Snake Bytes: 02/08 - Campeones

Diamondbacks news

[Arizona Sports] D-backs, Rockies postpone spring training ticket sales

Due to further review regarding Spring Training details, the D-backs and Rockies will be temporarily postponing ticket sales to Spring Training games.

[Fangraphs] Diamondbacks Add Still-Excellent Joakim Soria to Bullpen

Depending on how much you care about luck as opposed to real results, Soria’s last few seasons are either a little better or a little worse than the rest of his career. Even everything out, though, and he’s been a remarkably similar pitcher year to year, particularly if you compare the first three years with the last four.

[MLB Trade Rumors] Diamondbacks Designate Taylor Guilbeau For Assignment

Guilbeau has been a full-time reliever since the start of the 2018 season, so with this intriguing skillset, it’s possible the Diamondbacks could lose him on a DFA claim. If no rival team jumps, Guilbeau can remain in the system as a potential option for a D’Backs bullpen that is short on lefty hurlers.

Across The Pacific

[Japan] Yoshi Hirano returns to Japan

After three MLB seasons, free agent reliever Yoshihisa Hirano returned to his first pro team, Nippon Professional Baseball’s Orix Buffaloes, the Pacific League club said Saturday. Hirano signed a one-year deal with Orix worth a reported ¥150 million yen ($1.4 million) plus bonuses. For the Mariners he went 0-1 with four saves and a 5.84 ERA last season in 13 games after missing most of summer camp with a coronavirus infection. We knew him better as a Diamondback: in Arizona he pitched 119.1 innings to a 3.47 ERA and got RoY honours in what was an outstanding 2018.

[Japan] NPB spring training begins quietly in Japan amid coronavirus surge

This year, spring baseball will be missing more than just fans. Bare-handed high-fives and handshakes are prohibited, as is spitting, and players will have to take turns using the locker rooms and showers, and ensure social distancing while eating. Preseason games will begin on Feb. 23, and both leagues will open the 2021 season on March 26.

Across The Wall

[Latin America] Dominican Republic wins Serie del Caribe

The Águilas de Cibaeña went on to win the Serie del Caribe last Saturday after beating Puerto Rico (Criollos de Caguas) in the final. The Dominican team won every game this tournament and saw 7 players being honoured with an All Star mention while Juan Lagares was chosen as the MVP of the tournament.

Diamondbacks’ prospect Luis Castillo got the win for the Águilas in relief in the final. It was yet another success for the young pitcher after a good performance in the Dominican Winter League for the same team, pitching 10.2 innings with a 3.34 ERA and 10.1 K/9 vs. 3.4 BB/9.

Across The Atlantic

[Netherlands] Dutch baseball Hall of Famer Han Urbanus passes away

In 1952 Urbanus was the first European to participate in Major League Spring Training when he was invited by the New York Giants to join them in Arizona. Urbanus has been recognised as one of the driving forces behind baseball in The Netherlands.

As The World Turns

[Fairfield Sun Times] Diamondbacks Choir Takes Center Stage At Governor’s Address

“The talented students of the Diamondback Choir at Dutton/Brady Public Schools did an outstanding job performing the National Anthem. They captivated the entire room, and I welcome them back anytime,” said Governor Gianforte.