D-backs Preview #162: 10/3 vs. Rockies

Today’s line-up

No word on the Rockies line-up as we go to press. But, let’s face it, who cares? ;)

The final day of the season, and seven of the fifteen games, all starting more or less at the same time this afternoon, could be described as potentially meaningful. The Dodgers and Giants seek to determine the NL West champion. In the American League, the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Mariners all have a shot at one of the two wild-card spots. And the Blue Jays-Orioles game, along with the Diamondbacks’ one, will determine (discounting possible CBA changes) the #1 draft pick next year. The Giants and Diamondbacks can determine their own fates: win and lose respectively, and the outcomes of the other contenders won’t matter. But there’ll be a lot of scoreboard watching.

None more so than in the American League where the Yankees and Red Sox can secure a wild-card spot with a win. But if either loses, that will open the door for the Mariners and/or Blue Jays. A win for one of those two in addition to a NY and/or Boston loss, and we’d be into tiebreaker territory. The exact format depends on whether it’s a two-way tie for one spot, a three-way tie for one spot, a three-way tie for two spots or if Aplayoffpocalypse dawns. a four-way tie for two spots. Though, actually, the last would at least be relatively simple: two play-in games, winners meet in the wild-card. The three-way scenarios are... considerably more complex. I’ll leave it at that. Do your own research. :)

Torey Lovullo notes

• Coaching Staff Decisions: Torey could not indicate when he would make those decisions, but he said it would be as soon as possible.
• Ketel Marte not in lineup: He’s doing fine physically. Torey said he wanted to give him an off day. I challenged Torey on this, and said there are no games after today, so why does he need an off day. Some verbiage followed... but none of it satisfying, or sensical. He made a decision. There is clearly more behind it than Torey was willing to discuss.
• Humberto Mejia: ”It was his day, we thought it would be an opportunity for him to finish the season on a positive note... He’s a young pitcher working on things and the more experience he gets in this setting is going to help him be a little bit better for the future. “

Torey Lovullo audio [or link]