Despite what we might wish for, we've still got games to play. About two months of them. We'll start the post-Haren era with a visit to the reigning two-time NL Champs, though the Phillies currently sit 4.5 games out of first place in the east, and in third place in the Wild Card race. They're probably hoping to make up some ground in this series, but we did take two out of three from them when they visited Chase in April. Of course, our two winning pitchers from that series, Kris Benson and Leo Rosales, have both been on the DL for months.
Previews:
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[foxsportsarizona.com] D-Backs at Phillies, 4 p.m. - The Green Lantern will face off against Colbert Hammels- yeah, his first name is actually Colbert. Both teams come in on streaks, and we'll need to break both of them if we want a win.
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[cbssports.com] Diamondbacks-Phillies Preview - In his last outing against us, Colbert gave up six runs in six innings. I'd be okay if he matched that performance.
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[canoe.ca] National League Preview - Though he's given up 1 run in his past three starts, so we'll probably need the offense to show up.
- [delawareonline.com] Series Preview: Arizona - Justin Upton has a 1.382 OPS over the past twelve games? That's fairly impressive.
More after the jump.
DBacks News:-
[FoxSportsArizona] D-Backs now shooting for 2013 - By 2013, however, the prospects we got in this trade, and the haul from the 2009 draft, should be close to ready -- to me, that's a realistic goal for the ship in the desert to be turned around. Depressing, but realistic.
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[fanhouse.com] From Start to Finish, Diamondbacks Struggle With Dan Haren Dealings - Also has some thoughts from Joe Garagiola Jr., on trading for Curt Schilling in 2000.
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[AZCentral] A couple things about Dipoto and wins - "I don’t think Dipoto needs anyone to explain to him that winning percentage maybe isn’t the best way to statistically evaluate a pitcher’s performance. What Dipoto wants to do is create a culture around this club that’s similar to that of consistently strong organizations like, say, the Los Angeles Angels. He wants everyone to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves, like they’re all building something together, like winning is expected when they arrive to the ballpark, etc."
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[Diary of a Diehard] Diamondbacks Hold Town Hall Meeting - "The goal going into this trade deadline is to make deals that will help to bridge the gap from the major league level to the lower farm system in order to strengthen the team and set them up to have a continual flow of talent from the minor leagues to the major league."
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[MLBlogs.com] Trade Buzz: More moves likely for D-backs - The team would still like to move catcher Chris Snyder and reliever Chad Qualls and are open to dealing first baseman Adam LaRoche. In addition, they will listen to offers on right-hander Edwin Jackson. "If we could get a player back that could help at the Major League level immediately as well as help restock the farm system we would listen," Hall said of a possible Jackson deal.
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[usatoday.com] New D-backs pitcher Saunders brings experience but also concerns - "I'm just excited to get started with the Diamondbacks." Good to hear that from the Colonel, and obviously hopefully things work out for everyone.
Around Baseball:
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[ESPN] Vendor inspection reports - The complete list of stadium health inspection summaries, sorted by state. - "In July 2008, a worker at a TGI Friday's at [Chase Field] was diagnosed with salmonella poisoning. When inspectors visited the restaurant, they issued two critical violations for improper employee hand-washing and not requiring employees to report illnesses."
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[mlb.com] Coghlan goes on DL after celebration injury - Is this the Year of the Pitcher or the Year of the Awfully Stupid Injury?
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[deadspin.com] A Video Compilation Of Dads Catching Foul Balls While Holding Their Babies - I award extra points for their choice of backing music.
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[vinscullyismyhomeboy.com] Fan Pix: Jimmy & His Big Ticket - Printing your own ticket? Well, as long as you've got access to a printer that makes posters and banners, why not go big?