│ 1 Gonzo honored to join Latino Baseball Hall of Fame By Josh Rawitch / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108697656/d-backs- luiz-gonzalez-honored-to-join-latino-baseball-hall-of-fame D-backs done dealing for now, likely out on Shields By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108553930/arizona- diamondbacks-indicate-they-dont-plan-to-make-more-deals- before-spring-training D-backs celebrate first graduates of Dominican academy By Josh Rawitch / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108558196/arizona- diamondbacks-celebrate-graduation-at-academy-in-dominican- republic Diamondbacks to have crowded rotation competition By Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 015/02/07/diamondbacks-to-have-crowded-rotation- competition/23049247/ Diamondbacks new vision: 'Every waking hour' By Fox Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/video/diamondbacks-new- vision-every-waking-hour-020615?vid=390992451827 Diamondbacks seeking big-headed performers By Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/12- news/2015/02/06/12news-legends-gracie-johnson-gonzo- williams-dbacks-race/23010243/ Science of baseball is big hit with middle-school students By Caitlin Schmidt / Tucson.com http://tucson.com/news/science-of-baseball-is-big-hit-with- middle-school-students/article_e5d5daf9-72e6-54a9-a5be- ea725c9318b3.html The Diamondbacks graduated some prospects this morning. Literally. By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/06/the- diamondbacks-graduated-some-prospects-this-morning-literally/ Ranking the teams: 30 through 25 By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54964/ranking -the-teams-30-through-25-2 Optimizing the Diamondbacks Lineup: vs. LHP By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/08/optimizing- diamondbacks-lineup-vs-lhp/ Luis Gonzalez Enters the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame By Thomas Lynch / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/07/luis-gonzalez-enters- arizona-sports-hall-fame/ Diamondbacks RHP Touki Toussaint Hires Agent By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/06/diamondbacks-rhp- touki-toussaint-hires-agent/ Diamondbacks Preparing for Arbitration Hearings with Trumbo, and Reed By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/06/diamondbacks- preparing-arbitration-hearings-trumbo-reed/ 13 Days Until Diamondbacks Pitchers & Catchers Report By Tristan Leohard / TruSchooSports.com http://www.truschoolsports.com/2015/02/13-days-until- diamondbacks-pitchers-catchers-report/ MLB All-Stars Corbin, Bautista, Martin Highlight Chipola Alumni Weekend By Greg Brzozowski / wjhg.com http://www.wjhg.com/sports/headlines/MLB-All-Stars- Corbin-Bautista-Martin-Highlight-Chipola-Alumni-Weekend- 291187951.html WCCS retires Simmons’ jersey By Daniel Evans / Selma Times-Journal http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2015/02/08/wccs-retires- simmons-jersey/ Reynolds armed with ‘clean bill of health’ By Kevin Druley / Kane County Chronicle http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/02/06/reynolds-armed- with-clean-bill-of-health/aj6hekb/
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Gonzo honored to join Latino Baseball Hall of Fame By Josh Rawitch / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108697656/d-backs-luiz-gonzalez-honored-to-join-latino-baseball-hall-of-fame D-backs done dealing for now, likely out on Shields By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108553930/arizona-diamondbacks-indicate-they-dont-plan-to-make-more-deals-before-spring-training D-backs celebrate first graduates of Dominican academy By Josh Rawitch / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108558196/arizona-diamondbacks-celebrate-graduation-at-academy-in-dominican-republic Diamondbacks to have crowded rotation competition By Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/02/07/diamondbacks-to-have-crowded-rotation-competition/23049247/ Diamondbacks new vision: 'Every waking hour' By Fox Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/video/diamondbacks-new-vision-every-waking-hour-020615?vid=390992451827 Diamondbacks seeking big-headed performers By Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/12-news/2015/02/06/12news-legends-gracie-johnson-gonzo-williams-dbacks-race/23010243/ Science of baseball is big hit with middle-school students By Caitlin Schmidt / Tucson.com http://tucson.com/news/science-of-baseball-is-big-hit-with-middle-school-students/article_e5d5daf9-72e6-54a9-a5be-ea725c9318b3.html
The Diamondbacks graduated some prospects this morning. Literally. By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/06/the-diamondbacks-graduated-some-prospects-this-morning-literally/ Ranking the teams: 30 through 25 By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54964/ranking-the-teams-30-through-25-2
Optimizing the Diamondbacks Lineup: vs. LHP By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/08/optimizing-diamondbacks-lineup-vs-lhp/ Luis Gonzalez Enters the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame By Thomas Lynch / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/07/luis-gonzalez-enters-arizona-sports-hall-fame/ Diamondbacks RHP Touki Toussaint Hires Agent By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/06/diamondbacks-rhp-touki-toussaint-hires-agent/ Diamondbacks Preparing for Arbitration Hearings with Trumbo, and Reed By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/06/diamondbacks-preparing-arbitration-hearings-trumbo-reed/ 13 Days Until Diamondbacks Pitchers & Catchers Report By Tristan Leohard / TruSchooSports.com http://www.truschoolsports.com/2015/02/13-days-until-diamondbacks-pitchers-catchers-report/ MLB All-Stars Corbin, Bautista, Martin Highlight Chipola Alumni Weekend By Greg Brzozowski / wjhg.com http://www.wjhg.com/sports/headlines/MLB-All-Stars-Corbin-Bautista-Martin-Highlight-Chipola-Alumni-Weekend-291187951.html WCCS retires Simmons’ jersey By Daniel Evans / Selma Times-Journal http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2015/02/08/wccs-retires-simmons-jersey/
Reynolds armed with ‘clean bill of health’ By Kevin Druley / Kane County Chronicle http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/02/06/reynolds-armed-with-clean-bill-of-health/aj6hekb/
Gonzo honored to join Latino Baseball Hall of Fame By Josh Rawitch / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108697656/d-backs-luiz-gonzalez-honored-to-join-latino-baseball-hall-of-fame LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic -- Three generations of Latin American baseball came together Saturday night at the fifth annual induction ceremony for the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame, but the star-studded event took on a special relevance for the D-backs' organization, as Luis Gonzalez was inducted in front of family and friends alongside five Latino luminaries. Gonzalez, a Cuban-American, joined Roberto Kelly (Panama), Carlos Delgado (Puerto Rico), Ozzie Guillen (Venezuela), Nomar Garciaparra (Mexico) and Pedro Martinez (Dominican Republic) on a night that none will soon forget. "It's a proud moment, not only for the simple fact of being Hispanic, but for my parents and grandparents, to go in representing a country where they were born," said Gonzalez. "You try to play a game to earn the respect of your teammates and friends and fans, but when you receive an honor like this, it's pretty overwhelming and humbling." If respect was what Gonzalez sought as a player, it was evident he had earned it with his play on the field and the way he carried himself off of it during a 19-year big league career. "Luis is the definition of the ultimate professional," Garciaparra told the crowd during his acceptance speech. "He was the best teammate and I'm proud to enter the Hall of Fame with him." Gonzalez, who currently serves as a Special Assistant to D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall, said that he was particularly moved by the fact that he had both of his families there -- his wife, Christine and triplets Alyssa, Jacob and Megan as well as a dozen representatives of the D-backs. "Gonzo is one of the greatest figures in the history of our organization," Hall told the audience as he introduced the newest Hall of Famer. "He's a fan favorite. He played for six teams, but really put the Diamondbacks on the map. If there was a Hall of Fame for humanitarianism, Gonzo would be in it. If there was a Hall of Fame for best teammates, Gonzo would be in it. He is one of the finest individuals to ever wear a Major League Baseball uniform and now he will have his legacy enshrined forever." Even the night's co-host, former big league manager Manny Acta, praised his former Minor League roommate, as did Dominican native son Martinez, who pointed out Gonzalez's success against him in the big leagues. The left-handed batter hit .388 with seven extra-base hits and just seven strikeouts in 57 plate appearances against Martinez, who is headed to Cooperstown this summer alongside another D-backs legend, Randy Johnson. But Gonzalez's brief acceptance speech focused more on those who came before him, helping open the doors to Latino players and teaching the younger generation how to play the game with passion and respect. The dais was filled with baseball legends
from Felipe Alou, Ozzie Virgil, Cookie Rojas, Vic Davalillo and Moises Alou to current contemporaries Carlos Beltran, Johnny Cueto, Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was also in attendance. The next generation of baseball talent did not seem very far away, either. Gonzalez took great joy in bringing his son, Jacob, to the D-backs academy in Boca Chica on Saturday where the highly-touted sophomore at Chaparral High School had the opportunity to work out alongside several prospects on the same morning his father was inducted into the Hall of Fame. "I had no idea of the magnitude of this," said Gonzalez, who is one of just 19 players in MLB history with 2,500 hits, 500 doubles, 350 homers and 1,000 RBIs. "To look out in the crowd and see my wife and kids and so many people from the D-backs down here in the Dominican Republic was something I'll always remember."
D-backs done dealing for now, likely out on Shields By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108553930/arizona-diamondbacks-indicate-they-dont-plan-to-make-more-deals-before-spring-training PHOENIX -- With 13 days left until pitchers and catchers report to Salt River Fields, it appears all is quiet on the trade and free agent front for the D-backs. "We're quiet in our house right now," general manager Dave Stewart said. "We've taken the position that we're weeks away from Spring Training, and now we're just going to see what we have. If we need to make adjustments, we'll make adjustments after we see what we have. Right now, we're where we are with the players that we have. I think if you talk to our staff as a whole we are very, very positive and optimistic that what we're going to put on the field is going to be good." That means that for now the catching corps will remain 40-man roster members Tuffy Gosewisch and Oscar Hernandez along with six non-roster invitees to camp in Gerald Laird, Blake Lalli, Peter O'Brien, Jordan Pacheco, Matt Pagnozzi and Mark Thomas. It also indicates the D-backs will not be jumping back into the mix for free agent right-hander James Shields. Salt River Fields has been busy since the start of the new year with players working out informally. The group included Yasmany Tomas, Paul Goldschmidt, Aaron Hill, A.J. Pollock, Chris Owings, Trevor Cahill, Daniel Hudson, David Hernandez and Rubby De La Rosa. "There have been a ton of guys out there working and getting ready for Spring Training, which in itself is encouraging to me," Stewart said. "I'm excited and ready to get it started."
D-backs celebrate first graduates of Dominican academy By Josh Rawitch / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108558196/arizona-diamondbacks-celebrate-graduation-at-academy-in-dominican-republic
BOCA CHICA, Dominican Republic -- In a scene that mirrored those taking place each year at Horizon or Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., some of the area's top young baseball players donned black gowns and tossed their caps into the air on graduation day. But these young ballplayers wore D-backs uniforms under those gowns, and the ceremony was taking place down the left-field line of Arizona's bustling academy in the Dominican Republic. It was an emotional scene on Friday when the first five graduates of the D-backs' unique education program earned their high school diplomas in front of friends, family and a contingent of high-ranking team executives. See photos from the ceremony "The minute they walked into the ceremony, you could see they were beaming with pride, just as we were," said D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall. "It's so inspirational and impressive and we hope it will motivate the rest of our players to do the same." One of the graduates, talented infield prospect Fernery Ozuna, spoke on behalf of his teammates as the de facto valedictorian, pointing out the extremely high percentage of young Dominican boys who leave home to play baseball and never return to finish high school. "This is a very special day," said Ozuna as the crowd of more than 100 rose to their feet and cheered wildly. "I know that we can sometimes annoy our teachers with our discipline, but without them, this wouldn't be possible. It's incredible to follow our dreams off the field and continue to play baseball." In addition to the handful of graduates earning their high school diploma, more than a dozen others advanced to a higher level of schooling, with some reaching eighth grade equivalency and others heading into their "senior" year. "This is only the beginning," said D-backs vice president of Latin American operations Junior Noboa as he reminisced about the first time he discussed such a program in 1995. "I'm very proud to be part of the best education program in all of baseball, without a doubt. We're going to see in the next few years that we're going to graduate even more players." Noboa credited D-backs senior vice president Marian Rhodes and baseball operations executive Hatuey Mendoza with creating the program through CENAPEC and thanked D-backs managing general partner Ken Kendrick and Hall for the foresight in allowing it to happen. There were two notable absences from the graduation, but with good reason. D-backs senior vice president of baseball operations De Jon Watson was on the island, but unable to attend the ceremony as he was attending a workout of highly sought-after Cuban defector Hector Olivera. Another well-known local D-backs personality, Minor League coach Audo Vicente, was busy guiding his winter ball team in the annual Caribbean Series, which is taking place 250 miles east in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
But nothing could take away from the day's pomp and circumstance. For Hall, the ceremony was the culmination of a promise he made several years ago to Dominican Republic president Danilo Medina. Hall reiterated that commitment to the crowd Friday, while encouraging those players who do not reach the Major Leagues to return to their hometowns and follow their passion, becoming businessmen, bankers, teachers or politicians. "To the parents of our graduates -- thank you for trusting us with your boys," he said. "We invest in them on the field, but, perhaps even more importantly, off the field. We take pride in looking into your eyes and promising an education. It's a very strong responsibility that we feel to develop them into fine men off the field."
Diamondbacks to have crowded rotation competition By Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/02/07/diamondbacks-to-have-crowded-rotation-competition/23049247/ The quintessential spring-training position battle is for the fifth spot in the rotation, a competition usually marked by journeymen looking to rediscover their old form or prospects trying to break into the majors. The Diamondbacks will have a battle for the fifth spot this year, but they'll have battles for the third and fourth spots, as well. And the two pitchers who can be at least lightly penciled into the top of the rotation – right-handers Josh Collmenter and Jeremy Hellickson – would probably project as back-end types for most teams with designs on contention. What that says about the state of the pitching staff is open to interpretation, but there's little doubt it should make for a competitive spring training at Salt River Fields. Related: Diamondbacks honor graduates at Dominican ceremony The Diamondbacks will have 18 starting pitchers in big-league camp when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 19, manager Chip Hale said. Realistically, 12 could be viable candidates for rotation spots: Chase Anderson, Archie Bradley, Trevor Cahill, Andrew Chafin, Collmenter, Rubby De La Rosa, Randall Delgado, Hellickson, Daniel Hudson, Vidal Nuño, Robbie Ray and Allen Webster. That's without mentioning a handful of young prospects – including right-handers Aaron Blair, Braden Shipley and Yoan Lopez – who will also be in camp, though might be viewed as long-shots to win big-league jobs. Some of those 12 pitchers could open the year in the minors. Others, like Hudson and Delgado, could shift to the bullpen. But the sheer numbers will force the Diamondbacks to get creative to find innings for them and for their relievers, with Hale saying there might be more 'B' games scheduled than in a typical year.
"I think it does create problems, but it also creates such good competition," Hale said. "They're all in it. There's no set five guys right now." Hudson, who overcame back-to-back Tommy John surgeries to return to the big leagues late last season, will begin spring training working as a starting pitcher, but Hale said a decision won't be made on his ultimate role until sometime in March. "We're going to see how he feels and see where he's at halfway through spring," Hale said. "As of right now, he feels great, his sides have been good and he's very encouraging." More: La Russa sees change coming in pace-of-play rules Hudson would like to eventually return to a starting role, but he will likely be limited, both in total innings and in pitches per game, as he rebuilds an innings foundation following the surgeries. Left-hander Patrick Corbin and right-hander David Hernandez, both of whom missed last season following elbow surgery, are progressing well in their recoveries, Hale said. Hale wasn't specific on return dates, but he said Hernandez could be ready close to Opening Day with Corbin sometime after that. "Both of these guys are in tremendous physical condition," Hale said. "They're wanting to push the timetable up, but we're having to tell them 'Hey, take it easy, stay on the program.'" Though both pitchers will reach the 12-month mark in their recoveries around Opening Day, Hale said the club isn't being any more prudent than the rest of the industry in their timetables. "I think across the board everybody is a little more cautious," he said. "I would say the last 10 years, you used to talk about 12 months, but now it's really become a 15-month deal." Photos: D-Backs fans in 2014
Diamondbacks new vision: 'Every waking hour' By Fox Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/video/diamondbacks-new-vision-every-waking-hour-020615?vid=390992451827 Chip Hale appreciates having Tony La Russa's experience and perspective to lean on as he prepares for his first season as Diamondbacks manager. (Video embedded on webpage).
Diamondbacks seeking big-headed performers By Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/12-news/2015/02/06/12news-legends-gracie-johnson-gonzo-williams-dbacks-race/23010243/ The Arizona Diamondbacks are assembling a team of crowd-pleasers. This team won't need to hit runs. But they do have to be athletic.
The D-backs are seeking people to play the Legends Race mascots: Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzales, Matt Williams, and ever-spurned Mark Grace. Modeled after the Sausage Race by the Milwaukee Brewers, the Legends Race involved the mascots racing around the bases. "Gracie" always loses. People interested in the job must apply, then be invited to the mandatory auditions on March 7. Job duties are intense. The mascots must work nights, weekends and holidays. They must wear the 45-pound costume for hours on end. They must be ready to photobomb with the slightest notice. Get the job application on the Diamondbacks' website: http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/
Science of baseball is big hit with middle-school students By Caitlin Schmidt / Tucson.com http://tucson.com/news/science-of-baseball-is-big-hit-with-middle-school-students/article_e5d5daf9-72e6-54a9-a5be-ea725c9318b3.html An oversized wooden compass sits on the dusty baseball field. Three students stand next to it, holding a giant yellow slingshot pulled taut. The girl in the middle leans back, gaining traction, and releases, launching a tennis ball across the field at a perfect 45-degree angle. They were among a dozen students from Mansfeld Magnet Middle School who took the field on Saturday, measuring ball trajectory and pitch velocity in a Science of Baseball camp. Ricardo Valerdi, a professor in the University of Arizona Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering, started the camp three years ago. The Red Sox season-ticket holder said he started looking at sports in a new way after attending a sabermetrics course, on the statistical analysis of baseball, taught by a colleague at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “A light bulb went off for me, and I went from a fan to an analyst,” Valerdi said. “I realized this was something we could do with kids of all ages, not just college students.” Fresh off of the UA baseball team’s 2012 NCAA national championship, Valerdi said Tucson was baseball-crazy, and it was the perfect time to start.Having just accepted a job at UA, Valerdi brought the idea for the camp to Mansfeld’s principal at the time, who loved it. The first Science of Baseball camp took place at Mansfeld in 2012, and returned on Saturday to the school at 1300 E. Sixth St. “This program gives students the opportunity to see real-life applications of math, technology and engineering,” said Mansfeld social studies teacher and coach Kevin Brungardt. “It allows me to support those fields and to incorporate those lessons into my teaching.”
Mansfeld recently transitioned to a school that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math education, or STEM, so the program is perfect for it, he said. Before hitting the baseball field, students learned about scorekeeping, football pressure and pitching biomechanics in the classroom. Once they got to the field, they used tennis and whiffle balls to keep the day injury-free. “I thought it was pretty interesting,” said 13-year-old Araceli Romero. “I like baseball; that’s why I wanted to come.” A year ago, the university approached Valerdi and the program was turned into a nonprofit called Science of Sport. It’s now paired with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Los Angeles Angels, the Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres, and in talks with four other Major League Baseball teams that are interested in joining the program. “We have a state goal in Arizona to bring the program into all of the schools,” said Science of Sport spokeswoman Crystal Kasnoff. “We want to get kids interested in STEM fields, and with this, they relate what they do every day to STEM.” There is an extreme shortage of STEM workers in general, Kasnoff noted, with even fewer women in STEM careers. “We get a lot of girls, and they do incredibly well. They’re really engaged,” she said. In the last year, the program has moved into Calilfornia, Illinois and Australia and a soccer program has also been developed. Valerdi and Kasnoff are in talks with the NFL to develop a football version of the program. Matt Yalung, an engineering graduate student, has known Valerdi for three years and was one of five UA students assisting. “Being with kids is fun, watching them learn how sports relates to STEM,” he said.
The Diamondbacks graduated some prospects this morning. Literally. By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/06/the-diamondbacks-graduated-some-prospects-this-morning-literally/ This is neat. Most teams have “academies” in Latin America. The Diamondbacks have one that not only teaches baseball players the game, but also teaches them academically. And hands out diplomas. From Nick Piecoro at the Arizona Republic: Five young men will don caps and gowns atop Diamondbacks uniforms on Friday morning in the Dominican Republic, where club officials will present them with high school diplomas. They represent the first graduating class in a program that’s believed to be the first of its kind. For years, every major-league club has operated a Dominican academy where players as young as 16 begin their professional careers. The Diamondbacks’
academy in Boca Chica is the first to also offer players a classroom education. It’s good to see that the Diamondbacks are treating the young men in their academy as something more than mere baseball playing resources that are either fully-exploited or discarded by the time they turn 17.
Ranking the teams: 30 through 25 By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54964/ranking-the-teams-30-through-25-2 30. Arizona Diamondbacks Big offseason moves: Hired Chip Hale as manager; signed Cuban 3B/LF Yasmany Tomas to six-year, $68.5 million contract; traded LHP Wade Miley to the Red Sox for RHPs Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa and a minor leaguer; traded C Miguel Montero to the Cubs for two minor leaguers; acquired RHP Jeremy Hellickson from the Rays; acquired LHP Robbie Ray from the Tigers in a three-team deal that sent SS Didi Gregorius to the Yankees; signed Cuban RHP Yoan Lopez for an $8.25 million bonus. Most intriguing player: Expectations will be high for Tomas following the success of fellow Cubans Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu the past two seasons. But Tomas isn't viewed as an all-around player like Puig or a polished hitter like Abreu. He has power potential, but the first test will be to see whether he can handle third base; many scouts view him as a left fielder but the Diamondbacks will give him a shot at third. Due for a better year: Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo, projected to perhaps combine for 70 home runs, both missed large chunks of time and instead combined for just 33 as they missed a combined 127 games. Due for a worse year: Outfielder Ender Inciarte, pressed into service after a slew of injuries, didn't hit much but the defensive metrics loved him, pushing his WAR to 3.7, third best on the team behind Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock. He's likely to serve in a bench role this year, especially if Tomas ends up in the outfield. I'm just the messenger: New general manager Dave Stewart, hired by chief baseball officer Tony La Russa in late September to clean up the mess that Kevin Towers left behind, remains a bit of a mystery. It didn't help his reputation, especially among statistical analysts, when he said in January that the Diamondbacks may be viewed as more of a "true baseball team versus some of the other teams out here that are geared more toward analytics and those type of things." It was also a bit curious that La Russa hired a veterinarian named Dr. Ed Lewis, whom he has known for 30 years and worked with in the past, as the team's director of analytics. There are certainly different ways of doing things but this regime doesn't look all that different so far from the previous one that espoused grit and toughness. The final word: Stewart's first moves brought in some interesting young arms but this is still a rotation that doesn't look much better than the group that ranked 27th in the majors in ERA in 2014. Offensively, the D-backs plan to rely on the power of
Goldschmidt, Trumbo and Tomas. The issues here are even if Trumbo hits 30 home runs, he owns a .298 career OBP and he's a big defensive liability in the outfield; Tomas may end up profiling similar to Trumbo as a guy with a low OBP who doesn't project as a plus defender at either third base or left field. Catcher is currently a black hole -- Tuffy Gosewisch, come on down -- and the whole lineup aside from Goldschmidt has an aversion to taking walks. Prediction: 66-96
Optimizing the Diamondbacks Lineup: vs. LHP By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/08/optimizing-diamondbacks-lineup-vs-lhp/ The 2015 season is almost here, and I can’t be more excited. Let’s be honest 2014 was a disaster full of injuries and underperformance, but it’s a new season, and when Spring Training gets underway, every team feels like they can win the World Series. That’s what I love about this time of year! If the Diamondbacks are going to win more games in 2015, they obviously have to stay healthy, but to put it simply, they have to score more runs. A few weeks ago, I talked about how optimizing a batting order using advanced stats can help teams score more, and today I would like to examine what an optimized lineup would look for the Dbacks against righties and lefties. The idea of an optimized lineup was created by Tom Tango, Michael Licthman, and Andy Dolphin in “The Book.” Earlier this off-season, I optimized the Dbacks lineup against RHP which you can find here. If the Diamondbacks want to score more, here is how their lineup against left handed pitchers should look with analysis of why. All numbers are courtesy of FanGraphs. Against LHP: 1. A.J. Pollock Pollock is the ideal everyday lead-off hitter against both right-handers and left-handers. He hits them both equally well. The Book says that the #1 guy should have a really high OBP. Speed is a plus, but OBP is more important. For the sake of this post I am going to use wOBA because I think weighted on base average is a better overall representation of the ability to get on base. Pollock’s career wOBA of .359 against lefties is the third best on the team, and the two players ahead of him shouldn’t be batting lead-off. Pollock has a ton of speed, and he can create runs on the base-paths. He is the ideal lead-off hitter and should be in the Dbacks lineup everyday. 2. Paul Goldschmidt-1B
As good as Goldschmidt is against right-handed pitching, he is even better against lefties, which might be hard to believe. Goldschmidt’s career wOBA against left-handers is a ridiculous .425, and he has a career slugging percentage against lefties of .599 which is off the charts. His career wRC+ (which quantifies a players overall offensive value adjusting for park affects) against left-handers is 169 which is 35 points higher than his wRC+ against right-handers. So your probably asking why isn’t he hitting fourth? His slugging percentage certainly suggests that he should hit in the clean-up role. However, the #2 hole is actually more important. Number two hitters come up to the plate with RISP 44% of the time, and two hole hitters get more plate appearances on average than number 4 hitters. Just like Pollock, Goldschmidt can hit both left-handers and right-handers equally well, and should obviously be in the starting lineup everyday barring injury which better not happen for the sake of all Diamondbacks fans. In my opinion, Goldschmidt has surpassed Miguel Cabrera as the best first basemen in baseball. Cabrera might still be the better hitter (and even that is debatable), but Goldschmidt’s overall value in terms of his defense, speed on the base paths, and his plate discipline surpasses Cabrera’s value. Cabrera is also getting up in age, so his production should decrease. FanGraphs depth charts projects Goldschmidt to have a 5.4 WAR, and Cabrera is projected to have a 4.9 WAR. Cabrera is projected to have a better wOBA (.408), than Goldschmidt (.389). His WAR is higher because of his defense. 3. Aaron Hill-2B The book says that the #3 hitter should be filled after the more important spots: #1, #2, #4, and #5. Against left-handers Hill has the fifth best wOBA (.338), and the fifth best slugging percentage of (.444), so this spot is perfect for him. Baseball Musing’s lineup optimization tool has Hill hitting third in most of the lineups. If the Diamondbacks are going win more games in 2015, and take the next step towards competing, then there going to have to get bounce back performances for a number of guys including Hill. If Hill can stay healthy, play great defense, and drive in between 70-80 RBI’s, the Diamondbacks would certainly take that. Hill is a better player than the numbers that he put up last season. Hill’s wRC+ against left-handers (87) is better than his wRC+ against righties (75) but its not a huge split, so he doesn’t belong in the more important spots in the batting order. 4. Mark Trumbo-RF According to the Book, the #4 hitter should be a team’s best power hitter, and when he is healthy Trumbo fits that description. In 2013, Trumbo played in 159 games with 34 HR, 1oo RBI’s, and an OPS+ of 109.
In 2012 he played in 144 games and hit 32 HR, and drove in 95 with an OPS+ of 124. Last season he played in just 88 games and hit 14 HR’s, with an OPS+ of 95. If Trumbo can stay healthy, most people think he can hit between 30-35 HR’s, and drive in between 90-100 RBI’s. The Diamondbacks need him to put up those numbers, and outside of Goldschmidt he is the team’s best power hitter, and Goldy is batting second. Trumbo’s career wRC+ against lefties (115) is far better than his mark against righties (83), so he knows how to get it done against southpaws. Again, if Trumbo can stay healthy, he should get back to his 2013 form, and for that reason the cleanup spot is the best spot for him. 5. Cody Ross-LF Ross will make $9 million dollars this year, and for where he is at in his career, that is probably to much money. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t valuable to this team. I’m really glad that the Diamondbacks decided to keep Ross around, because he serves one really great purpose: he has mashed lefties throughout his career. In my opinion he should get the majority of starts against LHP, but that probably wont happen. At the very least, he can come off the bench and face a tough lefty, and he will get his share of starts. Ross’s career wRC+ against left-handed pitching is 141, and his career wOBA is .389 which is second on team only behind Goldschmidt. There are two parts of Ross’s game that many overlook. First, Ross can hit the ball to all fields. Unlike most hitters in today’s game, he doesn’t rely on pulling the ball, and you cant shift against Ross. When he pulls the ball he has a career .384 average. When he hits the ball the other way he has a .282 average, and when he hits the ball to center he has a career .327 average. Finally, Ross is at his best when it matters most. His career batting average in high leverage situations is .272 which is better than his average in medium and low leverage situations. Ross’s value to this team is a lot higher than many people realize. Spots 6-9 according to the book should go in order of OBP or in this case wOBA. 6. Yasmany Tomas-3B This spot isn’t going to go by the book. Tomas has a lot of power, and even if he is projected for a low on base percentage, I refuse to put a power bat in the 7th or 8th spot. Tomas needs to be in the middle of the lineup, and the 6th spot suits him best. Tomas has the chance to hit between 30-35 home runs. 7. Chris Owings-SS Owings has a career .313 wOBA against left-handers, so the 7th spot suits him well. I also wouldn’t mind seeing him hit 9th, so
long as the Diamondbacks don’t have a problem hitting the pitcher eighth. Owings has speed, and he can wreck havoc on the base paths. If he can be a more consistent hitter in 2015, than he could make a case to hit higher in the batting order. His career 126 wRC+ against left-handers is significantly better. 8. Tuffy Gosewisch-C I am sticking with the traditional way of doing things for this spot. There has been talk in the analytic community that the pitcher should bat eighth, and a high OBP guy should bat 9th so he can get on base, and then turn the lineup over. However, if you bat the pitcher in the eighth hole, your giving the starter more plate appearances, and I am not in favor of giving Josh Collmenter or any other Dbacks starter more plate appearances. Gosewisch is a bad hitter, and so he should be in the eighth spot. Enough said. 9. Pitcher The pitcher should bat in the 9 hole. Enough said.
Luis Gonzalez Enters the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame By Thomas Lynch / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/07/luis-gonzalez-enters-arizona-sports-hall-fame/ The Hall of Fame honors keep coming for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Former outfielder and one of the organization’s most popular faces, Luis Gonzalez was named to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame along with four other state sports legends. This comes on the heels of the induction of Randy Johnson into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gonzalez’s fellow Hall of Fame members include NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, Longtime Suns’ coach and executive Cotton Fitzsimmons, LPGA great Danielle Ammaccapane and legendary sports writer Joe Gilmartin. Gonzo is without a doubt the most prolific positional player in D’backs’ history. He holds countless single season and career offensive marks including hits, doubles, home runs and RBI’s among other categories. He also delivered the franchise’s most important hit, the bloop single that gave the Snakes the 2001 World Series Championship. Currently, Gonzalez is a special assistant in the organization. The induction ceremony will take place on April 8th at the Scottsdale Hilton. Tickets can be purchased at azsportsent.com.
Diamondbacks RHP Touki Toussaint Hires Agent By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/06/diamondbacks-rhp-touki-toussaint-hires-agent/ Arizona Diamondbacks RHP prospect Touki Toussaint has hired Rick Thurman and Nate Heisler from Beverly Hills Sports Council to be his agents according to a report by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Touki Toussaint, rhp & No. 16 pick overall in 2014 draft by #dbacks, has hired rick thurman & nate heisler at @BHSCouncil Toussaint was the Diamondbacks first round pick (#16 overall) in the 2014 First Year Player Draft out of Coral Springs Christian Academy in Coral Springs, California. The Diamondbacks believe that once he develops, the 16 year old can be a top of the rotation starter in the future. This is what former Diamondbacks G.M. Kevin Towers told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com about Toussaint: “Ball comes out of his hand real easy, he’s got a power breaking ball, fastball in the mid 90s, good athlete, fields his position well,” Towers said. “He’s a guy that we think once our development people wrap their arms around him, a kid that we think has a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation-type starter here in the very near future.” The Diamondbacks pushed him last year during his first professional season. He pitched for Missoula in the Pioneer League, and while his numbers look bad, you have to remember how young he is, and where he is in his development. He actually did really well. This season he will probably stay with the rookie level teams. This is what Bleacher Report said about Toussaint who has a projected ETA of 2016: “Toussaint possesses one of the highest ceilings in the class among his pitching peers, as there’s obviously a lot to like in his two present plus pitches and chance for a third down the road. The athleticism and arm strength will make him too intriguing to pass over come a certain point in the first round, and, surprisingly, he’s also a rarity in the sense that he’s Vanderbilt commit who seems more likely to sign as a first-rounder than pursue a college career.” He is projected by most scouts to be a no.2 starter in the big leagues, though the Diamondbacks believe he can be a no.1 guy. His command and control need a lot of work but he has plenty of time to perfect his mechanics and his delivery. Here is some video of him:
Diamondbacks Preparing for Arbitration Hearings with Trumbo, and Reed By Joseph Jacquez / Venom Strikes http://venomstrikes.com/2015/02/06/diamondbacks-preparing-arbitration-hearings-trumbo-reed/ The Arizona Diamondbacks have not gone to a salary arbitration hearing with a player since 2001. Process that for a second. The D-backs have not had to negotiate one of their players salary for the upcoming season with an arbitrator in 14 years. That could be changing this year. The Diamondbacks have not been able to reach an agreement with either closer Addison Reed or slugger Mark Trumbo. Negotiations are at a standstill, and it looks like Dave Stewart and the rest of the front office are preparing to go to court. This is what Stewart told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com:
“Things are exactly as they were a week ago, two weeks ago, we’re in exactly the same place,” D-backs general manager Dave Stewart said of negotiations with the two players. “There has not been any movement to the positive, so we’re still preparing ourselves as if we’re going to have to go [to a hearing].” “I don’t think anyone is looking forward to going to an arbitration hearing,” Stewart said. “I don’t think that the team is, and I don’t think that the agent looks forward to the process, and I know that the player doesn’t. I’ve been a player and I know that in that period of time, I wasn’t looking forward to going into a room and sitting there listening to a team tell me all the things that I can’t do, all of my shortcomings. It’s not a good process. It doesn’t do anybody any good to go into a room and, I guess, air out your laundry.” Being in the same place two weeks before Spring Training is not a good sign. Reed filed at $5.6 million, and the D-backs came in at $4.7 million. Trumbo filed at $6.9 million, and the Dbacks filed at $5.3 million. The last time the Diamondbacks went to a hearing with a player was with catcher Damien Miller, and teams generally try to avoid it.
13 Days Until Diamondbacks Pitchers & Catchers Report By Tristan Leohard / TruSchooSports.com http://www.truschoolsports.com/2015/02/13-days-until-diamondbacks-pitchers-catchers-report/ 13 days until #Dbacks pitchers and catcher report for ST. #13 worn by Jason Conti, Midre Cummings and Alberto Callaspo. With only 13 days until the Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers report, let’s take a look at 13 things to get excited about heading into the 2015 season. 13) Revamped Pitching Staff For better or worse, the 2015 pitching staff looks a lot different than the 2014 one did. There are a few different ways that spring training can shake out, but there is an outside change that four of the five chosen starters didn’t pitch a single inning in a Diamondbacks uniform last season. While the staff may be a work in progress for part of the year, it’s important to note that there is a lot of upside among those names and Collmenter, at 29 years old, is the elder of the group. Here’s to hoping Dave Stewart found a few diamonds in a rough off-season. 12) New Manager Chip Hale For starters, he isn’t Kirk Gibson. Even though I was a vocal supporter of Gibson in his tenure with the Dbacks, it was apparent by the end that both team and manager needed some time apart. Chip Hale isn’t a household name, but has had coaching success back when he was the AAA manager of the Tuscon Sidewinders, winning the 2006 PCL Championship. From all accounts, Hale seems like more of a team “builder” than a “leader”, which in my point of view is a fresh change from years past. This team isn’t going to win ball games in 2015 by out slugging the other team, but it’s going to take a full effort from each and every guy, night in and night out.
11) The Fascinating Catcher Position The good news is that things can’t get any worse at catcher for the Dbacks this season. So, it’s exciting because some way, somehow, things have to get better. Seriously. It’s really can’t get any worse. 10) Lower Minor League Levels While the Diamondbacks don’t have one of the best minor league systems in baseball, they certainly aren’t the worst. Off-seasons acquisitions have helped bring in new talent including infielder Domingo Leyba and incredibly tall pitcher Jeferson Mejia, and while he had a rough start to his professional career last summer, right hander Touki Toussaint will look to rebound in Rookie or Low-A ball. Hopefully somewhere between short season and Low-A, Stryker Trahan will regain his form and start mashing again as well. 9) …and the Higher Levels too Outside of the minor league pitchers that everyone is gushing about, the Diamondbacks have some depth at AAA and AA that could see some time this year in Arizona. Peter O’Brien leads this list and while he needs to work on his mechanics behind the plate, the power in his bat is for real and someday soon could be hitting 20+ home runs out of Chase Field. Robbie Ray and Andrew Chafin could both use some time against minor league hitting, but both are extremely close to contributing to the big club. My favorite name to watch right now is Brandon Drury. Originally a third basemen, Drury has logged some time now at second base in an attempt to expedite his path to the majors. He has hit at every level without signs of slowing down. The only thing in his way is Aaron Hill, and with a decent season out of him, Hill could be sent packing towards the deadline. Don’t expect Drury this year, but 2016 isn’t out of the question. 8) Mark Trumbo Rebounding When Trumbo was traded to the desert, everyone envisioned his 30+ home runs for the Angels turning into 40+ home runs in the hitter friendly Chase Field. A slow start coupled with a broken foot put a large damper on his first season in Sedona red though. Even with his below-average defense in right field, look for Trumbo to rebound offensively and put up 30 home runs with a .250 batting average in the middle of the Diamondbacks lineup. 7) The Bullpen While a sore spot last season, a familiar bullpen is looking to rebound and be a source of strength this year. The return of Daniel Hudson and Matt Reynolds will bring a new look and some added power to the later innings of games and while Brad Ziegler had micro-fracture surgery shortly after the 2014 season ended, he should be ready to go towards to the beginning of the year. AAA Reno has a few pieces too that can come up and supply some fire if need be. Matt Stites, Jake Barrett, and Henry Rodriguez are all capable of being placed into high leverage
innings if called upon. The future of the bullpen is looking bright. 6) The Barrage of Righties Bradley, Blair, and Shipley. All high ceiling, top of the rotation like arms coming from the minors. All are close and could see a start or two in Arizona in 2015. All ranked in MLB’s Top 100 prospects, I took a quick look at them a couple of days ago HERE at TSS. 5) Goldschmidt Becoming #1 There was a debate the other night on MLB Network on who was the top first baseman in all of baseball. The names involved weren’t Joey Votto or Albert Pujols, but they were trying to decide between Miguel Cabrera and Paul Goldschmidt. The vote was 2-1 in favor of Cabrera, but all three panelist agreed that while Miggy was trending downward, no one knows if we have seen the best that Goldschmidt has to offer. Goldy hits for power, high average, drives in a ton of runs, and even steals the occasional bag. All around, Goldschmidt is already one of the top two first baseman in the league and he just turned 27 years old a couple of months ago. With a least four more years in a Dbacks uniform, the west coast is going to hold the best first baseman in the game for years to come. 4) A Full Season of AJ Pollock I am extremely excited to see what AJ Pollock can do with a full season patrolling center field. He was off to a monster start last season before getting bit by the injury bug, but still managed to put up 7 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and a .302 average in 75 games. While his average could regress a little as he probably won’t maintain a BABIP near .350, a 10 home run, 20+ stolen base, .275 season isn’t out of the question. If the Dbacks could get something close to that near the top of their order, things will be looking up. 3) The June Player Draft As I talked about a week ago, the draft this year could be a turning point in the organization. It could go many different ways and depending on fill needs or going for a big bat, the front office really can’t go wrong. 2) Yasmany Tomas After giving him a 4 year / $68.5 million contract in the off-season, Diamondbacks officials and fans alike are excited to see what Tomas will deliver. While his defense at third may be a work in progress, there is no getting around his raw power. There might be some adjustment time as Tomas makes the changeover to big league pitching, but there is room for excitement. Fans shouldn’t expect a Jose Abreu or Puig type breakout, but offense something like Cespedes isn’t out of the question. 1) Baseball is almost back! ONLY 13 MORE DAYS! I don’t have to say anything else. Baseball is almost here and it cannot come fast enough.
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MLB All-Stars Corbin, Bautista, Martin Highlight Chipola Alumni Weekend By Greg Brzozowski / wjhg.com http://www.wjhg.com/sports/headlines/MLB-All-Stars-Corbin-Bautista-Martin-Highlight-Chipola-Alumni-Weekend-291187951.html Marianna, FL---You could look anywhere across the country and you won't find anything quite like Saturday at Chipola College. The Indians baseball team and the local community welcomed back past players at the program's seventh annual Alumni Weekend. Former players from the program's past returned to Marianna to celebrate the accomplishments of each other and each Chipola team. Saturday's events were highlighted by the presence of three MLB All-Stars, Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, and Patrick Corbin, the latter serving as the guest of honor. The Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher became just the fourth former Indian to have his jersey retired, joining the Tornonto Blue Jays' Bautista and Martin, and Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter. Also in attendance was a pair of Marianna High School alums, Jeff Mathis and Michael Mader, the former, not a Chipola player, but an adopted member of the program's family. After signing autographs for the fans in attendance, Bautista, Martin, and Mathis highlighted the participants in the annual alumni Home Run Derby, alongside defending and two-time champ Mat Gamel. Bautista won his first Chipola Derby Championship, finishing the finals with the most long balls. "It just seems to get bigger and better every year," said Chipola head coach Jeff Johnson, who's spent the last 18 seasons coaching the Indians. "We started off the first year, we had it seven years ago, we had a good turnout." "I got lucky enough that I was here in Marianna and I'm very grateful," said Bautista. "That's the main reason why I want to come back. I want to show support back to the people that supported me." "Coming here, I was able to focus on baseball all year round and I think that's when I made a big step into continuing my career and being able to get drafted," said Corbin. "I wouldn't change it for the world." "It's fun to see that Chipola's doing well, that the program's headed in the right direction," said Martin. "And then seeing the guys you don't really get to see that much and they're growing up, they're starting to have families and stuff like that." "To have three Major League All-Stars here this weekend, Pat, Russell, and Jose, it says a lot about what they thought of our program when they were here," added Johnson. As for Corbin, a 2013 All-Star with the D-Backs who's coming off Tommy John surgery, he's not only excited to get back on the mound this season, but to be mentioned around Marianna alongside the previous three players to have their numbers taken out of rotation.
It's a huge honor for me," said Corbin. "I haven't been around as long as those guys, so hopefully I can continue my career and come back from the injury I had last season. I'm looking forward to getting back there and competing with these guys. The names that you mentioned, I mean, these guys are the best in the game. It's just great to see them come from this school and them to come back as well and support this program. That's what we're all here for."
WCCS retires Simmons’ jersey By Daniel Evans / Selma Times-Journal http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2015/02/08/wccs-retires-simmons-jersey/ Wallace Community College Selma’s Kevin Simmons, middle left, had his jersey retired by the school Saturday. WCCS president James Mitchell, left, holds a Simmons jersey that will be retired, while Arizona Diamondbacks scout Joe Mason and WCCS head baseball coach Frank Elliott help Simmons hold on to the jersey presented to him as part of the ceremony. Simmons was named the most valuable pitcher of his minor league team last season, the Missoula Osprey, which are a minor league affiliate of the Diamondbacks.
Reynolds armed with ‘clean bill of health’ By Kevin Druley / Kane County Chronicle http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/02/06/reynolds-armed-with-clean-bill-of-health/aj6hekb/ Left-hander Matt Reynolds generally avoided MRIs and extended injury absences during the first six-plus seasons of his professional baseball career. On Sept. 29, the day after the Arizona Diamondbacks played their 162nd game of 2014 without him, the St. Charles East product underwent what he hopes is his final procedure for awhile. Especially since the results came back positive on the reliever’s throwing elbow more than a year after Tommy John surgery. “It was kind of nice to be able to say, ‘All right, I’ve got a clean bill of health and can have a pretty normal offseason,’ ” Reynolds said. To be sure, that prospect suited Reynolds, 30, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since June 9, 2013. He suffered a slight tear in the elbow’s ulnar collateral ligament after growing discomfort, derailing what was shaping up as his
strongest big league season in his third year in the Major Leagues. Reynolds’ final appearance of 2013 was his 30th, putting him on pace to challenge his previous career high of 73 set in 2011, when he pitched for the Colorado Rockies. His ERA was under 1.00 as late as May 15, and finished at 1.98. After multiple evaluations, Arizona ultimately decided to shut Reynolds down for the season. He underwent Tommy John surgery in late September 2013. So began the arduous stages of rehab, which proved especially jittery in the early going. “There’s not a lot to it,” Reynolds said. “You try to do as much as you can, but you can’t really start throwing until about four months out. and even then, it’s a really slow, drawn-out process.” Once he was cleared to throw, Reynolds began doing so with a half-weight baseball, gradually progressing in distance. He then shifted to a regulation baseball, repeating the earlier process. When the Diamondbacks were at home, he rehabbed at Chase Field. When the club was on the road, he traveled to its facility in nearby Scottsdale, Arizona. The climb won’t fully reach a crescendo until Reynolds appears in his first game of 2015. Still, he at least approached that milestone in October, pitching in instructional league games while working to bump his velocity from the mid-80s to the optimal 89-90 mph. “Right now it might be a tick lower than that, but usually it is until spring training,” Reynolds said. “Usually my good velocity doesn’t come back until I’m a little bit into camp, for whatever reason.” Reynolds plans to report to spring training about a week earlier than the mandated Feb. 19 date for D’backs pitchers and catchers. He’s maintained a sturdy physique – 6-foot-5 and about 240 pounds – through the rehab process. Charting a handful of Arizona’s offseason moves offered his psyche some sustenance, to boot. New manager Chip Hale called Reynolds shortly after the D’backs hired Hale as Kirk Gibson’s successor in October. They’ve exchanged text messages since, discussing Reynolds’ rehab and the shared optimism surrounding the season. “From what I hear, he’s a pretty fiery guy and it should be fun to work with him,” Reynolds said. Reynolds also stayed abreast of Arizona’s search for a new Class-A affiliate. In late September, the club agreed to a two-year player-development contract with the Cougars. Reynolds remembers attending Cougars games with his family about once a year growing up.
“Just kind of a coincidence,” Reynolds said.”It didn’t really affect me at all. It’s kind of neat that the team I’m playing for is kind of the minor league team in town, but that’s about it.” Since he relocated to Tennessee, Reynolds still stays in touch with some former Saints coaches and teammates. He’s elated the topic of conversation has shifted from matters of inaction to action. As with his rehab, slowly reaching its final stages, it was simply a matter of time.
February 9, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews February 9, 2015
James Shields and San Diego Padres agree to 4-year contract 11:33 am EST (The Associated Press)
The fifth greatest general manager of all time built a team that won 14 of 16 pennants. Then he was fired 11:22 am EST (NBC Sports)
Rare Shoeless Joe Jackson autograph photo may bring $100,000 11:19 am EST (The Associated Press)
White Sox 'first round' talent Spencer Adams gets his due 11:03 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
Padres likely out of Hamels race after adding Shields 10:44 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)
Breaking down the offseason’s biggest free agent contracts 10:31 am EST (NBC Sports)
Who’s your least favorite player? 10:11 am EST (NBC Sports)
Reds and Todd Frazier agree to 2-year, $12 million contract 10:06 am EST (The Associated Press)
Report: James Shields to sign four-year deal with Padres 10:04 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
Video: Bryce Harper pulls a Happy Gilmore, drives a ball 340 yards 9:30 am EST (NBC Sports)
How Shields to Padres could affect Orioles 9:24 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
James Shields reportedly agrees to four-year deal with Padres 9:17 am EST (Yahoo Sports)
The Padres’ offseason moves may not guarantee the playoffs, but they certainly guarantee enthusiasm 9:00 am EST (NBC Sports)
Derek Holland’s knee beats Shin-Soo Choo’s ankle in a foot race 8:30 am EST (NBC Sports)
Julio Franco, still going at age 56 7:54 am EST (NBC Sports)
Report: Padres sign James Shields to a four-year contract 2:12 am EST (NBC Sports)
