Preview: Game #79, Diamondbacks @ Braves

Randall Delgado RHP, 0-1, 4.50

Julio Teheran RHP, 4-6, 2.40

Diamondbacks Line-up

1. Gerardo Parra, CF
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Martin Prado, 3B
6. Cody Ross, RF
7. Jason Kubel, LF
8. Didi Gregorius, SS
9. Patrick Corbin, P

The weather forecast for Atlanta says there's about a 60% chance of precipitation tonight, with a chance of a thunderstorm. Insert the usual rant about every baseball field needing a retractable roof and, ideally, air-conditioning, here. Still, I doubt that will cause anything short of an absolute sell-out tonight at Turner Field, as they are retiring the number of perhaps the man most connected with the franchise, Chipper Jones, whose #10 will never be worn by another Atlanta Brave [which would be why Justin Upton had to change his number on moving to the team, even though it was technically available after Chipper's retirement]

It's startling to think Chipper played 19 seasons there. Obviously, we've not been around for anything like as long, but the Diamondbacks have no-one within even a decade of that - our longest tenured are Miggy, RJ and Gonzo, each playing eight years with us. In these days of free-agency, it's difficult to see any player who spending an entire career with a mid-budget franchise such as the D-backs. The harsh truth is that older players almost always get overpaid (see Todd Helton, who since 2010 has been worth 1.8 bWAR, but cost the Rockies over $40 million). and teams with limited resources shouldn't commit them in bulk to an aging veteran, no matter how beloved.

That said... Goldschmidt? I mean it's a genuine delight to have someone who can strike fear and terror in the hearts of opposing fans like this:

I strongly suggest

intentionally walking Goldschmidt every at-bat, regardless of score and situation. If anyone figure out how to hit a grand slam while no one is on base, it’s Goldschmidt.

"Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying"
-Arthur C. Clark

by xc3ss1v3 on Jun 28, 2013 | 11:16 AM reply

Goldschmidt is a stud. Flat-out. He hits for power, gets on base, and plays great defense.

Both teams played hard, my man.

by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Jun 28, 2013 | 11:56 AM up reply

I'm trying to think of any D-backs in the history of the SnakePit who might have received such praise. Maybe Upton in 2009? But even our own fans were hardly unanimous in their opinion of the man. It seems everyone in Arizona loves Goldschmidt, and everyone outside Arizona fears him. Well, except a certain ESPN pundit, who still clings fondly to the notion Goldie is a platoon guy. Mind you, said pundit also loves him some Trevor Bauer - whose start for Cleveland this afternoon consisted of eight out of 10 batters faced reaching base, with five earned runs allowed in two-thirds of an inning. I suspect we traded Bauer at the right time, shall we say.