SnakeBytes, 7/7: Doom and Gloom Edition

I'm not going to lie to you, Marge.  There's not a lot of joy to be found in these here links.  It's rough times in Phoenix, and the news is going to reflect that.  I want you to step back and consider if you really want to read this.

Are you sure?  I mean, I can't stop you...

Recaps:

• [suntimes.com] Ramirez's 2 HRs give Cubs rare series win -Two home runs by a guy who came into the game batting .178.

• [azcentral.com] Arizona Diamondbacks show signs of progress in loss - About all the optimism you're likely to see in DBacks land right now.  "Well, we're terrible, but we might be getting better!"

• [dbacks.com] Gibson's faith unwavering after latest loss - Ah, internet commenters, the worst of the worst. When Hinch was here, he got crap even when he won, but now, even in losses, Gibson is "doing the right thing and making the right moves."

Oh, sorry- I should have mentioned that, in addition to doom and gloom, there was a 40% chance of bitter cynicism.  Well, now you know.  On for more after the jump.

• [bleacherreport.com] Are the Diamondbacks the New Cubs? - Shouldn't we wait about eight decades of futility before we ask that question?

• [mlb.com]Five Minor League players suspended - One of the players suspended was Joel Matos, a DBacks pospect pitching in the Dominican Summer league.

• [dbacks.com] Trade rumors nothing new for Haren - I think trading Haren would pretty much demonstrate where the front office sees the team going in the next two years: i.e., anywhere.

• [usatoday.com] Agent: Dontrelle Willis needs a long break from the game - "I think a lot of the trials and tribulations have zapped his enjoyment for (the game) right now. I think he's unbelievably frustrated.'' And understandably so. I wish the guy the best, and hopefully he can shake it off and get back in the game with some success, maybe next year.

• [waswatching.com] D’backs Interested In Oppenheimer? - As long as he's doesn't become Shiva, death, shatterer of our farm system.

• [foxsports.com] Time for D-Backs to slow down and think - What it says on the tin.  The DBacks have a lot of decisions ahead, and they need to decide what their focus is going to be before they do anything rash.

Around Baseball:

• [sportingnews.com] Inside The Historic Ninth-Inning Collapse By The Cardinals Bullpen - "There is no way you cannot get three outs with a six-run lead. There's no way to explain it, no excuses you make. It's just a really difficult loss. It's just brutal." AZ Central commenters reflexively called for LaRussa to be fired and replaced with a fiery, veteran leader.

• [fangraphs.com] The Worst Relief Outings Since 2002 | FanGraphs Baseball - Somehow, no current DBacks are mentioned, but a former DBack gets a mention, with a stunning -107% win percentage.

• [wsj.com] Home Games: Big League Players Who Still Live With Mother - $400k a year, and you're still living with your parents?

• [nytimes.com] Son’s Death Pushes Reds’ Rhodes to Keep Playing - A tearjerker, to be sure.

Okay, and that's all for today.  Cubs play one more tonight, and then we wait for the Marlins to come to town.  Here's hoping for something good today.