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#DHallChat - who are the DBack's top 3 prospects that are closest to reaching the big club and when?
— Mark Crone (@MarkTravel) March 14, 2018
Our farm system is definitely strengthening with great players like Pavin Smith, Kristian Robinson, & Matt Tabor. But closest to the Major League club would include Taylor Clarke, Taylor Widener - who we just acquired - and Jimmie Sherfy who fans saw last season. #DHallChat https://t.co/coWEZxOl0i
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
No mention of Jon Duplantier, who is the #1 pick on the lists of both Minor League Ball and Baseball America? Seems odd when Robinson only just slides in at #10 on BA, and isn’t ranked by MLB, while Tabor is outside the top ten on both.
Given that we are at our top ideal payroll number, do you view these next few seasons as a championship window? #DHallChat
— Anthony Summers (@Anthony32578946) March 14, 2018
We're definitely in a very competitive window, which is why we have been so aggressive in building this roster. We believe we have the players to compete for a championship and will continue to improve this team towards that direction. #DHallChat https://t.co/9Uf93btSTG
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
It will be interesting to see where the team payroll goes from here - not just in this season, but through the next couple of years, as the likes of Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock reach free-agency.
Here’s one, from a name you might recognize
#DHallChat any thought behind including advanced metrics (ERA+, OPS+, wRC+, ERA-) for players on the Jumbotron?
— Keegan Thompson (@k_man5000) March 14, 2018
We've heard that suggestion before and we will look to introduce some of those numbers. However, we have to keep a balance in mind as we've heard from some fans we include too much info already on dbTV. #DHallChat https://t.co/oX7ePv7ieM
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
It’s a difficult balance to strike. I’d like to see the broadcast team making more use of these numbers: while they get mentioned in passing, I’d like them to become part of their everyday language. Then, people who come to the ballpark are more likely to be familiar with these advanced numbers: right now, not everyone hangs out on Fangraphs... :)
Do you plan on doing the summer ticket package again this year? #DHallChat
— Tyler Tequila (@TubingTyler) March 14, 2018
As we've mentioned before, we do hope to build upon on the success of that program. At the moment, the 8-game mini-plan has been very popular so far and comes with great benefits. #DHallChat https://t.co/ngBHQxS7ad
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
Translation: probably not. With the team having reached the playoffs, that should result in a bump in attendance: last post-NLDS years (2012 and 2008) saw increases of about 72,000 and 185,000. I expect that to be the focus of marketing, and the team should not need to offer such a deep discount on seats.
#DHallChat Do you see yourself getting any of the free agents still out there waiting for a job? Or are we good with how the roster is? Cough, Greg Holland, cough.
— Mo Moorthy (@MoMoorthy) March 14, 2018
After adding Dyson, Hirano, Souza, and Boxberger this offseason, we feel good about the roster we have right now but are closely monitoring those players who are still available. If the season were to open today, we're more than comfortable with who we have in place. #DHallChat https://t.co/Vv0UdpdFMq
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
The team would appear to have reached their payroll cap. However, I use the italics, because we were told that about $15-20 million. But I’m always averse to paying big bucks for the “proven closer”, and would rather we continue to go the way we’ve gone, of looking at people who have done the role in the past, but now come a little cheaper for whatever reason.
Big snakes fan here, why aren’t our permanent colors purple and teal? #DHallChat
— Child Scott (@CSaboveDaRest) March 14, 2018
Correct answer: because they make us look like the Rockies. But Imma let Derrick be more diplomatic.
Since the switch to Sedona Red in 07, we've reintroduced purple & teal in a number of ways including #DbacksTBT. It's an important part of our history which it's part of our uniform schedule.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
For our 20th anniversary, we will be wearing additional throwbacks as well. #DHallChat https://t.co/bQfwZ5XYJs
You have always been forward-thinking with fan promos. What are your thoughts on something like the O's new ticket program? #DHallChat
— Dave Dulberg (@TheDoubleD) March 14, 2018
To fill in the blanks, the Orioles announced yesterday their “Kids Cheer Free” program, under which adults who have bought a regularly priced upper deck ticket to any game in April (except for Opening Day), to bring two kids under the age of 9 in for free.
We've continued to focus on young fans as evidenced by our family value pricing and free tickets through the #Dbacks Kids Club. There's also been a Kids Free Weekend in recent seasons. We'll be sure to post the latest at https://t.co/ZXWDYyqB7W. #DHallChat https://t.co/wjHeDbc2Bx
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
And, finally, the question on everyone’s lips...
#DHallChat can i drive the bullpen cart one time during a game please? #BucketList
— Brett (@brtaus) March 14, 2018
It's funny, this has become the #1 question asked to me and everyone on our staff. Everybody wants to drive the Bullpen Cart! Stay tuned... #DHallChat https://t.co/Cy8xXJv6gh
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 14, 2018
I think the liability issues involved in allowing a fan to drive the cart during the game would probably nix that right out the gate, but I can see fans being allowed to ride it around the warning track with Baxter before the game...
And a selection of questions he didn’t get round to...
How do you feel since that the Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley approves of #RayDay and mentioned the team aka the guys on the Star Wars Q&A livestream this year. #DHallChat
— Alecia DePhillips #MJDAZ #MJREY (@AleciaD07) March 14, 2018
What are some challenges that you had no idea existed before you became the Dbacks CEO? #DHallChat
— Joe (@probably_muted) March 14, 2018
@DHallDbacks #dhallchat. Hi. When there is any kind of good attendance the food service becomes beyond bad. 15-30 minutes in line is not unusual. And mgt. doesn’t seemed too concerned. The brain power behind the counter is suspect. What can be done? Thx
— Brad Neuhaus (@BNeuhausAz) March 14, 2018
The last is a particular pet peeve: Chase Field when it’s full is a nightmare, from getting in, to the bathroom lines, and is one of the reasons I avoid Opening Days. Give me a sub-20,000 crowd against the Padres on a Wednesday night, any time!