Preview #19: 8/12, Diamondbacks @ Rockies

One of the advantages of the geographical schedule is the relatively limited time-zone differences. With the D-backs only playing other Western times, we don’t have to deal with the Eastern time-zone at all. There is only one earlier start than today’s 12:10 pm one - that’s a game in Houston on September 20, which begins at 11:10 am. And that’s a Sunday, so it’s okay. I’m particularly not a fan of getaway day in Miami, where first pitch is something insane like 9:35 am, Arizona time. That’s far too much effort first thing in the morning to get game streams, previews and a gameday thread scheduled, before I even have coffee. To be honest, if we never play another East coast team the rest of the way, I’d be fine with that!

The other bane of the SnakePit staff, the marathon game, also seems to have been largely curtailed. So far, there have been 20 games tied at the end of regulation. With the new rules requiring a runner starting on second in extra innings, 66% of them have ended in 10 innings, and only 10% have gone longer than 11 (both went 13, and resulted in losses for Houston). Last year, there were 208 extra-inning games. 44% of those went 10 frames, and more than a quarter (28%) went 12 innings or more. The longest was our 19-inning 3-2 victory over the Cardinals. From a fan perspective, I am kinda sorry to see that (probably!) go. From a recapper’s point of view? Not so much.

Kevin Ginkel last night had a stinker, allowing four earned runs in less than an inning - his second such outing of the season. He’s not alone, of course: 16 other pitchers have had multiple games like that in a year. Heck, David Hernandez (2011) and Brian Bruney (2005) had three. The former managed to allow 14 ER while recording two outs over his trio of nightmare scenarios. But Ginkel has got there quicker than anyone else, taking just 18 games. The fastest previous was J.C. Gutierrez, who had his second meltdown in game #34 of the 2010 season. Let’s hope Ginkel has got it out of his system now, and we do not see him alongside Hernandez and Bruney.

Pre-game audio from Torey Lovullo

• Madison Bumgarner throwing today and will throw a bullpen tomorrow. Non-committal about return date, Will figure out who will start in Bumgarner’s spot (and which game that will be) after today’s game. Winning today’s game is the priority
• From the sound of it, Luke Weaver will still be on a short leash today. Would not commit to more than 3 innings for Luke. Torey discussed pitch counts as well, and it sounded like he did not want to go beyond 80 pitches either.
• TL acknowledged that Jeremy Beasley’s velocity was off a lot from what it was in Summer camp. Chalked it up to nerves
• Matt Herges hiring and interview process reviewed. Managed him in tail end of career in Cleveland organization. Appreciated work ethic, communication skills and honesty. 10 years later he remembered that in interviews and felt they were aligned in basic beliefs.
• The slogan “Earn Your Sleeves” has been discussed by Torey in the clubhouse with the players. It means if you are playing in long sleeves in cooler weather in meaningful games that’s what you work for.
• Charlie Blackmon: “I have nightmares about him”. Excellent breakdown of Blackmon’s skills and why he’s so tough to pitch to. Definitely worth a listen towards the end of the audio below.