Worst to First - The Sequel - Page 74

majesty95 · 05-11-2014, 04:05 PM

I agree the drafts have been underwhelming. Hopefully you can find some defensive help as that is by far your biggest area of need.

NYY #23 · 05-11-2014, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majesty95

I agree the drafts have been underwhelming. Hopefully you can find some defensive help as that is by far your biggest area of need.

Thanks. Yes, defensively we've been terrible, and that's not a good way to build a team. We just finished a good month, but I'm starting to worry I'm not going to get out of Arizona without some big changes.

NYY #23 · 05-11-2014, 04:33 PM

The Diamondbacks again heat up in June going 19-8 for the month to pull to .500 for the year. We now trail San Diego by 6 1/2 games.

Our pitching is making improvements, specifically our starters. Once again July will be an important month for us.

ShagVT · 05-11-2014, 04:35 PM

Honestly, bringing in Alfonso Soriano makes the fans suspicious of how committed management really is to improving defense.

NYY #23 · 05-11-2014, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShagVT

Honestly, bringing in Alfonso Soriano makes the fans suspicious of how committed management really is to improving defense.

They'd probably be right to be suspicious. Has Coors Field ruined me?

We're trying to make fans forget how bad our defense really is by leading the league in home runs!

NYY #23 · 05-11-2014, 05:05 PM

July was a frustrating month losing 15 games and winning just 12. We lost Tim Hudson for a few weeks, further taxing our pitching staff.

Arizona has just been a roller coaster so far. I tried to make a couple of deals at the deadline, but we weren't successful.

We are investigating bringing in another starting pitcher as well, because it's obvious that Josh Fogg and Eric Milton can't cut it.

NYY #23 · 05-12-2014, 09:42 PM

Just when I write off our chances for the season we go on a 18-10 run for the month to pull to second place, 5 games behind San Diego.

A couple of pieces of news - first we signed Barry Zito to a 4 year extension to buy out his last arbitration years, and first year of free agency. We also signed starting pitcher Jose Lima to a two year contract through 2004. He was 7-11 last year with a 5.26 ERA, but couldn't get any bites as a free agent. We'll give him a shot at the back end of the rotation, although he has already suffered a minor injury.

NYY #23 · 05-13-2014, 06:01 PM

The Arizona Diamondbacks were once again hot in September, going 18-7 to overtake the San Diego Padres and win the National League West. After a two year absence we'll return to the playoffs, and face an uphill battle.

We'll be taking on the Cubs, who finished 97-65 during the regular season in the Wild Card round. If there is any hope we did split the season series with the Cubs, and a shortened rotation should benefit Arizona. I feel like I've already written off this season back in July, so whatever we do from here on out is just a bonus. We're the underdogs, but maybe we can continue our hot play.

NYY #23 · 05-13-2014, 08:24 PM

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The series started off very well when Coco Crisp singled to lead off the game, and came home to score on a double by Mike Ryan. Juan Gonzalez hit a two run homer, and D T Cromer hit a solo shot and the D'Backs were quickly up 4-0.

Matt Clement got the start for us, and with a 10-0 lead he gave up 5 runs in the fourth, but those were the only runs we allowed all game. Brian Sweeney, Jason Marquis, and Jerrod Riggan combined for four scoreless innings. Which considering our 4.99 ERA by the bullpen this year was a minor miracle.

Bobby Crosby and Alfonso Soriano added home runs, and Juan Gonzalez hit his second of the game as we rolled 11-5.

NYY #23 · 05-13-2014, 09:01 PM

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We've found success against the Cubs by getting on the board early, and holding on for the win as we go up 2-0 against the Cubs after a 8-4 win.

Tim Hudson pitched well tonight to pick up the win, going 7 innings and allowing 3 runs. Our bullpen wasn't as effective tonight, as Chad Cordero allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings, but they did their job.

Coco Crisp and Alfonso Soriano each homered tonight, with Crisp, Juan Gonzalez, and Tim Hudson each driving in a pair of runs.

NYY #23 · 05-14-2014, 05:50 PM

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Barry Zito pitched 7 strong innings tonight, before turning the game over to the bullpen with a 4-1 lead, and two innings and 5 runs later we lost the game 6-5. This was the perfect example of why I don't think this team is capable of winning the World Series - our bullpen.

My big August acquisition Jose Lima was the goat tonight, giving up 3 runs in just a 1/3 of an inning.

We still hold the 2-1 series lead, but I'm worried about the rest of the series if our bullpen pitches like this the rest of the series.

NYY #23 · 05-14-2014, 06:59 PM

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Matt Clement left the game after six innings with a 3-3 tie, and once again our achillies heal caused us some problems. Chad Cordero got just two batters out while allowing 4 runs to put us in a 7-3 hole.

It would be up to our offense to chip away, and our bullpen to avoid further damage. Ivan Rodriguez tripled, and came in to score on a Juan Gonzalez double. D T Cromer singled home another run and we ended the seventh down 7-5.

We picked up another run in the bottom of the eighth when Bobby Crosby singled and later came home to score on an error by Cubs' pitcher Jeff Shaw.

Juan Gonzalez hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game up at 7.

Then in the bottom of the tenth Mike Ryan connected on a two run home run as the Diamondbacks walked off winners, of both the game and the series.

I do have to give both Kurt Ainsworth and Jerrod Riggan credit for pitching 3 1/3 hitless innings that made it possible for our offense to mount a comeback. On to the LCS.

While the Diamondbacks were busy knocking off the top seed in the AL, the Mariners also won 3-1 today, knocking off the top seeded Minnesota Twins. Maybe that's a good sign for the D'Backs.

NYY #23 · 05-15-2014, 11:07 PM

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Tonight we got a good start from Tim Hudson who allowed 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings, but our bats were silent and he left the game trailing 2-0.

Three RBI doubles by Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, and Bobby Crosby gave us the lead in the bottom of the eighth.

Jason Marquis pitched a hitless 1 1/3 for the win, and Blaine Neal pitched a hitless ninth for the save as Arizona takes a 1-0 lead in the series.

NYY #23 · 05-16-2014, 10:54 PM

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Barry Zito took the loss tonight giving up 5 runs in five innings.

Our offense managed just two runs tonight in the 5-2 loss, a sacrifice fly by Coco Crisp and a pinch hit single by Richard Hidalgo.

I don't want to overlook the job done by our bullpen though, as Mike Mussina came out of the pen for two scoreless, as did Chad Cordero.

NYY #23 · 05-17-2014, 03:03 PM

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Once again this was a backwards game. Matt Clement allowed 4 runs in 6 innings to take the loss, and Chad Cordero pitched 2 hitless innings out of the bullpen. Cordero has now managed to lower his postseason ERA to 8.10.

Our only runs came on RBI singles by Alfonso Soriano and Bobby Crosby. We now trail the Cardinals 2-1 in the series.

NYY #23 · 05-18-2014, 11:04 PM

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Jose Lima got the win today pitching 6 shutout innings, with Chad Cordero pitching 2 hitless innings in relief, and Blaine Neal pitching a hitless ninth as they combine for a 5 hit shutout to tie up the series at 2.

Juan Gonzalez hit a solo home run, while Coco Crisp and Mike Ryan drove in a run apiece.

mirrf · 05-19-2014, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Jose Lima got the win today pitching 6 shutout innings

I hear "It's Lima time!" in my head every time I read his name.

NYY #23 · 05-19-2014, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirrf

I hear "It's Lima time!" in my head every time I read his name.

I always worry when I read his name, but I have to admit I can't argue with the results recently!

NYY #23 · 05-19-2014, 07:17 PM

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Another clunker from a starting pitcher as Tim Hudson allowed 6 runs in 6 1/3 innings to get the loss. Just when I start to get confidence in this team they play terrible. When we play terrible and I write them off they win. Since 2000 I haven't really known what to expect from this team.

Coco Crisp and Ivan Rodriguez each hit solo homers tonight.

NYY #23 · 05-20-2014, 07:14 PM

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Today was a must win game for us, and Barry Zito pitched like it was to pick up the win after throwing 8 innings and allowing just 1 run. Blaine Neal came on to pitch the ninth for his third postseason save.

D T Cromer hit a two run homer for the Diamondbacks, and Coco Crisp singled home a run. On to a deciding Game 7...

05-11-2014, 04:05 PM	#1461
majesty95 All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,789	I agree the drafts have been underwhelming. Hopefully you can find some defensive help as that is by far your biggest area of need. __________________ College Football Sim League

05-11-2014, 04:33 PM	#1463
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	7/1/2003 - The Diamondbacks again heat up in June going 19-8 for the month to pull to .500 for the year. We now trail San Diego by 6 1/2 games. Our pitching is making improvements, specifically our starters. Once again July will be an important month for us. Attached Images

05-11-2014, 05:05 PM	#1466
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	8/1/2003 - July was a frustrating month losing 15 games and winning just 12. We lost Tim Hudson for a few weeks, further taxing our pitching staff. Arizona has just been a roller coaster so far. I tried to make a couple of deals at the deadline, but we weren't successful. We are investigating bringing in another starting pitcher as well, because it's obvious that Josh Fogg and Eric Milton can't cut it. Attached Images

05-12-2014, 09:42 PM	#1467
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	9/1/2003 - Just when I write off our chances for the season we go on a 18-10 run for the month to pull to second place, 5 games behind San Diego. A couple of pieces of news - first we signed Barry Zito to a 4 year extension to buy out his last arbitration years, and first year of free agency. We also signed starting pitcher Jose Lima to a two year contract through 2004. He was 7-11 last year with a 5.26 ERA, but couldn't get any bites as a free agent. We'll give him a shot at the back end of the rotation, although he has already suffered a minor injury. Attached Images

05-13-2014, 06:01 PM	#1468
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	9/29/2003 - The Arizona Diamondbacks were once again hot in September, going 18-7 to overtake the San Diego Padres and win the National League West. After a two year absence we'll return to the playoffs, and face an uphill battle. We'll be taking on the Cubs, who finished 97-65 during the regular season in the Wild Card round. If there is any hope we did split the season series with the Cubs, and a shortened rotation should benefit Arizona. I feel like I've already written off this season back in July, so whatever we do from here on out is just a bonus. We're the underdogs, but maybe we can continue our hot play. Attached Images

05-11-2014, 04:35 PM	#1464
ShagVT Minors (Double A) Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 103	Honestly, bringing in Alfonso Soriano makes the fans suspicious of how committed management really is to improving defense.

05-13-2014, 08:24 PM	#1469
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	9/30/2003 - Wild Card Game 1 The series started off very well when Coco Crisp singled to lead off the game, and came home to score on a double by Mike Ryan. Juan Gonzalez hit a two run homer, and D T Cromer hit a solo shot and the D'Backs were quickly up 4-0. Matt Clement got the start for us, and with a 10-0 lead he gave up 5 runs in the fourth, but those were the only runs we allowed all game. Brian Sweeney, Jason Marquis, and Jerrod Riggan combined for four scoreless innings. Which considering our 4.99 ERA by the bullpen this year was a minor miracle. Bobby Crosby and Alfonso Soriano added home runs, and Juan Gonzalez hit his second of the game as we rolled 11-5.

05-13-2014, 09:01 PM	#1470
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/1/2003 - Wild Card Game 2 We've found success against the Cubs by getting on the board early, and holding on for the win as we go up 2-0 against the Cubs after a 8-4 win. Tim Hudson pitched well tonight to pick up the win, going 7 innings and allowing 3 runs. Our bullpen wasn't as effective tonight, as Chad Cordero allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings, but they did their job. Coco Crisp and Alfonso Soriano each homered tonight, with Crisp, Juan Gonzalez, and Tim Hudson each driving in a pair of runs.

05-14-2014, 05:50 PM	#1471
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/3/2003 - Wild Card Game 3 Barry Zito pitched 7 strong innings tonight, before turning the game over to the bullpen with a 4-1 lead, and two innings and 5 runs later we lost the game 6-5. This was the perfect example of why I don't think this team is capable of winning the World Series - our bullpen. My big August acquisition Jose Lima was the goat tonight, giving up 3 runs in just a 1/3 of an inning. We still hold the 2-1 series lead, but I'm worried about the rest of the series if our bullpen pitches like this the rest of the series.

05-14-2014, 06:59 PM	#1472
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/4/2003 - Wild Card Game 4 Matt Clement left the game after six innings with a 3-3 tie, and once again our achillies heal caused us some problems. Chad Cordero got just two batters out while allowing 4 runs to put us in a 7-3 hole. It would be up to our offense to chip away, and our bullpen to avoid further damage. Ivan Rodriguez tripled, and came in to score on a Juan Gonzalez double. D T Cromer singled home another run and we ended the seventh down 7-5. We picked up another run in the bottom of the eighth when Bobby Crosby singled and later came home to score on an error by Cubs' pitcher Jeff Shaw. Juan Gonzalez hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game up at 7. Then in the bottom of the tenth Mike Ryan connected on a two run home run as the Diamondbacks walked off winners, of both the game and the series. I do have to give both Kurt Ainsworth and Jerrod Riggan credit for pitching 3 1/3 hitless innings that made it possible for our offense to mount a comeback. On to the LCS. While the Diamondbacks were busy knocking off the top seed in the AL, the Mariners also won 3-1 today, knocking off the top seeded Minnesota Twins. Maybe that's a good sign for the D'Backs.

05-15-2014, 11:07 PM	#1473
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/6/2003 - NLCS Game 1 Tonight we got a good start from Tim Hudson who allowed 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings, but our bats were silent and he left the game trailing 2-0. Three RBI doubles by Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, and Bobby Crosby gave us the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Jason Marquis pitched a hitless 1 1/3 for the win, and Blaine Neal pitched a hitless ninth for the save as Arizona takes a 1-0 lead in the series.

05-16-2014, 10:54 PM	#1474
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/7/2003 - NLCS Game 2 Barry Zito took the loss tonight giving up 5 runs in five innings. Our offense managed just two runs tonight in the 5-2 loss, a sacrifice fly by Coco Crisp and a pinch hit single by Richard Hidalgo. I don't want to overlook the job done by our bullpen though, as Mike Mussina came out of the pen for two scoreless, as did Chad Cordero.

05-17-2014, 03:03 PM	#1475
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/9/2003 - NLCS Game 3 Once again this was a backwards game. Matt Clement allowed 4 runs in 6 innings to take the loss, and Chad Cordero pitched 2 hitless innings out of the bullpen. Cordero has now managed to lower his postseason ERA to 8.10. Our only runs came on RBI singles by Alfonso Soriano and Bobby Crosby. We now trail the Cardinals 2-1 in the series.

05-18-2014, 11:04 PM	#1476
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/10/2003 - NLCS Game 4 Jose Lima got the win today pitching 6 shutout innings, with Chad Cordero pitching 2 hitless innings in relief, and Blaine Neal pitching a hitless ninth as they combine for a 5 hit shutout to tie up the series at 2. Juan Gonzalez hit a solo home run, while Coco Crisp and Mike Ryan drove in a run apiece.

05-19-2014, 07:17 PM	#1479
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/11/2003 - NLCS Game 5 Another clunker from a starting pitcher as Tim Hudson allowed 6 runs in 6 1/3 innings to get the loss. Just when I start to get confidence in this team they play terrible. When we play terrible and I write them off they win. Since 2000 I haven't really known what to expect from this team. Coco Crisp and Ivan Rodriguez each hit solo homers tonight.

05-20-2014, 07:14 PM	#1480
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	10/13/2003 - NLCS Game 6 Today was a must win game for us, and Barry Zito pitched like it was to pick up the win after throwing 8 innings and allowing just 1 run. Blaine Neal came on to pitch the ninth for his third postseason save. D T Cromer hit a two run homer for the Diamondbacks, and Coco Crisp singled home a run. On to a deciding Game 7...