , Tales of the Black Freighter, which provides a subtle commentary through out the Watchman, seems like another thing that would prove difficult to translate into film. From what I understand, they’re most likely going to leave out of the movie. I have heard that they might make a movie out of it though.

Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.

by Zephon on Jul 18, 2008 6:09 AM EDT up 0 recs

Quote from Moore

Out of the Wikipedia article on the movie:

You get people saying, ‘Oh, yes, Watchmen is very cinematic,’ when actually it’s not. It’s almost the exact opposite of cinematic… I didn’t design it to show off the similarities between cinema and comics, which are there, but in my opinion are fairly unremarkable. It was designed to show off the things that comics could do that cinema and literature couldn’t.

Based purely on the previous attempts to film his work, it seems inevitable that it’s going to be dumbed-down, somewhere between a fair bit [From Hell] and massively [League of Extraordinary Gentlemen], which kinda removes much of the point. I can certainly see it turned into a superhero film, and made much more conventional – with Snyder behind the camera, it easily might still be entertaining, but I’m not expecting a lot.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 18, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up 0 recs

Woo!!

My trip to California is a go! I’ll be in Long Beach from August 1st to August 4th. We’ll be going to Dodger Stadium to see the Diamondbacks take on the Dodgers on the 3rd (really, that was just a coincidence…we didn’t plan it that way) and spending the rest of the weekend just being lazy and laying on the beach. We made a point of avoiding theme parks, but apart from that, any suggestions of things to do for poor college students on a road trip? :-)

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 17, 2008 10:45 PM EDT 0 recs

Does getting drunk on cheap vodka count? ;)

That’s seemingly the No1 choice for most Uni students in this country….ahh can’t wait to be a student again come September ;)

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 18, 2008 3:47 AM EDT up 0 recs

It counts

if you want to buy me vodka…keeping in mind the drinking age in the States is 21, and my best friend and I are 18.

Corrupting children, Wimb! What on Earth is wrong with you? :-P

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 18, 2008 3:59 AM EDT up 0 recs

I had a fake ID at 18

Of course, that was like three years ago. I didn’t realize you were in your teens though Emily.

Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.

by Zephon on Jul 18, 2008 5:36 AM EDT up 0 recs

Yep.

I’ll be 18 in…um, 38 days….Not that I’m counting or anything.
:-)

I don’t have a fake ID because really, there just hasn’t been a need for it. I don’t drink all that much, but when I do, there isn’t usually a problem getting it. The majority of my friends have older siblings that gladly buy for us, or when I would visit Flagstaff or ASU, at least half of my friends were 21. It just hasn’t been a problem.

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 18, 2008 2:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

Vodka sours

and Vodka tonics, those are my poison of choice on a Friday or Saturday night! What brand is served in Pubs over there?

"It's like deja vu all over again."

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 18, 2008 5:01 AM EDT up 0 recs

Ahh Apple Sourz!

Shots wide, Sourz is what’s on tapbut Corkeys shots are also available.

Vodka wise its Smirnoff almost always Smirnoff behind the bar with Red Square and Absolute mmmm

Also there are the pre mixed vodka drinks, Smirnoff Ice, VK’s and WKD’s are increasingly popular especially with the younger crowd (mainly underage drinkers it must be said…I was one of them)

It’s amazing how different the drinking cultures must be between here and the US. We are an increasingly binge drinking nation where kids as young as 15-16 are routinely getting smashed on cheap booze, with the age of consent at 18 it makes it alot more accesible. More to the point I can’t imagine going through Uni not being legally able to drink…the concept is mind boggling ;)

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 18, 2008 7:10 AM EDT up 0 recs

Blech.....

Vodka…. but I’ll buy it for you if you need it, Emily.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 19, 2008 3:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Eh.

I’d rather have some whiskey.

That’s just me, though.

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 19, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

You'd prefer whiskey?

What kind?

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 19, 2008 4:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

jack daniels, please.

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 19, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

I suspected as much.....

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 20, 2008 12:02 AM EDT up 0 recs

Or rum.

But everytime I say I like rum, I remind myself of that scene from Pirates: “But why is all the rum gone?”

Why did you suspect that I’m a Jack Daniels kind of girl?

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 20, 2008 2:30 AM EDT up 0 recs

Because

you’ve told me that before?

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 20, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

Uggh.

Some how I was talked into catering a friend’s wedding on short notice. The wedding is on Saturday, and I was asked to cater it on Wednesday. I don’t know if any of you guys and gals are familiar with the amount of work that goes into prepping and cooking appetizers, three different entrees, and dessert for a 50+ person event, but honestly I’ve been working like a bloody mad man for the last 36 hours trying to get all of that done essentially by myself. I’m still not done. Outside of seeing The Dark Knight, I’m going to be busy as f*ck tonight

Unfortunately, all of that means I’ve had no time to work on my mid-season report card for the minor league system. Hopefully if I get all my work done tomorrow night, I can actually sit down, write that, and have it done by Saturday. I also would like to get a prospect article done along with that, but at this point I really don’t have a clue as to who I should write about. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.

by Zephon on Jul 18, 2008 5:07 AM EDT 0 recs

Do you run a catering business

or are you just a good cook?

By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

by soco on Jul 18, 2008 9:08 AM EDT up 0 recs

Well....

I went to Scottsdale Le Cordon Bleu. I’ve been trying to start up a small catering company for a while, but the “company” consists of me, myself, and I.

Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.

by Zephon on Jul 18, 2008 10:17 AM EDT up 0 recs

That's pretty cool

By all means hit at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

by soco on Jul 18, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

What about the newly signed Schlereth?

by Bcawz on Jul 18, 2008 9:33 AM EDT up 0 recs

So the A's trade Blanton now

Just gone to the Phillies for 3 prospects

When they said that they were rebulding, they really meant it

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 18, 2008 9:33 AM EDT 0 recs

I give the A's an A+

on their trades. The Haren deal was the most balanced I believe. I think Beane takes the cake on the other 2 trades. He deserves every penny he makes.

Baseball season, when everything becomes right in the world.

by seton hall snake pit on Jul 18, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up 0 recs