Okay, guys, before we get to the links, let's just take a moment to consider Joe Saunders. I know, I know, we all miss Dan Haren, and the Colonel didn't exactly set the world on fire with his early outings- his ERA was almost 6 at the end of April. But... He's been pretty good lately. I mean it. His last ten starts, he's sitting at a 2.73 ERA and a 6-2 record. That's solid. He's not a top of the rotation guy, I'm sure, but he's been giving us good outings, pretty consistently, and you have to appreciate that. Good work, Joe.
Recaps:
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[DBacks.com] Rain can't slow down Upton, D-backs - Usually after a delay like that, you'll see the teams pull their starter. The Cardinals didn't, and it worked out for the Diamondbacks.
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[FS Arizona] D-backs down Cardinals in rain-delayed game - Taking two of three against the Brewers and now the series opener against the Cardinals- Pirates fans must be pretty happy with the DBacks right about now.
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[AZ Central] Diamondbacks overcome rain to defeat Cardinals - This was Joe Saunders's first rain delay, and he decided to be cautious after sitting for nearly an hour. Fortunately, the bullpen was up to the task.
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[StlToday.com] Game Ball: Diamondbacks 4, Cardinals 1 - They describe Joe Saunders as having been "crafty and assertive with his fastball." Hey, whatever works.
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[AZ Central] Dbacks say they won’t mortgage future; Young’s thumb & valuing toughness; All-Star Game: roof open?; SRF honored; & farm report - Kevin Towers says we won't get rid of any of our big prospects: "But we want to have some sustainability and in order to do so, we’ve got to keep those guys." That's all I ask for, man.
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[DBacks.com] Joplin Little League team gets surprise - The team arrived in Phoenix for the Jr. RBI Classic, and they were met by a crowd, including reporters. It's a nice gesture for some kids who have been through a tough time.
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[USA Today] Franchise Players: Pick the greatest Arizona Diamondback - Sure, we don't have much of a history yet. And I really think this vote comes down to two players, with a few more added in to pad the poll. (Sorry, Fins.) Who would you favor?
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[New Times] Arizona Diamondbacks: Our Ten Least Favorite Locals--and Why - On the other end of the spectrum, the least favorite players? Some questionable choices here, but I applaud them for at least not including BK Kim for his World Series outings.
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[FanGraphs] Reviewing the Top 10 Prospect Lists: NL West - FanGraphs takes a midseason look at our top prospects. Most of our hitters in the top ten have kept steady, but our prospects from the Dan Haren trade have risen in their eyes.
Around Baseball:
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[Baseball Nation] Fan Dies After Falling From Stands During Thursday's Rangers Game - A firefighter, attending the game with his kid. Just tragic. There will be a moment of silence for him before today's A's-Rangers game.
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[ESPN] Source: Cincinnati Reds calling up Dontrelle Willis for Sunday start - D-Train's made big improvements in the minors this year- I hope the guy can keep it up and get back on track.
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[FS Arizona] The umpires strike back, and back, and back again - It does seem like umpires have been quicker to toss people lately. Is it a tense situation, or does it just seem like we're seeing more ejections?
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[Beyond the Box Score] MLB All-Star Game 2011 Lineup Comparison - Just scroll down to short-stop. That's funny.
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[Big League Stew] Video: Young Mariners fan breaks it down to ‘Thriller’ - I don't know who this kid's parents are, but I approve of the way he's been raised.