31 Mar
Wow! Todays game was impressive. No there weren’t any plays to make the highlight reels for the next 10 years or grand slam homers or broken records. What there was however was good solid baseball. All 3 elements were there today, hitting, defense and pitching. Good heads up small ball gave us an early lead, then time to shut up the critics, 3 solo homers!!! The critics are saying we couldn’t find a power hitter, they are right. So in true Dbacks fashion, we grew our own. Young, Byrnes and Salazar showed thier stuff at the plate, way to go guys. Of course all the hitting in the world does no good without solid defense to stop the other team. Once again our guys showed what they are made of with a stellar performance of good solid baseball. Last but certainly not least Brandon Webb showed a great deal of poise delivering a solid 6 inning performance only giving up 2 runs to keep us in the game. Brandon seemed to throw off opposing hitters by adding a killer change up to his arsenal this year. Expecting a dynamite slider on 2 strike counts, 5 batters were surprised to find themselves swinging at a change up for strike 3. That accounted for 5 of 6 strike outs for Brandon. Heres hoping for another CY Young Mr. Webb. Finally I was impressed with the opening day performance of the Bull Pen. 3 hitless innings and a save for Brandon Lyons. If today was any indication of the upcoming season we are in for a fun time!
22 Mar
Over the last couple of years I have enjoyed watching guys come up from our own farm system and have success at the big league level. I was impressed with the front office and Bob Melvin utilizing the talent we have been developing instead of going out and trading and dealing for the players we needed. These young guys we lovingly call the “Babybacks” showed alot of heart and talent last year . I for one was excited at the prospect of such a young team doing so well, mostly because of the prospects of a bright future. A young team alows the players to grow together and become champions together. These young guys are looking good in spring training. Maturity and focus will bring thier game to the next level, and based on last year that should be something to watch. How exciting to see a team with the potential to be very good for a long time. These guys are just starting thier careers, they are going to be around for a long time. If they live up to thier potential, the front office will be wise to keep these guys together for a long time. I for one have high hopes for a bright future with a group of guys who are “Babybacks” no more!
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17 Mar
Spring is in the air and Cactus league baseball is in full swing. Every year spring training leaves my mouth watering for the season to begin and fills my head with questions. Number one this year has to be is Randy Johnson going to make it back? Having seen the better side of 40 AND having survived similar back surgery I know firsthand he has a tough road ahead of him. He definitely won’t be ready for opening day but will he make it back and will he be as dominant as in years past? Good Luck Randy, I’m pulling for you! Brandon Webb and Doug Davis give us a good anchor to the rotation, if they can both stay healthy and put down solid seasons we will be in the hunt this year. Micah Owings is looking good and I believe he will be a solid pitcher for year to come. As he matures he should be quite exciting to watch. I hope the off season trades work out to help solidify our starting rotation. Bob Melvin seems happy with the addition of Dan Heron and he did a good job in Sunday’s rainy game. As always the bullpen makes me nervous, it seems like a roller coaster ride, sometimes they’re hot sometimes they’re not. Would it be too much to ask for a group of guys who can put down solid innings and keep us in the game? It would appear that the bats are warming up this spring, no real tremendous homers but a lot of good solid base hits. And yes championships can be won playing small ball, if you are consistent through the year and make every game count. Only 2 weeks left before we find out who made the cut this year and we get to see our beloved Diamondbacks in action again. Here’s to high hopes of another championship in the valley of the sun!!www.kentparker.info