Snake Bytes: 07/05 - 40 games below .500

Diamondbacks News

[Arizona Sports] Not many fireworks for D-backs in loss to Giants on Fourth of July

[mlb.com] ‘One pitch away’: Smith falters vs. Giants

[AZ Central] Diamondbacks can’t solve DeSclafani, fall 40 games below .500 in loss to Giants

Starting Giants pitcher DeSclafani: “I did not feel good whatsoever,” he said. “I was surprised: I looked up after four and hadn’t given up a hit. I didn’t really think I was sharp at all.”

“I think we continue to fight,” Lovullo said.

[AZ Central] Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Escobar named to All-Star Game for first time

[Arizona Sports] Diamondbacks 3B Eduardo Escobar named to first career All-Star Game

[mlb.com] Eduardo Escobar makes 2021 All-Star Game roster

“For me, I’m so happy. I’m so happy because I work hard every year for this opportunity to go to the All-Star Game,” he said via Zoom pregame. “I’m so happy. Today is a special day for me, for my wife, my family and for my teammates. To represent Arizona, I think is the most important thing.”

[AZ Central] Arizona Diamondbacks: Nick Ahmed’s hot hitting has him excited for season’s second half

Says Nick Ahmed: “I’m excited for the second half”. Good to know at least someone is excited for more D-Backs.

Around The MLB

[ESPN] Who made it to the all star game and who didn’t?

I don’t really care who will play at the All Star game, but maybe you do. DeGrom won’t pitch, in it, by the way.

[ESPN] MLB’s 2021 first-half surprises, disappointments and signs of what’s to come

I searched for the word “Diamondbacks” in the article, but there isn’t one, so no dead horse beating in this article!

[CBS Sports] What have we learned in 81 games?

A slightly different take from CBS.

[mlb.com] USA Baseball announces Olympics roster

Former D-Back Edwin Jackson made Mike Scioscia’s final list, just like Todd Frazier, Scott Kazmir and David Robertson. Most thrilling names, however, are those of MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects Tristan Casas (Boston Red Sox, #33), Shane Baz (Tampa Bay Rays, #71) and Simeon Woods-Richardson (Toronto Blue Jays, #63). The team also has a couple of players currently playing in Japan’s NPB and Mexico’s LMB.

Across The Wall

[Dominican Republic] 200 baseball prospects would be left unsigned under new drafting system (google translate)

The international drafting system might be up for a change in the next collective bargaining agreement. Changing it is not as simple as it might look like on the outside. Throughout the years, there have always been talks about some kind of a draft, and this time as well, a new international draft is being proposed.

In the Dominican Republic the possibility of a draft is sometimes met with fear as the bonuses are a welcome financial boost for Dominican families and the national economy. Limiting the international prospect signings to a draft provides a cost control mechanism for MLB owners, but where there is cost control for one, there is less money for others.

On the other hand, something has to be done against supposed agreements with under-aged kids. The international draft, complex, will probably happen. Just how many rounds will have to be discussed.