February 10, 2010
Having gone through three reconstructive shoulder surgeries on my throwing arm, I am in a unique position of understanding exactly what Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb is going through.
In August 2009, Webb underwent what is described as “debridlement” on his shoulder to clean up some loose ends and strengthen the shoulder. Personally mine was a little more severe than that with doctors repairing a torn labrum, and bi-directional instability of the shoulder joint.
Continue reading ‘Webb Takes Next Step in Rehabilitation’ »
February 9, 2010
For all intents and purposes, the Arizona Diamondbacks are still a relatively new organization. Having played just over a decade there is not much history yet established. Granted the team has had their share of success but 12 years is hardly long enough to classify as history.
They had the sixth best record for an expansion team during their inaugural season and made the post season in just their second year. Of course no discussion of Diamondbacks history would be complete without mentioning the World Series championship in 2001. Still, the team is not nearly as storied as many of the franchises in Major League Baseball.
Continue reading ‘Former Diamondbacks Find New Homes’ »
February 8, 2010
The Caribbean Series is the culmination of winter baseball. Shortly after the World Series is completed in the United States, baseball is just beginning in other parts of the world. In the countries south of the United States, nations welcome players back onto the field for the beginning of another year of winter baseball.
Winter baseball is made up of players from various countries along with major and minor league players from the United States. It is partly a developmental environment where players are sent to work on specific aspects of their games and partly a matter of pride as teams attempt to represent their country on an international stage.
Continue reading ‘Dominican Republic Takes Caribbean Series’ »
February 7, 2010
I’ve said it before but let me say it again’ I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a football fan. It is really hard to take a sport seriously that only plays 16 games their entire season and even then the teams have to have a week off.
Baseball players will play more games in Spring Training than their NFL counterparts will play in three complete seasons. And even with all the time off, football players still only play either offense or defense.
Continue reading ‘The Super Bowl From a Baseball Fan’s Perspective’ »
February 6, 2010
During a recent news conference Arizona Diamondbacks General Partner Ken Kendrick suggested the team may be willing to discuss long-term contracts with some of their younger players.
One of the players specifically mentioned by Kendrick was third baseman Mark Reynolds. Reynolds just missed being classified as a Super Two player, which would have made him arbitration eligible in 2010.
Continue reading ‘Reynolds Wrapped? Diamondbacks Consider Long-Term Deal’ »
February 5, 2010
One of the great parts about writing a baseball blog is that you have the opportunity to meet some very cool people who share your passion for the game. The great thing about the national pastime is that fans come from diverse backgrounds yet are connected by their love of the game.
Shortly after the 2006 season, I had an opportunity to meet with Derrick Hall, then the incoming president of the Arizona Diamondbacks who was taking over for Rich Dozer. The meeting was to be held at Hall’s office at Chase Field.
Continue reading ‘New Blog Features Behind Scenes Look at Diamondbacks’ »
February 4, 2010
Yesterday we began looking at the PECOTA statistical model for the Arizona Diamondbacks developed by the Sabermetricians at Baseball Prospectus. Today we will pick up the discussion by looking at the Diamondbacks pitching staff.
There are many that believe the problems of the 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks occurred on April 6, 2009 when staff ace Brandon Webb left the game after just four innings on Opening Day and never returned.
Continue reading ‘A Statistical Look at the 2010 Diamondbacks Pitchers’ »
February 3, 2010
With pitchers and catchers due to report to Spring Training in two weeks, we are now in that part of the off-season where thoughts of last year drift into the backs of our minds replaced with the hopes and dreams of what the coming season will hold.
Typically this is the time of year where media types begin predicting how the baseball season will unfold ending with predictions of the winners and losers. These predictions almost always come back in October to haunt the prognosticator.
Continue reading ‘A Statistical Look at the 2010 Diamondbacks Position Players’ »
February 2, 2010
Groundhog Day is one of the more puzzling holidays that has been created. I’m not exactly sure who thought it would be a great idea to have a hibernating furry rodent get yanked out of a hollow tree and look for his shadow to decide whether winter is over.
Baseball seems to be a whole lot more accurate in determining the changing of the seasons. Every fan knows that winter ends the day pitchers and catchers report to the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.
Continue reading ‘Groundhog Day and My Proposal for Calendar Changes’ »
