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Anthony Banda is trying to prove he belongs in the Big Leagues. His 6-inning effort will go a long way toward that goal. His 4th inning was shaky after losing breaking ball command and walking in the Giants’ only run. But he showed enough poise to get out of it without further damage. Goldy got half of the D-backs hits in the game and drove in just enough for the nice win. It is cliche perhaps, but he is carrying this team on his back right now and deserves serious MVP consideration. Also, nice to see Fernando Rodney get his 3rd save in consecutive days. I didn’t even have to break out the antacids during his clean outing.
Related: Goldy Supports Rookie’s Effort
Related: Goldschmidt Continues His MVP Campaign in D-backs Win Over the Giants
Diamondbacks: Goldschmidt Swinging a Hot Bat
An understatement to say he is hot. He is almost single-handedly making this a successful road trip. He is batting .571 in August with 9 RBIs already. He is tops or near the top in all major statistical categories. Will this be his MVP year?
Banda’s First Win ‘Greatest Feeling in the World’
Most of us can only imagine that “greatest feeling in the world.” Banda seems like a kid that isn’t hard to root for having more success. Any team will always be able to make use of a left handed starter throwing in the mid-90s. More of that please. At the moment, there isn’t much room in the rotation, but he should be the spot starter and next man up if needed this year.
Yasmany Tomas Tweets He Will Be Playing in Minors Next Week
For all the Yasmany detractors out there, you can relax, his return is not imminent. This year seems to be a lost cause for him and his trade value has not increased relative to his salary. We will need him next year when we have to return our J.D. rental.
Around MLB
The Nuts and Bolts of BIP-based Park Factors
An excellent article that describes how park factors are calculated. Math like this only becomes useful when the inputs are sound and based on research. Unfortunately for me, my research days are over. I don’t have the patience for it, so I depend on the fine work of others at FanGraphs to do it for me.
Colon Throws Complete Game for 1st Twins Win
As my age advances and my waistline becomes more substantial, I find myself rooting more and more for guys like this who stay in the game.
Hat Guards Not Catching on for Major League Pitchers
It would seem reasonable for pitchers to wear inserts in the caps. Especially after they’ve had a concussion. Comfort matters to all players though. But it is interesting that most players seem to now wear shin guards. That took some to catch on as a trend too.