Snakebytes 6/21: Pinch Hit Edition

James is unable to get past security, so I’m all you got today.

By Xipooo@Xipooo Jun 21, 2017, 12:24pm EDT

Once again it seems I’ve missed out on a tremendous game, even if it was a loss. Most of the sentiment around here is that it’s good just to be in the hunt. Sort of like Miss Congeniality thanking the judges for the opportunity to compete.

Our fearless 2nd or 3rd in command (I don’t know really, I’m terrible with understanding who’s in charge around here), James, is currently indisposed and dealing with the SB Nation police. He could probably use contributions for his bail, so I’ll set up a paypal account in my name and I PROMISE I’ll get him out of there. I swear.

Here’s today’s news.

Headlines

D-backs, Greinke lose opener in showdown with Rockies - Arenado hit a two-run triple off Zack Greinke in the eighth inning, and the ~~streaking~~ stinking Rockies rallied past the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Tuesday night in the opening game of their NL West showdown.

Teammates find it difficult to say anything bad about Paul Goldschmidt (shocking turn of events there, I know) - Despite being one of baseball’s most complete players, doesn’t garner much attention outside Arizona. He very quietly and methodically does his job, and figures to make his fifth career All-Star appearance later this summer.

Goldschmidt delivers in the clutch, shows value - If the Arizona Diamondbacks stay in the National League West Division race for the balance of the season, there is little doubt as to the value of Paul Goldschmidt.

Most Versatile Player: Paul Goldschmidt Should Win NL MVP (Is it just me, or isn’t all this MVP talk a bit pre-mature?) - When Paul Goldschmidt trotted onto the field in his August 1, 2011, major-league debut, fans and experts denoted the 6’3″ righty as potentially the next Jeff Bagwell. Goldschmidt shares a position with the former Astros slugger at first base, and plays essentially the same way.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, a well-rounded surprise (at least our sister site BtBs is giving them much deserved press) - On the morning of June 20th, the Arizona Diamondbacks sat in third place of the National League West with a record of 44-26, good for fourth-best in baseball. Unfortunately, they trailed two interdivisional rivals, the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers, as well as the Houston Astros. The Dbacks are riding a league-best seven-game win streak and have stretched their lead over the defending world champion Chicago Cubs for the second wild-card spot to 8.5 games.

Diamondbacks’ Pitching Strikes Gold With Carbon-Copy Catchers (A positive NYTimes article on our beloved franchise? Quick someone build a snowman and put it outside.) - Sometimes the catcher for the surging Arizona Diamondbacks is a 34-year-old veteran of four teams with a low batting average, a bargain contract and a deep commitment to helping his pitchers. Other times, he is a different catcher who meets those same criteria.

Amid Phoenix heat wave, MLB's Diamondbacks take steps to protect fans (I think you have to give DHall some credit for how the team treats the fans) - In addition, the Diamondbacks say they will have a heat relief station set up outside the stadium, as well as first aid staffers on standby “a couple of hours early” to handle any heat-related issues.