D-backs Preview #61: 6/6 @ Brewers

The last time the D-backs won a series was May 2nd, when they took the finale against the Rockies at Chase Field to give them three out of four, and improve their record to 15-13. Since then, they have played ten series, and lost nine, the only exception being a split of four against Miami in Arizona. The Diamondbacks have been beaten in seven consecutive series, including this one which was put to rest with the Brewers’ victory last night. As usual, we look to the 2004 season for comparison, and that does have this year beat. That squad did not win a series from June 15 until the first week in August, fourteen in a row, losing twelve and splitting two four-game sets. Maybe we can squeak out a W in the two-game set in Oakland?

Alternative to the Diamondbacks game

Nothing much planned for the morning. Have some catching up to do on other projects, but there’ll be a bit of a lie-in first, and the usual Sunday morning viewing of a Death in Paradise episode. Will be out of the house around 3 pm, so hoping the game doesn’t run long - I’ve to apply the usual bells + whistles to Turambar’s beercap. However, a stand-in is available should that happen. The departure can’t be delayed as we are off to see Curiouser & Curiouser at the Peotia Center for the Performing Arts. I’m really not sure what to expect from this “immersive, multi-sensory theater experience... part escape room, part art installation and part theater performance.” It’ll likely be more entertaining than this game though.

Torey Lovullo notes

Yesterday’s Clutch At Bats. “There’s been improvements in a lot of areas... I’ve been pleased with the progress, even though it’s small it’s moving in the right direction. Put it all together and win a baseball game is our main objective today, but when we evaluate certain things at certain times.... I’ve been pleased with our at-bats.”

Did Tim Locastro’s hand protectors play a role in coming off the bag yesterday? He talked about the necessity to protect the hand on head first slides from getting stepped on or dislocations as happened recently. They’ve talked about trying to get a specialized glove. That could be an interesting innovation to come out of all this. ”There is a grabbing [of the base] component to his craft. He wants to slide into the bag, hit the corner, and grab the bag because he’s moving at such a high speed. With this oven mitt on it’s a little bit more challenging for him to grab the bag. We have asked him to wear the oven-mitt to protect his hand. Maybe there’s some modification that can happen to that mitt”

Caleb Smith was on the attack last time out, throwing strikes, filling up the zone. These are the things he needs to continue to do.

Sticky Substances and Spin Rates: “I’m reading the same things you guys are. I don’t know where MLB has made an official statement. This is all pure speculation based on the information I’ve been getting thrown my way from friends and family and colleagues.

I like a level playing field too. I know MLB is doing a good job of digging in and trying to monitor this area. They’re going to figure this out. They’re going to find a way to level that playing field and make sure they’re protecting the game and the integrity of the game and protecting the athletes from any type of injury. I know that blisters can be associated with some of the substances that have been used in the past. Now as far as what’s been happening today, this year, I’m not so well read on that. All I know is that we have told our pitchers what the rules are, and what the standards are and we’ve asked them to follow those guidelines.”

Jon Duplantier will be the starter on Tuesday in Oakland and Wednesday is still TBA

Torey Lovullo audio [or link]