SnakeBytes 7/15: Second Half Edition

Okay, we begin the rest of the season here- or, rather, in Los Angeles. Here's to a good one.

Series Previews:

• [FS Arizona] Today on FOX Sports Arizona: D-backs vs. Dodgers, 6 p.m. - As you look at the Dodgers record, just remember- that's what $104 million can buy you.

• [DBacks.com] D-backs, Dodgers resume with division showdown - The Dodgers did end the first half on a high note, winning their last four games.

• [Miami Herald] Los Angeles Dodgers (41-51) at Arizona Diamondbacks (49-43) - Joe Saunders was pretty effective against the Dodgers the last time he faced them, hopefully he can continue.

• [True Blue LA] Gibson Black Magic : Dodger / Diamondback Preview - Last time we met the Dodgers, the DBacks were 15-22. Things have changed a bit since then.

• [DBacks.com] Diamondbacks willing to part with chips at Deadline - Kevin Towers has been watching our minor league system to see what we might be able to offer in trades.

• [FS Arizona] Are Diamondbacks contenders or pretenders? - We may not know for sure until September.

• [AZCentral] Allen, Blum in, Miranda, Wily Mo out; why not Goldschmidt?; rotational possibilities - Will we see changes in the rotation soon?

• [Venom Strikes] No Tampering Here, Heath Bell is a Must - I imagine he'd be expensive. But after the All Star Game, we know he's an option at pinch runner, too.

Around Baseball:

• [SI.com] Boston Red Sox' David Ortiz appealing four-game suspension - Why? Look, Ortiz, you charge a pitcher and start throwing punches, you get suspended.

• [Baseball Nation] Every General Manager Is Always Willing To Listen - "The trading season can be great fun for fans, and not just for fans of teams looking to make additions. The trading season promises excitement, and it promises change. Your team could add a player or two to improve its chances of winning the World Series now, or it could add a prospect or two to improve its chances of winning the World Series later. The only thing people love more than transactions is Cheez-Its, and transactions won't make you ugly and fat."

• [MLB.com's On the Beat] Doug Davis signs Minor League deal with White Sox - Davis was 1-7 with a 6.50 ERA for the Cubs, but maybe he'll find more success for the south siders.

• [Yahoo! Sports] Baseball overflows with second-half stories - 25 stories, and none about the DBacks? Ah well.