The Big Unit & 300

by Augie's Army on May 28, 2009 1:39 PM EDT Comment 88 comments

The Unit will get 300 and while he will be wearing a Giants hat when he gets it; I hope the majority of DBacks fans will be ecstatic for him. The arguments on whether or not we should have brought him back have been discussed to death and there is no point in bringing it up again.

However, the possibility exists that the Big Unit could be going for 300 against the DBacks when the Giants come to town in early June. The Unit would just have to get a no decision or loss in his next start to make this scenario possible. My question for the board is would you go to the game and cheer for Johnson? The guy is easily the best player in franchise history and won 3 of the 4 games in the 2001 World Series. Personally, if Randy is going for 300 I will be attending and even pulling for him to get it. Our season appears to be a relatively lost cause and according to Hinch’s logic it would only be 1 game, right? If we had resigned Johnson his quest for 300 would absolutely be the highlight of the season and the chance to see a guy get 300 wins just doesn't happen that often. One cannot help but laugh at the irony about the most decorated guy in franchise history who was allowed to walk has a chance to return home to reach a historic milestone wearing a division rival’s colors.

**EDIT According to the radio, Randy has been getting a full 5 days rest between starts this year and not going every 5th day as I has assumed. Looks like the Giants will have to get a rain out in Miami for him to pitch in AZ.**

Poll

If the Big Unit is going for 300 at Chase against the DBacks I will:

Attend & cheer for the Big Guy to get 300 and stick it to management!)

20 votes

Attend for the chance to see history but Go Dbacks.

16 votes

I love Randy and our season isn't going anywhere so why not?

13 votes

I won't attend the game because 300 is just a number

1 votes

50 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 88 comments

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Comments

attend with the chance

but will be rooting on the DBacks. I will not be rooting for Randy to fail, just my team to do a bit better, if that makes any sense.

"He who controls the Spice, controls the universe! "

by unnamedDBacksfan on May 28, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

by Pyromnc on May 28, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he's got a shot at it and I'm able to go to Phoenix

I’ll be there cheering his every pitch.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Every pitch? Each and every pitch? Every single pitch?

You’re going to be absolutely EXHAUSTED if he goes more than four innings…..

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on May 28, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I figured hyperbole was allowed on the internet.

But now, I think I’ll actually do it.

by Azreous on May 29, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You might be able to do it

I mean, you’re used to higher altitudes, the higher concentration of oxygen in the air down here might help you enough.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True.

by emilylovesthedbacks on May 29, 2009 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on May 29, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You cheer anyone for something like that. No matter if they are on your team or beating your team. Unless of course they used drugs etc.

If I see one more Eric Byrnes 'flip throw' I will shoot myself a whole bunch of times.

by edbigghead on May 28, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah...drugs.......they're bad.

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on May 28, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope we hit him around for 10 runs

We let him go at the right time, in my opinion. He’s going to get his 300th, he doesn’t have to do it at our expense with us cheering him on. People seem to find plenty of reasons to cheer on the opposition at the games as it is, to the point you sometimes don’t know who has home crowd advantage. Our season does look like a lost cause, which is why we can’t afford that loss – stranger things have happened in sports than for a team to turn things around mid-season and make a run. I wish Randy all the best, but he had abysmal games pitching for us, he can have one pitching for the other guys.

by aricat on May 28, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If he's looking for 300

I’ll cheer for him. Don’t know if I’ll get to go to the game, but in this one case, I’ll side with him.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He is now the enemy.

300 is a significant number, but I have absolutely zero additional interest in Johnson reaching it, just because he used to play for us.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 28, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's A Bold Statement

It’s more than just “he used to play for us.” He won 118 games as a Diamondback and is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why were able to achieve what we did in 2001. To show no compassion toward seeing Johnson reach the milestone seems pretty heartless.

I understand if you don’t want Randy to win his 300th game against the D-Backs, but you should at least be somewhat interested in seeing him do it against another team.

Wear your own fur.

by Sprankton on May 28, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even after we paid him over $100 million during his stay here

And also rescued him from New York, Randy showed little or no loyalty to Arizona. Why should Arizona show any loyalty to Randy?

To draw a comparison. It’s like after you’ve had a nasty break-up with a girl. She may have been really good in bed, and very pretty, but why should you give a damn about what happens to her down the line?

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 28, 2009 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear

Randy is both very pretty and good in bed. But those statements cannot be confirmed by an outside source…thank God.

by Counsellmember on May 29, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good way of putting it...

will now apply this approach to his ex from now on

Time for another drink then?

http://www.wimbles.wordpress.com

by Wimb on May 29, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's not forget the implications if you're pulling/cheering for Randy to win...

That means you’re pulling for US to lose. You’re going to go out there with a clear conscience and hope the Reynolds strikes out; that Justin hits a weak fly ball; that whoever OUR starting pitcher is LOSES! What if it’s Haren? Those of you who want to “witness history” are still going to side with Randy? Hmmph.

by aricat on May 28, 2009 4:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You bet.

I’ll side with him on each and every pitch in that start. If rooting against the Diamondbacks in one game out of 162 makes me a terrible person, then so be it. If our starting pitcher loses, it’ll be repayment to the Unit for all the times we couldn’t score enough runs to get him a win in a D-backs uniform. Reynolds is going to strike out whether or not I’m rooting for him. Upton can’t get a hit every time.

Besides…

Our season does look like a lost cause, which is why we can’t afford that loss

When the hell can you afford a loss, then? Would one loss in a sea of 100 be all that important?

(Note: I still think we’re going to end up in the 80 range and I still hold out hope that we can somehow challenge for this division, but I’m less than optimistic about it.)

I don’t have a problem with people either ignoring his effort or just flat-out booing him. It’s a different opinion than mine, and that’s fine. But if I pick up a ticket for the game, I’ve got the right to cheer for whomever I please.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We can afford a loss when it's no longer feasible for us to get back in this thing.

You said it yourself, you still hold out hope that we can somehow challenge for the division. In that event, each and every game would end up being critical. One loss would be all that important.

We don’t owe Randy anything. He had a great career with the D-backs, and helped us become champions, but it worked both ways. We gave him many great years and provided him with that opportunity to win the WS. He is a part of Diamondback HISTORY.

Now he plays for the opposition, the Giants, a division rival.

Of course you have your right to an opinion, and the right to cheer for whomever you please. I would just expect it would take a lot more for a loyal fan to turn on his team than for a chance to cheer on a former player try to achieve a milestone he’s going to get regardless, when that loss could come back to haunt us (albeit a remote chance).

by aricat on May 28, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That argument works both ways.

Yes, if he does it in Arizona it’ll be at the Diamondbacks expense, something in a perfect world I’d love to avoid. But his game here against Arizona is the only chance I’ll have to watch an accomplishment like this in person. Hell, it might be the last time that milestone is ever reached. I was very outspoken at the time about not bringing him back, regardless of his unwillingness to offer more of a discount than he did (personally, I would have liked to bring him back for 7.5 million, but again, I can see how Garland was more likely to have a better year). So I hate that he ended up with the Giants, and I hate that his 300th will have to count toward their tally in the standings.

But I’ll still root for him anyway.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I’ll spend the other 161 games living and dying with this team, every pitch. But I’m willing to set that aside for one game to recognize something impressive, even if the person involved didn’t leave on the best terms.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then for one game,

You’re a Giants fan, not a Diamondbacks fan. At least in my opinion. If you’re ok with that, great.

by aricat on May 28, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny thing

Your opinion? Not in my head. And, hence, doesn’t mean much of anything to me.

For one game, I’m cheering for Randy. That’s all it means.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess it all depends on your view of what it is to be a fan, then.

To me, picking and choosing when you cheer for your team does not constitute a very solid level of support. However, that’s probably just in my head too.

by aricat on May 28, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, it's bottom of the 7th

No score, two out, bases loaded. Upton’s at bat. The game, hypothetically, could mean the difference between winning or losing the division at some future point down the road. And you’re standing up screaming for RJ to strike the bum out. Yeah, I can see how in your head that would make you a D-backs fan.

by aricat on May 28, 2009 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look

I really appreciate that you’re trying to shame me into burning Randy Johnson in effigy and getting a “DBACKS-4-EVER” tattoo, and it might work if I was, say, 15 years old or a Cubs fan, but, on me, eh. I know I’m a fan, an irrational one at times. My love for this team? Doesn’t need your validation.

And, in my mind, there’s a difference between rooting for another player and rooting against my team. See, this way, I can get some joy out of the game no matter what happens…

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's a difference between not getting a tattoo

and not cheering for your team. However, I think we’ve both made our point. Clearly, we have different perspectives on what it means to be a loyal fan, that’s all. Cheers!

by aricat on May 28, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But there's no difference in rooting for your team, rooting for Randy Johnson, hoping the

tattoo artist spells correctly, and rooting for the Giants, DBacks, Cubs, and a 15 yr old to adequately pass a driver education course so he can root for all of these things.
You guys are golden.
Keep going.

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on May 28, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will keep going with a general comment.

When you think of cities that have amazing fans, places like Chicago or Boston, what sets them apart? There are a number of things I can think of: they are knowledgable, they’re critical of their team’s failures, they know how to have a good time at the game, they are easily vexed, but most of all, they are fiercely devoted. How would this situation unfold if it happened at Wrigley? I suspect Johnson would get raspberries all night long, and every hit the Cubs got would elicit a monstrous cheer, moreso than usual. Johnson strikeouts would be met by derision. But, at the end of the night, if Johnson came away with the win, the fans would stand in ovation. That’s the difference between loyal fans who show respect for the game, and the half-baked loyalty of other fans that makes it hard to tell at times which is the home team.

by aricat on May 29, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So

You want us to emulate Cubs fans? Not the greatest of sales pitches. Hell, they’re critical of their team’s successes, let alone failures…

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They haven't won a WS in 100 years

Considering that, I’d say they back their team well.

by aricat on May 29, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They also have a reputation of being boorish and overbearing, being quick to jump on their team for the slightest struggles, and being even quicker to jump on their fellow fans.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really

Ask any Dbacks fan who’s been to a Cubs-Diamondbacks game at Chase Field if they think Cubs fans are something to aspire to.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The very fact

Cubs fans can make such a stir at a stadium 2000 miles away from home should tell you something. Ask any Cubs fan about the Dbacks fans at Wrigley… oh, wait.

by aricat on May 29, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the target

Was their loyalty which is undeniable. Maybe Boston fans would be a better example – how do players who go to, say, the Yankees, as free agents get treated when they return to Fenway? I’m pretty sure even the likes of Johnny Damon get a ‘mixed’ reception, shall we say.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I trust

You will be posting on McCovey Chronicles instead for that night? :-)

Whether it’s win #300 or #3, I could never actively root against the Diamondbacks. It just couldn’t happen, not if the entire 2001 team reformed in Giants uniforms. I support the team, over and above one individual player.

Interesting discussion though, and I do fully respect your right to your own opinion.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 28, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Post at McCovey?

Oh, come on, Jim! I may have questionable goals when it comes to cheering in this one game, but I at least have some sense of taste! =)

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well great kishi.

That means we’re going to have to root for all the Giants, including Randy Winn. Because lord knows if we support one player on the opposition, we support the entire team, Satan incarnate and the Third Reich all in one.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crap

Well, I guess I’m gonna go get myself a Barry Bonds jersey. You want me to pick one up while I’m out?

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure thing.

Get mine in XXXL so it’s more realistic.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least they'll probably be on sale.

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

by 4 Corners Fan on May 29, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A giants fan if you applaud a great baseball accomplishment ? Jeez. How about your a baseball fan and you have respect for a great player. Again, one who hasn’t used drugs.

If I see one more Eric Byrnes 'flip throw' I will shoot myself a whole bunch of times.

by edbigghead on May 28, 2009 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately, that's not quite the way the discussion has gone.

We aren’t talking about people showing respect for an accomplishment. We are talking about people setting aside their loyalties, going out to a game, and actually cheering on the Giants to a win over our Diamondbacks. Some have even implied that this would be poetic justice, either against Dbacks players for lack of run support in the past, or management. I will be happy to see RJ get his 300th, and he will, but I’m not cheering for the other team just so I can have the chance to see it happen in person. Anyway, maybe there can be a splinter group who can start a new website… AZ Giant Lair.

by aricat on May 28, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I'm loyal

to former players as well as our current team, it has nothing to do with “setting aside” loyalties. They are what they are. They’re different than yours, but that damn sure doesn’t make them wrong.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your words...

“I’ll side with [Randy] on each and every pitch in that start. If rooting against the Diamondbacks in one game out of 162 makes me a terrible person, then so be it. If our starting pitcher loses, it’ll be repayment to the Unit for all the times we couldn’t score enough runs to get him a win in a D-backs uniform.”

How does that make you loyal to our current team? And how can you cheer for “one player”, a PITCHER, to get a WIN, without at the same time pulling for the other team to lose?

by aricat on May 28, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See, this is you pushing the wrong argument again.

This isn’t about being loyal to “our” team. MY loyalties lie outside just the Arizona Diamondbacks every waking hour of every day. I’m still mildly a Rockies fan from the time I spent in Colorado. I really like watching Dustin Pedroia because I got to watch him in college. And I won’t stand here and be lectured about how to be a fan when that experience can be different for each person.

You’re passionate about one team and one team only. Fantastic. My take is different, and cares very little about what you think of my decision to cheer on Randy when he tries to make history.

by Azreous on May 28, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know that we're reading the same thread

To be more clear, you are the one talking about people setting aside loyalties.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 28, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your words...

“I’ll spend the other 161 games living and dying with this team, every pitch. But I’m willing TO SET THAT ASIDE ONE GAME” (My caps)

And also: “In this one case, I’ll side with [Randy]”

by aricat on May 28, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Discussed this last night with some friends

I’m not only rooting for Randy to get to 300 but I hope its against us in Chase Field. It just wouldn’t feel right if he accomplished it with the enemy somewhere else. He still is and always will be my favorite player and I give him (and Andy Benes) all the credit in the world for me being the Dbacks and baseball fan that I am today.

Go DBacks!

by AJforAZ on May 28, 2009 9:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyway, game time...

Anyone pullin’ for the Dbacks? I’ve always kind of liked Derek Lowe…

by aricat on May 28, 2009 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's gonna be great

when Johnson wins his next start and renders all of this moot.

by Azreous on May 29, 2009 12:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We agree

on that much anyway

by aricat on May 29, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is also

Pretty unlikely, from what I’ve read elsewhere, he’ll be pitching against us anyway. Still, we’re talking hypothetical constructs in any case.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 29, 2009 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

Unless something changes in their rotation, we’ll miss both Johnson and Lincecum.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If all the stars

jump out of their orbits and realign so Johnson has a chance to get his 300th win in AZ, I would love to see the game. I wouldn’t cheer every pitch, but there would definitely be some applause in all of the places where you’d expect to cheer a beloved ex-Diamondback:

When he takes the mound for the first inning
His first at-bat
When he leaves the mound for the last time
His last at-bat

If we wins, I think I’d cheer for him too. 300 wins may be largely meaningless, but it’s still awfully impressive. It’s like a perfect game or an unassisted triple play. I’m going to respect the baseball moment, even if it doesn’t help my team.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on May 29, 2009 9:45 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I’m going to respect the baseball moment, even if it doesn’t help my team.

I’m on board with that. Mature fans are willing and able to sublimate day to day partisanship to other loyalties this game presents – especially when their team is a dozen games out of first. Respect and affection for professionals most responsible for a franchise’s greatest triumphs. Loyalty to historical accomplishment in the game. In my experience, these loyalties are more meaningful and memorable than whether the sub .500 home team wins a game in June.

That doesnt mean I’d be actively cheering the Giants offense, but I’d certainly be acknowledging Johnson as the game progressed, and would feel fortunate to witness any pitcher’s 300th win.

If the FO is the focus of anything, something is seriously wrong with the picture ! - unnamedDBacksfan 2/20/09

by Diamondhacks on May 29, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loyalty

does not preclude being a knowledgable and respectful fan, and cheering your team on even when history might be made doesn’t mean you disrespect the “moment”. In fact, it shows the greatest respect because it is in the spirit of that competition and rivalry that Johnson will have to earn his win.

You’re going to cheer for Johnson, but not the Giants’ offense? Why not? They’re going to have to score runs for Johnson to win, aren’t they? This fence-sitting can be a tricky business.

Being “a part of history” is really a bit of fool’s gold anyway, as far as I’m concerned. I remember the great plays and games I’ve been to, not the big flashing screen and loud ovations that come with the milestones. I haven’t witnessed one as big as 300 wins, but it’s the same principle.

The Dbacks are a sub-500 team. You can be sure their goal at the moment is to get to .500, and to take it from there. That series against the Giants could be an important step in that direction. There’s a long ways to go. The Dbacks are 6 1/2 out in the wildcard race, don’t forget. Do they look like contenders right now? Nope. But that’s the beauty of baseball, winning can change perceptions in a hurry.

by aricat on May 29, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In my experience, these loyalties are more meaningful and memorable than whether the sub .500 home team wins a game in June.

Well said.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on May 29, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Mature fans"?

Nice. Particularly love the implication that those who won’t be cheering for Randy are in some way immature. Seems you’re forgetting the origin of the word ‘fan’ – whether leading the division or a dozen games out of first, it doesn’t matter: I still want “my team” to win every time they play. Our players will still [one certainly hopes] be giving their all, and that should only be supported

While 300 is a milestone that we may not see again for a long time, Johnson is perfectly welcome to get it against another team. It’s not as if he won’t reach the mark, and [as noted previously] Randy has shown little or no loyalty to the Diamondbacks, so deserves little in return – you could amend my previous girlfriend metaphor, replacing her with an extremely well-paid prostitute, and it’d probably be more accurate. So why do you want particularly want #300 , to be against us and would be cheering for it to happen?

That’s the aspect of this I am struggling to understand. Would it be just so you can tell your grandkids you were there? A ‘screw you!’ to the current ownership? I am genuinely baffled.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 30, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No problem with anyone

cheering for the Diamondbacks. The only “problem” is these prickly indictments of anyone defining loyalty (or displaying fandom) oustide of one or two people’s narrow conceptions of those terms. That’s the whole thrust of this thread, really – the majority of fans who think (for one reason or another) it would be neat to see Randy get his 300th at Chase, being lectured to by unyielding apparatchicks.

Taken at face value, I imagine your stance that free agents who opt to sign elsewhere constitute “the enemy”, or disloyal prostitutes to be scorned, strikes most intelligent fans as simplistic and immature – even boorishly contentious. If you wanna spit at Johnson as a backstabbing “enemy”, for passing on a quarter of his market value, or because he dissed Snyder, etc. , that’s clearly your perogative, but I have zero qualms about rooting him on under the outlined (theoretical) circumstances. To this fan, RJ’s unique standing in Phoenix is hardly diminished by Mr Kendrick’s 19th century labor ethic or the fact KK’s front office made no serious 21st century attempt to retain him.

I’m a Diamondbacks fan and would like to see the boys reach the playoffs, but I recognize a) they’ll do that (or not) quite independent of whether I root for Randy under special, historic circumstances, and b) my personal loyalties neither tilt the playing field nor prevent the Dbacks from ‘giving their all’.

I’m a baseball fan first, and there’s far more that ties me to the game than what jersey a player wears at a particular time. Clearly your loyalties are “purer”, like those of a skinhead or antebellum overseer, and I respect your God given right to cling to them, without reason or respite ;-)

cheers

If the FO is the focus of anything, something is seriously wrong with the picture ! - unnamedDBacksfan 2/20/09

by Diamondhacks on May 30, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m a Diamondbacks fan and would like to see the boys reach the playoffs, but I recognize a) they’ll do that (or not) quite independent of whether I root for Randy under special, historic circumstances, and b) my personal loyalties neither tilt the playing field nor prevent the Dbacks from ‘giving their all’.

Bingo.

by Azreous on May 30, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn’t the one basically tagging those who chose not to cheer Johnson as immature or comparing such a view to “a skinhead or antebellum overseer.” Congratulations. I didn’t think the way you express yourself could possibly get any worse, but unfortunately, you just did.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 30, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are the stars in orbit too?

That’s a perfectly sensible, PC response. Again, though, this thread hasn’t been about whether or not we would give the obligatory applause to Johnson when he steps out on the mound. It’s been about whether we would ROOT AGAINST the Diamondbacks, and CHEER ON a win by the GIANTS, just so we can have the privilege of watching Johnson win #300. I might clap for him when he’s introduced, too, but I’m also going to let him know he’s no longer playing for the right team.

By the way, 300 is an arbitrary number, and in some respects might not carry much weight, but it is far from meaningless. It’s a benchmark, the sort of thing players will continue playing WELL PAST THEIR PRIME in order to achieve.

by aricat on May 29, 2009 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've kinda missed

the intentional misunderstandings and petty, backhanded insults. Especially when they’re buried in a wall of text. we haven’t had nearly enough of those lately. Thanks for picking up the slack.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on May 29, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really

It’s kinda like Diamondhacks is still around.

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm

somewhat surprised he hasn’t shown up in the last week, since I’ve been gone. I’ll have to email him about that.

Jim Zorn, 55. Sean Miller, 40. AJ Hinch, 34. Notice a pattern here?

by DbacksSkins on May 29, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's coincidental

I’ll be over here, working on my theory that ’Skins and ’Hacks are really the same person.

Evidence #1: I refer to both in an abbreviated form using the last syllable of their user name, both of which are plural. Am I in on the conspiracy????

"We can plant wild flowers on roof tops and be unorthodox urban honey pioneers."

by kishi on May 29, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

kishi,

I love you man, but be careful. If Matt and I (Phil) get exterminated by the government, I don’t want Devin to be exterminated too….. OH SHIT! NOW I’VE SAID ALL OUR NAMES OUT LOUD!!!!

Jim Zorn, 55. Sean Miller, 40. AJ Hinch, 34. Notice a pattern here?

by DbacksSkins on May 29, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am an equally opportunity offender

There. ‘Hacks, ’Skins, ’Charmer. If your name has more than eight letters, you’d better not be attached to all of them…

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on May 30, 2009 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He wasn't dead to me

until he made those bullshit comments about entering the HoF as a Mariner.

NOW he’s dead to me.

Jim Zorn, 55. Sean Miller, 40. AJ Hinch, 34. Notice a pattern here?

by DbacksSkins on May 29, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't have a choice

He will be wearing a Dbacks hat when he enters the HOF. He became a HOF’er while in AZ, not Seattle and is just being a piss ant about it since he didn’t get the $$ he wanted from AZ in order to stay.

by TwinnerA on Jun 5, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RJ to start against Dbacks

After today’s rainout, Johnson will indeed be pitching against the Diamondbacks next Tuesday, either for win 300, or 301.

by aricat on Jun 4, 2009 12:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Really this debate comes down to if you root for the laundry or the players and

at the end of the day It doesn’t really matter. Why should anyone have to rationalize why they love the DBacks? All that matters is that your a fan and watching them play makes your day a little better. If we did sit down to rationalize I’d bet most of us would come to the conclusion that we are all nuts for being so invested in something completely out of our control.

I love the Big Unit despite all signs point to him being not the best guy to grab a beer with. Watching him pitch at the first half of this decade was an absolute marvel and him signing with the DBacks was the foundation for all those great teams. I am a diehard DBacks fan because of guys like Randy Johnson performed well and made going to the BOB a blast. He has gone through a ton to get to 300 and I’d love to be there in person when he gets it.

Bet your ass I will be pulling for him.

by Augie's Army on Jun 4, 2009 12:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations #51

for the best lefty of this generation. He may be a miserable old goat, but he sure can pitch.

GDB!

by Smoggie on Jun 4, 2009 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

congrats RJ

even though the grump wants to go into the Hall as a Mariner.

by jonny-yuma on Jun 5, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Congrats Randy!!

You are and will remain the BEST player to ever wear the Arizona Diamondbacks uniform.

"He who controls the Spice, controls the universe! "

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jun 5, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sure.

Now, go out and light him up, Dbacks.

Go Dbacks. (Temporary signature)

by DbacksSkins on Jun 8, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like

the Dbacks are going to make a video tribute honoring Randy.

That’s appropriate, and now I DO kinda wanna go see him pitch, honestly.

The Arizona Diamondbacks: Invincible in 18 innings since '01

by DbacksSkins on Jun 8, 2009 5:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He won't be pitching

He started today in Florida: seven hits, three walks and three runs in five innings: Giants are three down, so doesn’t look like it’ll be #301 today.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on Jun 8, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of which,

why the Hell would RJ go today on 3 days rest?

The Arizona Diamondbacks: Invincible in 18 innings since '01

by DbacksSkins on Jun 9, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow!

I haven’t been on this site in a long time. I’d forgotten just how silly some people are. Rooting for a sports team is not a question of morality, folks. It’s a game. Nothing more. It’s fun. A fan of one team isn’t morally superior to that of another. The lecturing, self-righteous tone of this thread makes me laugh. “How dare you not support your team! How dare you support a member of the enemy! What an evildoer you are!” Shouldn’t all the indignant attempts to shame people be saved for something that actually matters?

You know, under the right circumstances I might even cheer for ASU. Like if hell froze over… ;)

by azshadowwalker on Jun 11, 2009 7:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

for repeating the spin that others have already put on this thread. Way to pile on. That’s how this discussion forum works.

There is a difference of opinions here. I give my interpretation of what it means to be a fan, namely, someone who cheers on their team no matter what. Others have given their interpretation of what it means to be a fan, namely, someone who under some circumstances will cheer on the opposition, specifically, so they can have the personal satisfaction of witnessing a historical event. Two different opinions.

For some reason, when I give my interpretation, I am lecturing and self-righteous. When others give their interpretation, they are open-minded and fair. But on this forum, mob mentality and personal attacks win the day, which is why you have the same personalities dominating every discussion. Anytime someone else comes along with a different point of view they get swarmed and insulted by the same members who then have the nerve to say they are the ones who have the moral high road.

Meanwhile, Randy Johnson, the one whom so many were willing to support over and above the Dbacks, continues to snub the media here in Phoenix.

by aricat on Jun 13, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I don’t think I’ve ever felt like I was suffering from vertigo while reading before.

"Scott, if your life had a face, I would punch it. I would punch your life in the face."

by kishi on Jun 13, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See,

it’s your willingness to acknowledge the other side’s argument without taking any potshots or tossing in any subtle shots that really make this “interpretation” the most fun.

by Azreous on Jun 13, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say

I’ve changed my opinion. My point of view, I said before, is that the "great fans" around the league are characterized above all by their loyalty to their team regardless of circumstances. I did not say this makes them superior human beings, which is apparently the way many people decided to take it. My comments pertain specifically to fandom. It is others who have chosen to spin this as a moral indictment of those who would have cheered Johnson to victory over the Dbacks.