Snake Bytes 8/17: Complete, Buchholz.

Recaps:

Buccholz throws complete game in win over SD.

The only run the Padres managed off Buchholz came with two outs in the eighth, when Hunter Renfroe hit a homer to center. Buchholz and the D-backs thought Renfroe had struck out on the 0-2 pitch before the homer, but the pitch was called a ball.

Peralta’s UUUUNLIMITED POWER surge continues in 5 run 1st inning for D-backs.

Peralta entered Thursday’s game against the San Diego Padres batting .299 with a career-high 21 home runs to go along with 61 RBI.

He bumped those totals to 22 and 64 in his first at-bat Thursday night, smashing a Jacob Nix fastball over the center field wall for a 3-0 D-backs lead.

D-back’s News:

Meet the new Chase field.

Now, from 2002 – 2017, the Chase Field wOBA factor was 1.06. So far this year, it’s 1.02. And, from 2002 – 2017, the Chase Field runs-per-game factor was 1.13. So far this year, it’s 1.05. That’s all neat enough, and it does point us somewhere, but of course, this is the Statcast era. So let’s dig into that information, with the help of Baseball Savant.

As mentioned, one of the theorized effects of the humidor was that it would reduce overall exit velocity. Here’s how all the ballparks played between 2015 – 2017. This shows the difference between overall average home exit velocity and overall average road exit velocity.

All of a sudden, the ballpark effect is gone. Balls in Arizona are being hit as hard as they’re being hit not in Arizona. This is exactly what was predicted to happen, with the Chase Field factor dropping from first to 17th. The balls are heavier and less bouncy, and while they’re not too heavy or too dead, the low area humidity has successfully been negated.

Why the D-backs are in 1st place.

Here, however, I’d like to shine some light on the Diamondbacks’ greatest strength. To this point I’d say it’s gone underappreciated, but I’ll show you the evidence in seven plots. The Diamondbacks have had an incredible defense.

Jarrod Dyson still not running (August 6th).

I only included this article because I wanted an update on Dyson. This was the latest according to google.

Jake Diekman explains player’s weekend nickname.

According to its website, the mission of the Gut It Out Foundation is “to connect patients and caregivers through education and inspiration in order to strengthen relationships and resources within the IBD [Irritable Bowl Disease] community.”

Maybe this explains why Diek does not do Chinese food. Also, can Diekman explain my drywall damage? I mean, he caused it, my anger is not the issue.

Mike Hazen says....

“It’s in front of us and I think that’s the best way to talk about it,” Hazen said. “You’d sign up for this right here – to have it within your grasp. … We’re in a pennant chase. I’ve been in August before where we’re not, so this is a good feeling.”

Around MLB:

Former D-back Brandon McCarthy will retire after the 2018 season.

“I’m done after this,” said McCarthy, who is 6-3 with a 4.92 ERA in 15 starts this season. “This is it. The offseason is the rest of my life. If I was going to keep playing, a month and a half ago I would have had the surgery that cleans the [knee] and I’d be back next year just a little bit after Spring [Training].”

Puig suspended for 2 games, Hundley fined.

The commissioner’s office on Thursday suspended Los Angeles right fielder Yasiel Puig two games and fined him for his role in Tuesday night’s skirmish at Dodger Stadium.

Boo hoo, Puig.

MLB suspends Jose Urena for 6 games.

Miami Marlins pitcher José Ureña has received a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally hitting Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves with a pitch in the bottom of the first inning of Wednesday night’s game at SunTrust Park in Atlanta.

Meanwhile the media is treating Acuna as if he was shot 14 times while saving puppies, and survived.

Off Topic Snake News:

Phoenix woman kills backyard rattlesnake and eats it.

“You can’t just go out and kill a snake without technically a hunting license unless your life’s in danger and your family’s in danger, which I feel really doesn’t occur because snakes don’t chase us. Snakes don’t come after us,” Marchand said.

I am outraged by this woman’s decision to kill snek.