May 29 2006 01:30 AM
More specifically, the Arizona Diamondback. First discovered at Bank One Ballpark (now Chase Field) in March of '98, the Diamondback experienced quick success, capturing division titles 1999, 2001, and 2002.
But this isn't 2002, so lets get to know the 2006 Arizona Diamondbacks.
In the preseason, the 'Backs got no respect (no respect I tell ya), being consistantly passed over for the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers of LA, San Francisco Retirement Castle, and the 2005 NL West boobie prize Champion San Diego Padres.
But games aren't played on paper, because Strat is no fun televised, and lo-and-behold these D'Backs are leading the NL West, which has suddenly become a .500-and-over club this season. With a 29-20 record and a 1.5 game lead over the Dodgers, they've been making headlines all over...Arizona. Ok, so maybe the Diamondbacks don't get much media attention. But that's why we have KTEs. Without further ado:
Usual Lineup
1. SS Craig Counsell- A Diamondback since 2000, excluding a one year stay in Milwaukee in '04, the 35 year old veteran is on pace for one of the best seasons of his career. Armed with a [url=http://www.hometownsource.com/news/2004/august/cubstrip/3.jpg]funky batting stance[/url] and a .366 On-Base clip, he's been an effective table setter for a surprisingly poisonous (LOLPUN!) Arizona lineup that's #2 in the NL in runs scored.
2. CF Eric Byrnes- A [url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0421dbxmain0421.html]TOTALLY X-TREME[/url] kinda guy, Byrnes is another player who seems to be playing over his head right now. After bouncing around between 3 teams with little success last season, Byrnes has settled into Arizona nicely to the tune of .324/.377/.568 with 6 HRs and 17 RBI. He dominates lefty pitching.
3. 3B Chad Tracy- The farm raised D'Back came out and got this party started last season with a .308 avg and 27 homers, and he's been supplying more of the same this season. The 26 year old sports a .293/.351/.505 line with solid production (8 HR, 29 RBI). Tracy has developed from a gap hitter to a legit power threat over the last couple of years. He's a cornerstone on a corner sack for this franchise, along with a guy we'll meet a little later on.
4. LF Luis González- A 38 year old, 16-year pro, Luis is in the "grizzled vet" stage of his career (just look at his [url=http://www.musicyo.com/product_images/gonzo.jpg]beard[/url]). But age hasn't slowed the face of this team down too much, as the ex-World Series hero is the owner of a healthy .476 slug and 24 runners knocked home.
5. 1B Conor Jackson- That other corner-Cornerstone, Jackson is the team's 2003 1st round pick and is playing in his first full season. He took the starting job at 1st base away from Tony Clark in spring (despite Clark's success last season), and has proved that he deserves the spot with a .289/.373/.474 line, w/ 5 HR and 29 RBI. He's a strong, disciplined young hitter.
6. RF Shawn Green- 33 year old lefty entering his second year with the club after being aquired from LA in the 3-way Big Eunuch fiesta, Green is yet another D'Back off to a surprisingly hot start. He's hitting .331, good for 3rd in the NL.
7. C Johnny Estrada- Remember him? Shipped out of Atlanta to make room for McCann, Estrada has been looking to recapture the glory of his suprise 2004 success. Estrada's one of the most productive catchers in the bigs right now, hitting .313 with 32 RBI.
8. 2B Orlando Hudson- Aquired in the deal that sent Troy Glaus to Toronto, Hudson is basically Andy Hernandez+++. A .244 hitter this year, but he sees the field because of his excellence with the leather. Won the AL Gold Glove last year for 2B, and had a good fielding%, which is the only defensive stat I really know about.
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Probable Starters
Mon., 5/29 @ NY
Claudio Vargas
2006 stats: Appeared in 9 games, 8 as a starter. 5-2, 4.93 ERA, 32K/15BB, 1.52 WHIP. TSN says he's a fireballer who has trouble getting movement on his fastball, leading to home runs. (He's allowed 6 this season). He's been hit or miss this season, getting bombed 3 times and sparkling in 4 starts. I guess we won't know which Claudio we face until he toes the rubber, but in his career against the Mets he has a 10.97 ERA in 10.2 innings.
Last outing: Went 6 innings at home vs. Pittsburgh, allowing 2 earned on 5 hits with 5 Ks and getting a win.
vs.
Steve Trachsel
2-4, 4.99 ERA
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Tue., 5/30 @ NY
Miguel Batista
2006 stats: 10 starts, 4-2, 4.60 ERA, 40K/26BB, 1.70 WHIP. TSN says the cutter is his plus pitch.
Last outing: Earned a win vs. the Pirates, going 6 IP, allowing 3 R (2 ER) on 7 hits, and picking up a win.
Career vs. Mets: 3.25 ERA in 55.1 IP, 30 K-to-24 BB
vs.
Alay Soler
0-0, 3.00 ERA
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Wed., 5/31 @ NY
Brandon Webb
2006 stats: The finale of this series will be a duel of aces, Webb v. Pedro. Brandon Webb has undoubtedly be the top pitcher in the NL this season, with an 8-0 record, a 2.18 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, along with a filthy 53K/9BB ratio. Webb works with an excellent 2-seam heater and a heavy sinker. That amazing thing about Webb's pinpoint control this season is the fact that he allowed an eye-popping 119 free passes in a rather disasterous 2004 sophomore campaign that followed a near-ROY performance in 2003 (Dontrelle Willis won). A possible side effect of his improved control is the 80 hits he's allowed, 3rd in the NL. The best way to beat him is to just swing smart and hope for the best.
Last outing: Webb will be coming into Shea riding back-to-back complete game, shutout victories. On May 26 he shut out the Reds in Cincinatti with 5 K, and on the 20th he K'ed 8 Braves in a dominant win.
Career vs. Mets: 1-4 in 5 starts despite a very good 2.60 ERA and .194 batting average against.
vs.
Pedro Martínez
5-1, 2.79 ERA
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Bench & Bullpen
1B Tony Clark- Playing for his 5th team in 5 seasons last year, Clark suddenly decided to win the starting job and hit .304 with 30 HRs. This season, he's Conor Jackson's backup and is hitting .167 with 3 HR. Fickle, but he's still a legit power threat off the bench.
INF Damion Easley- Past his prime, run-of-the-mill multiposition infielder who has a somewhat decent bat off the bench. Hit's lefties well and will spell Counsell at shortstop.
UTIL Andy Green- Leads the team in Pinch Hit ABs with 21, and has capitalized for 5 hits. Has seen time at 2B/3B/SS/LF.
OF Jeff DeVanon- Yo-yoed between AAA and the majors with the Angels for a few years, but has settled into Arizona this season as a 4th/Platoon OF. Decent pop, decent speed, decent...well, he's decent.
C Chris Snyder- Backup catcher, good defense and a servicable bat.
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CP José Valverde- A large man with a hard fastball, Valverde was good enough last season to earn the closer spot this season. To date he has a 4.19 ERA, but is 14/15 in save chances.
RHP Jorge Julio- Who?
RHP Luis Vizcaíno- Setup man having a very good season so far. 2.96 ERA with 27K/11BB.
RHP Brandon Medders- Young relief pitcher had good numbers in limited time last year and is doing well this season. 2.65 ERA, 12K/9BB
RHP Brandon Lyon- Bullpen arm having a middle of the road type year.
RHP Jason Grimsley- Warm body. Not doing that well, but this pen needs arms in it.
RHP Kevin Jarvis- Older guy who worked thorugh injury trouble, just called up as a long man for a taxed pen.
Desert Sun Hot
The Month of May- After going 1 game under .500 in April, the whole club has turned it on the the tune of 17-7 in the month of May. This includes winning streaks of 7 and 5 games, and a 7-3 record in their last 10 games.
Brandon Webb- As previously mention: 2 shutouts in his last 2 starts.
Snakebitten: DL'd D'Backs
SP Russ Ortiz - 15-day DL, calf
LHP Terry Mulholland- 15-day DL, elbow
X-Factors
Tony Clark was a 1B platoon/bench guy for the 2003 Mets. He hit 13 home runs.
Jorge Julio: Did he even get to unpack in Arizona yet?
Orlando Hernandez, duh.
The Verdict
While they don't seem to excel in one thing, the Diamondbacks have a lineup with no holes 1-7, all solid; professional hitters.
The rotation is Brandon Webb and whoever else decides to show up. The Julio/Hernadez trade is a bit odd when you realize that they were looking to add a relief pitcher because the bullpen was overtaxed thanks to weakness in the rotation.
There is no LOOGY in this pen, so Delgado and Floyd can't really be gameplanned against in late-game situations.
The two clubs will meet again next week in Arizona.