Snake Bytes 9/16: sWEEP

Diamondbacks News:

D-backs 3, Dodger-evil 5

From the Keegan: Merrill Kelly made his first start tonight in over a month coming off of the COVID_19 injured list. How were his mechanics? I haven’t the slightest clue. He went four and two thirds innings and gave up ten hits and two walks, so I’m going to assume not that great.

‘Unacceptable’: D-backs continue to be plagued by poor defense

From the article: “We’ve got to get to the bottom of it,” Lovullo said. “It’s the good and the bad (and) the bad shows up a little too often. We’ve got to figure out a way to tighten that up. We’re working extremely hard at identifying different things. We’re progressing and remaining positive and seeing a lot of good habits and a lot of good results, and then we have certain things that jump out on us. We have to figure that out.”

Seth Beer is feeling better

From the blurb: Beer sustained a dislocated shoulder during Tuesday’s game, and X-rays came negative for bone chips. He had the shoulder put back into place and is considered day-to-day. Lovullo did not offer any more details regarding the player’s availability or if Beer will require a stint on the injured list.

ASU special events students learn how stadium staffers get ready to play ball

From the article: Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks president and CEO, is an ASU alumnus. For more than five years, the team has partnered with the university to host the annual ASU Night, which includes discounted tickets for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Schneiderman’s students heard from a career panel featuring top sports executives, enjoyed a special appearance from ASU President Michael Crow and were able to rub elbows with Sun Devils mascot Sparky and his Diamondbacks counterpart, D. Baxter the Bobcat.

“I am excited to find out how it works behind the scenes … especially because it’s so big,” said ASU senior Jamie Espinoza. “I’m very big on organizing, so once it all just starts to fall together … it’s the best feeling.”

Baseball News:

WATCH: Umpire ejects ground crew from game

MLB Ump say he didn't eject grounds crew from game

From the article: “I didn’t ‘eject’ the grounds crew,” Timmons said in a text to The Associated Press. “I just didn’t want all of them behind the tarp, especially with the infield in.”

So on what soon became a wet night, the Baltimore brigade kept its record spotless, and didn’t join mascots and stadium organists on the list of strange ballpark ejections over the years.

Is Craig Counsell the best manager in baseball?

From the article: A common thread on a team that has seen changes to its front office and roster: Counsell.

“The players have to play the game, but it starts from the top down and players feed off the manager,” said Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, who won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award in 2018.

“I don’t think he gets enough credit,” Yelich continued later. “I really don’t. It’s almost a crime that he hasn’t won Manager of the Year the last few years. He’s definitely deserved it and he’s a huge reason for all of our success here.”

Snek Byte:

Nap time is interrupted by MASSIVE Snake