SnakeBytes 6/9: Regression Edition

Okay, DBacks. It's been a rough couple of games, yes, but probably seems worse because of the contrast with the big winning stretch we hit. So, let's see about turning it around.

Recaps:

• [Dbacks.com] D-backs fall short in extra-inning affair - Some very strange personnel choices all through the game.

• [AZ Central] Arizona Diamondbacks rally to tie, blow lead, lose in 12th inning - We certainly had chances to win this game, but just couldn't get the hit when it was needed.

• [Snakes on Jefferson] Pirates 3, Diamondbacks 2-- Punchless in Pittsburgh - The offense didn't seem to really wake up until quite a bit into the game- it's thanks to Zach Duke we even had a shot at winning this.

• [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] McCutchen's walk-off home run in 12th inning leads Pirates past Diamondbacks, 3-2 - Apparently we're expanding the curse, though- instead of a pitcher, we put Chris Snyder on the disabled list this time.

• [DBacks Venom] Paul Goldschmidt leads 5 Mobile Bay Bears on Southern League All-Star Team - The BayBears are leading the Southern Division of the Southern League, and they'll make a good showing at the all-star game. Bryan Shaw was also selected, but has already been promoted to Reno.

• [DBacks.com] Jarrod Parker remains the prize of D-backs' system - I'd leave it up to others to decide if Parker or Trevor Bauer is the best arm in our system now, but the fact that it might even be a question is a nice problem to have.

• [Minor League Ball] 2011 MLB Draft: National League West Division Draft Reviews - John Sickels describes our draft class as outstanding.

• [AZ Central] Adjustments working for Arizona Diamondbacks' Kelly Johnson - In his last 17 games, Johnson is hitting .338 with 8 home runs. A definite improvement.

• [SI.com] Assessing new managers like Kirk Gibson, Terry Collins - Gibby gets high praise- he's called an early Manager of the Year candidate. Of course, they say he also had the DBacks in first in the AL West, which would be a very remarkable feat.

Around Baseball:

• [Hardball Times] Draft day parallel universes - Look, I'm not going to pass up a chance to post an article that references the Einstein-Rosen bridge.

• [Big League Stew] Great save! Tim Flannery saves Cody Ross’ bat from reaching fan - Cody Ross, taunting fans with souvenirs and then having them snatched away. What a jerk.

• [Baseball Nation] Democracy Doesn't Work! - This is why All Star voting is dumb.

• [FanGraphs] Win Now > (Maybe) Win Later - Which would you rather have- a push for a win now, or potential wins in the future?