Gameday Thread, #106: 7/28 vs. Braves

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 3:58 PM EDT in Gameday Threads Comment 120 comments

John Smoltz (40, RHP, 10-5, 2.78)

Doug Davis (31, LHP, 7-10, 4.13)

BaseballReference .com preview [opens in new window]

Should be tough today, with Smoltz enjoying a good season. Davis will need to control his walks if we're going to stay in this one. No time to write more, as it's just about under way, but I should be around to comment, if you care to join me. Today's poll is on the Hairston trade: good, bad or meh?

Poll

The Hairston Trade:

Good!

5 votes

Bad!

6 votes

Meh!

10 votes

21 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 120 comments

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Comments

Today's lineup

C. Young cf .241
O. Hudson 2b .289
E. Byrnes lf .310
C. Jackson 1b .268
S. Drew ss .244
M. Reynolds 3b .255
C. Snyder c .244
C. Quentin rf .206
D. Davis p .088

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good inning for Davis

Retires the side in order.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hairston trade...good.../O-Dawgs intro...priceless

He had limited potential and would be stuck in the outfield because he can't play second base well.

The lineup, as announced by O-Dawg, was hilarious. Especially Chris "Naked" Snyder.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Missed that one

Anything else of amusement/interest?

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Chris Young: Black Stallion
DD: is always in La-La-Land

The best was Snyder: always naked in the clubhouse before the game.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I live in New York City,,,

so the game is on FOX here...first national TV appearance all year! Is the game on FOX in Arizona?

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

That's why there was an early start - which almost caught me out!

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

CY!

Blast puts him in first with rookie HR's. Rookie of the Year?

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

no way

Ryan Braun is going to walk home with it at this rate (345ish, 18 bombs and counting in a shortened season for him)...

by johngordonma on Jul 28, 2007 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was just wondering

Whether Young is a good lead-off hitter, with his low OBP percentage. I think he may have answered that question with his homer. Good patience to get the count back from 0-2 to a full count. But if Young keeps going deep like that, we might be better off putting him in a spot where he'll come up with runners on base...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think....

eventually he'll be moved down in the order in favor of a prospect down the road. He definitely has 35/40 HR potential.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Francoeur..

I thought DD was going to walk him but he threw a great 3-1 pitch...just to get it smacked for a double.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good escape by Davis

Got the third strike for the final out. Would rather avoid facing Methuselah Franco with runners on base, after last night...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Nasty pitch...front door breaking ball.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOo

finally watching the d-backs on tv.

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

CY

I can't explain it. But here's why he's leading off.

#1 Spot .288/.337/.503/.840
Elsewhere .198/.251/.390/.641

And that was before today.

by fjm235 on Jul 28, 2007 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And he sems to be really settling in at CF

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woooo

Go O-Dawg

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Two straight hits

Come on Byrnes. Break this thing open.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good job Eric!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2-0

Woo nice sac fly

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

3-0!

Nice job CoJack

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You stole my post!

seconded!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

fast like a ninja

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-0

CoJack RBI double...Smoltz looks hurt.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like another one....

"Arizona infielder Donnie Sadler was suspended for 50 games Saturday after testing positive for a drug of abuse under baseball's minor league program."

by Ridster on Jul 28, 2007 4:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dare I call him Donnie Dorko?

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Mentioned that in the post earlier today. But looking at his stats, whatever he was taking clearly wasn't performance-enhancing...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nationwide coverage...

And we're putting up a good show. Jackson seeing the ball well, and Davis holding a potent Braves line-up in check through three. Think we might start getting some more coverage after this, if we can keep it up...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And so many of the team are good looking too!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walk for Davis

First one... Let's not have any more, eh, Doug?

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 4:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Too late

commemtators curse strikes!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

man

that curve was sick.

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

bonds or a-rod?

"For most of the last month, Barry Bonds has been tossing verbal bouquets toward Alex Rodriguez, but the praise stops at a point. "Is he as good as me? Hell, no," Bonds told The Post when asked if Rodriguez was the best player of this generation."

Once i learn how to put quotes in a fancy box, i'll be set

by Ridster on Jul 28, 2007 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be the following

<div class=blockquote>Quote goes here</div>

Which would appear as:

Quote goes here

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Double Play would be nice here

Runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out, Diaz at the plate.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn you DD!

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 4:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That what happens when you toy around

-.- 3-2

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 4:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey everyone

Haven't got many of these this year. Not much TV because of the Extra Innings thing, so I get to watch only when we play braves (TBS) and cubs (WGN). But like earlier commenter said, on Fox today, so let's show the nation what we can do.

Plus, my son was born six days ago and has yet to see the Dbacks lose (well he has yet to see them at all, but you get the idea).

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Congrats!

Both those (lack of TV + impending fatherhood) explain why we've not seen you much around here. Let's hope your son retains his winning ways today...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats

on your newborn son!

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give my regards to his mother!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Everyone

and thanks to my wife for not minding my taking a little break to watch some baseball.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All those balls in the dirt

C'mon Doug,you're not playing cricket.

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And the walks kill us again...

Davis walks two, both of which score. He's falling behind hitters, and there was no reason at all to through that hanging curve.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brian McCann

You just don't see many full beards on baseball players any more. Lots of goofy spits of facial hair. But no full beards. So lets give it up for Brian. I still hope he wiffs.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wow.

=| tied up

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 5:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reynolds...

really is not a very good fielder. Tie game. :(

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Aargh

And Davis allows a hit to Smoltz. Though Reynolds should have gobbled it up. I really think he needs seasoning in Tucson.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

facepalm

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The bad news is...

We need Davis to go at least five or six innings today, as our bullpen is wheezing.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

all the Horsemen could use a day off, and our innings eaters (EdGon, Nipplert) have pitched recently.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a big ask.

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reynolds, make up for it --

Having let smoltz get one past you, smack him around a bit.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's to Chris

a double even with his catchers' legs

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he's really in form with the bat lately

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Come on Q

His awfulness is making me think the promotion was just a PR move.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whatever happened to him getting hit by pitch?

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitchers

Quickly learned that Q would swing at pitches down and away, even out of the zone. See that last at-bat against Smoltz. As a result, that's where they pitch him, and you don't get hit by balls when they're feeding you a steady diet of them on the other side of the plate.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Never really analysed it that well myself before.I enjoy your superior baseball-fu.

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was batting .415

In Tucson, but that's hardly been apparent in any of his at-bats. He looked totally lost in that last plate-appearance. Could it just be something mental, him being a Princeton (or is Yale?) graduate? Is he simply trying too hard? That last time up, he looked to be swinging for the fences with two strikes, when we just needed a bloop single to take the lead.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay for double plays!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 5:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ooooo....Looked like a ball

BoMels is pissed.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AWFUL call

On Strike Three to Hudson. I hate the "veteran pitchers get the calls" approach by umpires.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Smoltz

alas, looks like he's getting better as this goes on. And Davis has a high pitch count. And our bullpen is tired. Doesn't make me feel so great.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mark Grace Said --

"any team would be a better team with Eric Byrnes on it." I wonder what Ben would say about that. Or the Red Sox.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Famine is up

2 games in a row?

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Davis

settled down nicely for an easy 6th.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good result for Davis

Another quality start thus far. 108 pitches through six, so I think that might be it for him. It is for me as well, since I've been called upon to do a Post Office run. Radio only for me the rest of the way, unless this goes 11 innings again...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 5:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hmm Double D

is still in.

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would leave him in...

the relievers NEED some rest and he's facing the bottom of the order.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

spectacular

that extra DD inning should go a long way for the bullpen

Tippecanoe and Pena too! (let's hope pena doesn't die after 30 days in office)

by seton hall snake pit on Jul 28, 2007 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's to Donny Darko

making it through 7 innings with no more damage. No if we can put something together we won't need to overtax the bullpen.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Way to go Tracy

More production from the pinch-hitters.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

welcome back chad

let's get the job done.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice one Tracy!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Now get him home Chris!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pestilence is in the game

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

another dp

right on time. I thought that o-dawg would hit jones in the face

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like we're going to have to wait for

Tony Carlk to come off the bench again

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Obviousl not "Carlk"

that's the newborn sleep depravation talking.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Onto the 9th..

Will Pestilence stay in the game?

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 6:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sadler tests positive; suspended 50 games

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2952609

Along with the Grimsley news does this mean we have a dirty clubhouse? Almost more importantly, will this make enough news to teach people that the most likely candidate for performance-enhancing drugs is not a superstar looking to break a record (though those are plentiful enough) but guys like Sadler and Grimsley who otherwise would never make a major league roster?

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sadler tests positive; suspended 50 games

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2952609

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

steriods v. HGH

Unfortunately, I think the only reason the lousy players are getting caught on 'roids isn't b/c they're the only ones on performance enhancers... they are just the only one on 'roids. The guys making the big bucks, I figure, are on the pricier, undetectable stuff.

by johngordonma on Jul 28, 2007 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point

To follow up, I wasn't saying it was only the journeymen, but that they make up a big part of the story -- the difference in salary between riding a major league bench and playing AAA can make you do some daring things.

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bottom Nine

let's get it done.
Sorry about the double post

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Up to thebats now

Cross fingers

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh man,

looks who up

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A walk is nice.

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

COME ON Q!

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 6:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ok...

who next?

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 6:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Go Monty!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

damn

extra innings.

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice play

Damn....we're playing 10.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

bang bang play

MM out, and now all our pinch-hitters are used up. Anyone at all left on the bench?

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Back in time...

For the extra innings. I'm wondering who's left in the bullpen - if this goes much longer, we may end up having to use a starter. Webb would seem the most likely, since this might be his day to throw on the side anyway. Hopefully, it won't go that long...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 6:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

To go with the new uniform..

..can they be re-named the Arizona Extra-Innings?
Mascot,an alarm clock.

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Juan is cruisin'!

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

another Byrnes walk-off???

why the hell not!?!

Another M's/D-backs fan!

by MFAN on Jul 28, 2007 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

C'mon Eric!

Little By Little

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

or how about CoJack!

let's see him do it

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 7:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Big chance here...

Two at-bats with a runner in scoring position for Jackson and Drew. After the veterans have been the heroes the last couple of nights, time for one of the young 'uns to come through...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 7:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

COJACK!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Jul 28, 2007 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

There he goes!

CoJack it is

by andrewinnewyork on Jul 28, 2007 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WOO HOO

walk-off!!.....again.

Another M's/D-backs fan!

by MFAN on Jul 28, 2007 7:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice one CoJack!

How dispiriting for the Braves.

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

by hotclaws on Jul 28, 2007 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I love this team..

.. Gotta love the recent end of game celebrations. Hopefully we got that 'something' that gels and gets us to the playoffs.

by oklahomasooners on Jul 28, 2007 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The celebrations do slightly concern me...

The possibility of injury, though slight is certainly non-zero, and I've heard of quite a few cases involving celebrations. Didn't Bill Grammatica, the Cardinals kicker, suffer a season-ending injury after a successful field goal?

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Way to take another one!

Nice job, CoJack!

by johngordonma on Jul 28, 2007 7:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Eight in a row...

Padres go down to Houston, so we're 1.5 games clear in the wild-card now, and a Dodgers loss tonight would tie us for first in the division. Let's go, Rockies! :-)

by Jim McLennan on Jul 28, 2007 7:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Watched the game on Fox

Once again the bullpen was awesome! CoJack and CY with great games!

by DiamondbacksWIn on Jul 28, 2007 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

omg...

3 walk-offs in a row??? i'm geting used to it

hey, and what about CY? oh boy, the guy is crushing it... looks like he'll hit a HR in every AB =O he's gret....
and one more time our bullpen shines... but thank god we didn't see Death there today, I think one more day to forget that blow was nice to him...

I said a few days ago that 10 in a row would be nice... so we have more 2 to go ^^

go dbacks!!!

by Muu on Jul 28, 2007 8:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Game ball goes to...

Conor Jackson, 1B

CoJack went 3-5 with 3 runs and a walkoff single to make it three games in a row ending in a walkoff.

Honorable Mentions to:
Tony Pena, RP--Pestilence pitched two great innings when the D-Backs needed him most.
Doug Davis, SP--DD threw 7 innings, and though he gave up the lead, he still had a quality start with only 3 walks.

Great win, and I look forward to seeing the streak become 9.

by LucaMaz3 on Jul 28, 2007 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

By the way, --Jack was the man today. I extend my whole hearted props to the man!

LiveStrong - wear yellow; the truth is out there (X-Files); "Go with throttle up!" (Challenger Space Heroes); "bababooey to you all!" Howard (Sirius) fan.

by icecoldmo on Jul 28, 2007 11:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs