Preview, #90: 7/6 vs. Rockies

While he will still be recognized as an All-Star, Zack Greinke will not be making the trip to Cleveland for the festivities next week. He’s probably miffed at not being invited to take part in the Home-Run Derby. There’s no actual explanation beyond “personal reasons,” which could be as simple as him preferring to spend the break at home with his family. That would be a fairly Greinke-ish thing to do. Or maybe he’s following in the footsteps of Garry Templeton. As mentioned by the booth last night, when he was asked if he would go to the All-Star Game as a reserve, he allegedly responded, “If I ain’t startin,’ I ain’t departin’”. Though it has been suggested the quote was actually made up by broadcaster Joe Buck.

I can see how the media attention would not be much fun for a player who has social anxiety disorder, though it doesn’t seem to have prevented Greinke from going previously. Perhaps he just doesn’t like Cleveland. After last night’s stellar performance, whatever Zack wants to do over the All-Star break is perfectly fine by me. Enjoy the time off, and come back strong. Meanwhile, the D-backs can pull level with the Rockies if they can repeat last night’s win; victory here would put both teams at exactly the .500 mark, though Colorado has played two games fewer. With the Cubs and Nationals having already won, while the Phillies and Pirates are leading, the D-backs need to keep pace.

Torey’s pre-game media call

Notes

• Zack Greinke will not pitch in the All-Star Game due to “personal reasons”. Greinke “Needs to take care of a few things.” Torey knew yesterday, and is “here to support him”.
• As a result, the starters for the St. Louis series need to be re worked since Zack will not pitch in the All-Star Game.
• Greg Holland has seen a steady decline in his slider velocity since April (from 86 to 83) and a concurrent drop in swing and miss and whiff percentage. His walks issue did not begin on Tuesday night. Torey was asked if the pitching staff has been able to identify any mechanical issues, and is anything getting turned around? He replied that the coaches have identified some areas to improve: “Usually about alignment, trusting your stuff, finishing your pitches, having confidence.” Lovullo added, “I don’t think he’s lost confidence. “
• Eduardo Escobar has worked hard to get more backspin on the ball, as well as simplify his zones, so he can layoff the swing and miss areas for him.
• Arizona’s pitchers are trusting Carson Kelly more and more. Catching Greinke was a big boost of confidence for Carson.