[2011 All-Star Game secondary logo, courtesy of MLB]
Visibility outside SnakePit Towers is significantly reduced today, as for the first time I can recall, there's serious, long-lasting fog in Phoenix. Going to make it an interesting exercise driving to work, knowing how well local drivers cope with other weather conditions that impair visibility or grip... However, there is no such blockage on the Diamondbacks front, where the acquisition of Xavier Nady means we can see pretty much all the way to Opening Day 2011. I love it when a metaphor comes together...
Team News
- [FoxSportsArizona] D-Backs finish roster remake with Xavier Nady - "In a little more than a month, the D-Backs have added 10 players who are expected to make the 2011 opening day roster."
-
[dbacks.com] D-backs getting ready for All-Star Game - "The team has recoated and repainted the Chase Field roof to make it look brand new and new high definition lineup boards will be replacing the matrix ones, which were put up when the stadium opened in 1998. In addition, the ballpark's party suites have been redone." And, on a similar note...
- [dbacks.com] D-backs thrilled with All-Star Game logo "It incorporates a little bit of the mountains, it's got our font, a Diamondback feel about it," Derrick Hall said. "I'm very pleased with the way the logo turned out. .. I'm a little biased, but I think this is the best logo I've seen for an All-Star Game. It's one that I think is setting the bar now."
- [The Hog Blog] No room for Tracy with Phillies; he signs with Diamondbacks - "The popular first baseman/DH signed as a free agent with Arizona and will head to spring training as a non-roster invitee." Wait, what, we're getting Chad Back? Ah, not so fast. This is veteran Andy Tracy, who has spent part of five seasons in the majors, most recently in 2009 with the Phillies, but hasn't had 20 PAs there since 2001. Roster filler. Nothing to see here...
- [Diary of a Diehard] Select-A-Seat Spring Training Style - "This was both a source of excitement and contention within my family. On the one hand it’s an opportunity for more baseball. On the other hand it’s an opportunity for more baseball. According to my kids, it’s bad enough that they have to endure 81 home games without adding another 17 to the schedule. I really need to work on their priorities; they are definitely out of whack."
- [Fox Sports Arizona] Towers on state of D-backs - Our GM speaks about the off-season moves, and hoiw he sees the roster shaping up. "Pretty well set," he says. Dammit. Is it Opening Day yet?
Other news
- [FanHouse] Brandon Webb Nearing Decision - "Free-agent pitcher Brandon Webb is likely to pick a team within the next couple of days, a source told FanHouse. Multiple teams remain in the mix for the former Diamondbacks ace, among them the Nationals, Rangers and Cubs."
- [ESPN] Edgar Renteria dislikes Giants' $1M offer - "That offer from the Giants was a lack of respect. A total disrespect," Renteria told ESPNdeportes.com Thursday from Colombia. "To play for a million dollars, I'd rather stay with my private business and share more time with my family."Actually, he meant to say, "To play for the Giants, I'd rather stay with my private business and share more time with my family."
- [Bodog] 2011 World Series Odds - Curious to see how the arrival of Lee with the Phillies has tilted the balance? They are now a mere 3/1 to win the World Series next year: I think it's the first time in a while the Yankees (6/1) haven't been hot favorites. Arizona are 80/1, ahead only of the Mariners, Pirates, and Royals. Sounds about right...
- [Bloomberg[ Baseball Seeks `Real World Series' Against Japanese Champions - Major League Baseball will continue talks next month on a plan that would pit the World Series winner against Japan’s champion. Jim Small, MLB’s vice president for Asia, said "When you really get into the details of it, it’s a difficult thing to see happening, but we continue to do it. Not all those things are insurmountable, but they do create some issues."
- [SI.com] Behind the scenes with baseball's authentication process - "Every baseball that remains in the field of play is documented. Broken bats, lineup cards, bases, rosin bags and any other field item is ripe for authentication. Even dirt from the pitcher's mound was collected after Roy Halladay's no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. "Everything is game," said Howie Shelton, program manager for MLB's authentication program."
- [SB Nation Arizona] Coyote Ugly: The Latest Public Pro Sports Handout - Some guy seems quite peeved about the $200 million bailout the 'yotes are getting...