Snake Bytes 8/30: Super Souza Jr.

When I read that Souza Jr was placed in the lead-off position, and heard Torey explain his own reasoning behind the move, I was confused, scared, hungry and alone. Then, after Souza SWUNG AT THE VERY 1ST PITCH OF THE GAME and popped it up, I rapidly shuffled through the 5 stages of grief. It was not until Souza led off again, this time in the 3rd inning, that he redeemed himself by smashing a massive solo dong to left field. That dong broke my resentment, and also broke up the 25 scoreless inning streak that the D-backs had built.

RECAPS:

Souza reignites offense, makes spectacular catches in D-backs win.

Zack Godley allows just 1 run in win to avoid sweep.

Godley was terrific, allowing just a lead off double in the fourth inning and a two-out single in the eighth to the final batter he faced, though he did also allow three batters to reach via hit by pitch. The 28-year-old needed a strong bounce-back effort after yielding 11 runs in his last two starts, and he’s now worked a quality start in four of his last six outings. He’ll take a 4.42 ERA and 9.5 K/9 into Monday’s tilt with the Padres.

D-BACKS NEWS:

Did D-backs break protocol to sign Shumpei Yoshikawa?

Because Yoshikawa was not drafted, the Diamondbacks seem to be viewed by most observers as somewhat in the clear to sign him. However, Yoshikawa was said to have turned himself into a prospect for this October’s NPB draft, raising questions about whether the Diamondbacks jumped the gun – and whether they might face repercussions for breaking protocol in a culture that values doing business entirely above-board.

Torey’s hook will be quicker with D-backs relievers.

Lovullo said he didn’t feel a need to explain his thinking to Bradley.

“I think he gets it,” Lovullo said. “He’s fully engaged. Maybe he’s frustrated, I don’t know, but I think Archie is so good at doing things with a team-first attitude that he doesn’t think twice about it.”

Speaking of relievers... Shelby Miller extends throwing distance.

If Miller endures no setbacks in his recovery and is able to return from the 60-day disabled list in September, he would likely be limited to a low-leverage role out of the bullpen.

AROUND MLB:

MLB.com’s top 10 prospects who could be September call ups

None of them are snakes.

Yelich hits 1st career cycle and goes 6 for 6 in win vs. Reds

“I’ve never seen a game like that,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said of Yelich’s 6-for-6 performance. “It was incredible. He’s coming up and you’re thinking he can’t do it again, and he does it again. He did everything tonight, he really did. He’s driving the bus home tonight.”

Off Topic Snake News:

Hybrid Burmese, Indian python discovered in Florida. As if you needed one more reason to stay out of Florida...

While examining the invasive python population in Florida, researchers stumbled across the unexpected: a kind of hybrid super snake. Souza Snake?

SNAKEBRUTEFEST reminder:

Join the Snakepit and the Brute Squad for the September 22nd game vs. The Colorado Rockies. We have secured the group discount ticket rate, plus $1 off drinks at the Cornish Pasty during the pre-game meetup. 20 of the 40 tickets we have on reserve have been claimed. Click the link for details and tickets.