Good news, everyone! We're almost to the start of baseball! Yes, those of you who have been sitting around waiting for games that actually matter now have Friday to look forward to. Though I didn't quite agree with this MLB headline: "The Opening Day Countdown Starts In Earnest." For many fans, that countdown starts in early October. If not earlier- I think some of us are already on a countdown to opening day 2012.
DBacks News:
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[AZ Central] Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton ready to lead - Sure, but he's no Frenchy. Seriously, though, it's a nice look at a player who often seems to be a little distant from the fans- apparently, that's something he's working on. It'd be great to see Upton step up to the "face of the franchise" role that has been thrust upon him.
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[Venom Strikes] NL West Predictions - Some of the usual categories (standings, best pitcher and hitter) and some unusual ones- first managerial ejection, for example.
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[FanGraphs] Brandon Allen Belongs in the Bigs - I don't disagree, personally. I expect we'll see him up when Branyan gets injured or Nady crumbles.
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[SBNation] Spring Training 2011 Question Of The Day: Arizona Diamondbacks - Rob Neyer's question for the Diamondbacks generally seem to be focused on one thing: the future.
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[Reno Gazette-journal] Diamondbacks' shuffle could benefit Aces - The Reno paper thinks that the changes in the Diamondbacks front office could lead to some good results for our AAA club. Mike Bell, our director of player development, is optimistic, too: "I just think our minor-league system is back to where it was several years ago, four or five years ago. ... We're back on track."
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[FanGraphs] 20 Bold Predictions for 2011 - The bold prediction: Brandon Allen hits more than 20 home runs. This is from a fantasy perspective, so I'm assuming they mean he'll hit 20 in the majors. That is pretty bold, if he's starting the year in Reno. Other interesting predictions- Adrian Gonzalez hitting fewer than 30 home runs for the Red Sox, and Clayton Kershaw's ERA is north of 4.
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[ESPN] Previewing the National League West teams - Brief looks at each team- apparently we should look forward to June, but July looks like it might be a rough stretch.
I'd estimate that at least 20% of the people reading this post read the start in Professor Farnsworth's voice, while hearing Europe synthesizer opening play. If I can work in a Firefly reference, I'll have the "Cancelled By Fox" trifecta going.
Around the NL West:
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[ESPN] Former Padres star Tony Gwynn returns after facing cancer - You know what turns my stomach more than seeing a those awful old San Diego uniforms? The idea that Tony Gwynn used to go through a can and a half of smokeless tobacco a day. Ugh. Still, this is a great article about what Gwynn faced in his fight with cancer. No pun intended.
- [Denver Post] Krieger: It still adds up to 90 W's - Certainly an optimistic projection for the Rockies, but here's one prediction you can take to the bank: Tulowitzki will lead the league in Being Mocked by the Snakepit again this year. "When Tulo says he's trying to relate to his fan base among high school girls, he isn't kidding. Justin Bieber, welcome to Coors Field."
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[ESPN] NL West preseason All-Star team - Their predictions have Diamondbacks taking three of the eleven spots. The Padres don't merit a mention, and the Dodgers only have Clayton Kershaw- not a lot of optimism about baseball in Southern California, I'd say.
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[Yahoo Sports] Fan reaction: Benches clear in Dodgers game against Padres - Seriously, guys? Clearing the benches in spring training? And because you didn't like how much the catcher celebrated gunning down a stolen base attempt. Well, my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle.
Jackpot.
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[Big League Stew] Jose Canseco gets punchy, sends twin brother to fight in his place - Having an identical twin brother can have it's advantages, I'm sure. But if you want him to go box for you, make sure you get all the details right.
- [FanGraphs] More Predictions That Will Be Wrong - Dave Cameron makes his predictions for the season. I don't want to dash anyone's hopes, but he's not predicting any members of the DBacks for those awards.
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[Beyond the Box Score] 2011's Opening Day Starters - BtB looks at the opening day starters for all 30 teams, and sorts them into five different tiers. They're not crazy about IPK.
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[SBNation] The Five Worst 2011 Baseball Team Slogans - Do the Diamondbacks have a team slogan? I think I'm flinching pre-emptively.