Category: Uncategorized

April 29, 2011

Drew, Enright Lead the Way in D-backs Win

The D-backs came out swinging in Thursday night’s matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs.

Behind a 10 hit outburst, the home team cruised to an 11-2 win in game one of the four-game series.

In the opening inning, the D-backs scored early and often against Cubs starter Ryan Dempster. Dempster would last just a third of an inning as the D-backs exploded for seven runs on four hits and four walks. It was the 20th seven run inning in team history.

Chris Young got things started by rocketing a Dempster offering into the left field corner for a standup double.

Kelly Johnson and Justin Upton both reached base via a walk and hit by pitch to load the bases. One batter later, Stephen Drew provided the striking blow by smashing his first career grand slam into the right field bleachers.

Dempster struggled mightily with his command, and the D-backs made him pay.

After Melvin Mora, Russell Branyan, and Gerardo Parra all walked, pitcher Barry Enright smacked an RBI single to right centerfield to plate Mora. The D-backs collected nine walks in the game.

In Young’s second at-bat of the inning, he laced an RBI single into left field to extend the Arizona lead to 7-0. With Young’s two hits in the same inning, it was the 23rd time a D-backs player had collected a pair of hits in the same frame.

“We haven’t had one like that in awhile,” manager Kirk Gibson said. “But at the same time you can’t relax. The guys played hard. The defense was awesome tonight.”

In the bottom of the second, the offensive outburst continued thanks to a leadoff single from Drew and Miguel Montero’s RBI double.

Arizona tacked on to its lead in the third on a two-run blast off the bat of Montero. The homer was his fourth of the season, and pushed the D-backs to a 10-1 lead.

Drew knocked in another RBI in the seventh for the D-backs’ 11th run of the night.

With that RBI groundout, Drew set a new career high with five RBI in a single game.

Enright dazzles in first win of season

In his first four starts this season, Barry Enright struggled to put together an all round solid effort. He entered his Thursday start with an 0-2 record and a 6.65 ERA.

The struggles on the mound came to an abrupt halt for Enright against the Cubs.

“It’s been a while from the last win,” Enright said. “They spotted me a pretty good lead in the first inning and took a lot of the pressure and attention off.”

The righthander cruised through the game’s first four innings, allowing just a solo home run to Cubs catcher Koyie Hill.

He set the Cubs down 1-2-3 in both the second and fourth frames.

Enright ran into trouble in the fifth when he walked three Cubs hitters to load the bases. He got out of the jam unscathed when Upton made a diving catch in right field to end the inning.

Later in the sixth, Enright’s defense helped him out yet again with a pair of phenomenal defensive plays from Mora and Parra. Enright then struck out Carlos Pena to end the inning and seal his third 1-2-3 inning of the night.

He hurled 6 2/3 innings of two-run baseball to earn his first win of the season.

“He just controlled the zone better,” Gibson said. “He went into that one inning where I think he walked three guys, but got a lot of ground ball outs.”

Enright believes he was able to make some necessary adjustments after watching film of his past starts.

“Definitely,” Enright said. “[Gibson] actually had me go back every day and watch all my starts last year. It actually really helped me, just seeing how I attacked hitters. The tempo I had was different this year.”

Collmenter solid in relief outing

D-backs reliever Josh Collmenter took over for Enright in the seventh inning and kept the Chicago bats quiet for the remainder of the game.

In the ninth, the right-hander struck out Tyler Colvin to start the inning. He then retired Hill on a fly out to left before getting the pinch hitter Darwin Barney to ground out for the final out.

Collmenter did not allow a single hit in his 2 1/3 innings of work. He fanned three batters while walking just one.

“I was excited to get a chance to finish the game,” Collmenter said. “The crowd gets on their feet. They get two strikes on the guy like I did and they’re just excited for a strikeout.”

April 27, 2011

Behind The Scenes of the D-backs All-Star Lip Dub

By Greg Salvatore

As D-backs fans attending tonight’s game at Chase Field — along with those of you who are active in communicating with us via social media — have found out, the D-backs employees got together to film a lip dub video to help promote voting for our players to start the 2011 All-Star Game at Chase Field.

You may remember the Holiday lip dub done to the tune of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers’ “D-backs Swing”. Well we went with a very specific song to fit our message this time — Smashmouth’s “All-Star”.

You can find the D-blog contributors — Jordan Megenhardt, Greg Dillard and me — in the final shot of the video, with our feet dangling in the hot tub at the RideNow Power Sports Pool.

Here is our Lipdub video and below that, courtesy of Jordan, some behind-the-scenes photos of D-backs employees participating.

Enjoy the video, and vote D-backs!

April 26, 2011

Views From a Big Win

The D-backs returned home from the road Monday night, and greeted fans at Chase Field with a gem.

Behind Opening Day starter Ian Kennedy, the D-backs won 4-0 with home runs from Chris Young and Gerardo Parra. Justin Upton contributed a key double to center field, and made a tremendous diving catch in right.

But the star of the night was Kennedy, who pitched the first complete game shutout of his career, holding the Phillies to three hits while striking out 10 batters and not issuing a single walk. It was a brilliant, memorable performance in a ballpark that has seen the home team’s pitchers throw many brilliant games over the years.

Here are some images from photographer Jordan Megenhardt:

Ian Kennedy on the win:

Chris Young on the win:

Kirk Gibson on the win:

April 20, 2011

Roberts is Red Hot

Photography: Jordan Megenhardt

By Greg Salvatore

If you think you’ve never seen Ryan Roberts play quite this well before, you’re right.

In his first at bat in the top of the first inning of Tuesday’s game, Roberts took a first pitch ball, a knee-high 91-MPH fastball just outside. He took the next pitch for a ball, too, a thigh-high 91-MPH fastball.

Now in a nice hitter’s count, with a high likelihood of seeing another fastball, Roberts was able to gear up to drive one. He got a great pitch to hit, a knee-high fastball on the outer third of the plate that was travelling, you guessed it, 91 MPH.

Roberts deposited that fastball into the right-field stand at Great American Ballpark to give the D-backs an early lead, and extend his hit streak to six games. This stretch is tied for the longest in his career, matching a six gamer he had for the D-backs back in May of 2009.

In the fifth inning, he came to the plate with Kelly Johnson on second base and two outs, with the D-backs trailing by a run. It was an important RBI opportunity for Roberts, to get the game tied up in support of Armando Galarraga. In Roberts’ second at bat, back in the third inning, Reds pitcher Sam LeCure got him to swing on a fastball that was out of the strike zone. But LeCure didn’t execute the pitch as well this time.

He came with a 90-MPH fastball on the inner third of the plate, at knee high, on the same vertical plane as the ball he hit out in the first. With it being on the inner part, Roberts pulled this one and wound up with the second multi-homer game of his career as he gave the D-backs a 4-3 lead.

This has been a pretty absurd stretch for Roberts, who won a roster spot in part because Geoff Blum required a stint on the disabled list, and in part because Roberts had a torrid Spring Training, batting .509 with 27 hits in 29 games.

When Roberts had a good year for the D-backs in 2009, he did it largely because he took advantage of extreme platoon splits, posting a .325/.406/.547 slash line (AVG/OBP/SLG) against left-handed pitching, greatly outshining his .250/.343/.335 line against righties. His career splits aren’t as extreme, mostly because he struggled against left-handed pitching in 2010.

It’s worth noting then, while acknowledging that we’re dealing with extremely small sample sizes here, that Roberts’ early success in 2011 has been because he’s crushed right-handers to the tune of a .409/.480/.1.000 line. To succeed as this season goes on, Roberts is going to need to do some damage on good breaking balls, or at least be able to continue to work his way into good fastball counts. Also, in the early going, he’s making contact on balls out of the strike zone (76.5%) at a much higher rate than his career percentage (61.3%), which will normalize as he has more and more at bats.

Roberts is exactly the kind of guy people root for, because he plays hard and really treats the fans well. He certainly isn’t going to maintain this .382 average, few people besides Tony Gwynn can. But a successful season for Roberts isn’t winning a batting title, its continuing to take advantage of good hitting counts to make himself a valuable utility guy.

Here’s hoping that happens.

April 16, 2011

D-backs Notes: Bloomquist Riding 10-Game Hit Streak

Photography: Jordan Megenhardt

By Greg Dillard

In each game Willie Bloomquist has played in this season, he has collected at least one hit.

With a single in Friday’s contest against the Giants, Bloomquist extended his season-starting hitting streak to 10 games. It is currently the fourth-longest streak in the Major Leagues and sits in a tie for the franchise’s longest season-opening hitting streak. Steve Finley hit in 10 straight to open the season in 2000, and Danny Bautista opened with a hit in 10 straight in 2002.

In addition to collecting 16 hits, Bloomquist has swiped seven bases, driven in seven and smacked three doubles while playing both shortstop and left field.

“He’s played well,” Gibson said. “He keeps grinding. He adds something to our lineup.”

Blum making progress in extended spring

D-backs infielder Geoff Blum is continuing to make advancements in his return to the active roster.

Blum, who was signed by the D-backs in the offseason, was placed on the 15-day disabled list in March. He has battled right knee inflammation dating back to Spring Training.

“It’s been going decently,” manager Kirk Gibson said. “A little bit of soreness today. He got a couple hits the first day. I think he’s got 10 at-bats in the two days.”

Blum has been playing in extended Spring Training at the D-backs spring complex Salt River Fields. He has been limited to DH, but is expected to play third base in the coming days.

In non-game situations, Blum has been able to field ground balls, hit and do some light running. Although Blum continues to make progress, there is no definite timetable for his return.

“It’s possible by the end of next week he could go somewhere and start a rehab,” Gibson said.

Once he returns to the big league club, Blum figures to play an integral role off the D-backs’ bench. In his 12 year career, Blum has posted a .251 batting average with 468 RBI as primarily a role player.

Vasquez lights out in return to Major Leagues

Since being recalled from Triple-A Reno, relief pitcher Esmerling Vasquez has looked good the D-backs.

In two appearances, Vasquez has thrown 3 1/3 shutout innings. During that time, he’s struck out two and without walking a batter, while allowing only two hits.

“He’s throwing the ball good since he’s been here,” Gibson said. “He’s throwing strikes. The breaking ball is as good or better than it was at the end of Spring. His velocity has been up to 92 to 96.”

Gibson neutral in Coyotes/ Red Wings series

Gibson is among the many fans following the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. With a win on Saturday, the Red Wings hold a 2-0 series lead as the series shifts to Glendale.

The former Detroit Tiger used to have Red Wings season tickets, but gave them up when he moved to Arizona.

Despite his former interest in the Red Wings, the skipper won’t take sides in this playoff series.

“I don’t think I can lose either way,” Gibson said. “I’m pretty neutral on it to be honest with you.”

April 14, 2011

Bullpen Notes: Vasquez Up, Mickolio to Reno

Photography: Jordan Megenhardt

By Greg Dillard

The D-backs shook up their bullpen Wednesday, recalling right-hander Esmerling Vasquez from Triple-A Reno, and optioning right-hander Kam Mickolio to Reno.

Vasquez is a familiar name at Chase Field as this marks his third season with the big league club. He made his debut in 2009, and has spent the majority of the last two season in the Major Leagues. During that time, Vasquez has posted a 4.81 ERA in 110 games.

Vasquez enjoyed a strong Spring Training, but just narrowly missed making the Opening Day roster. He didn’t have to wait long, just under three weeks, before receiving the call to the big leagues.

In his first day back in the Majors, Vasquez took the mound in the top of the fifth inning and retired Skip Schumaker to end the inning. He threw another full inning, allowing just one hit.

In his lone outing for Reno this season, Vasquez tossed a scoreless inning without allowing a base runner.

The young hurler is pleased with his recent results and is excited to be back in Sedona red.

“I’m working hard and I feel more comfortable with my mechanics,” Vasquez said.

As Vasquez embarks on his third season at the Major League level, he hopes to continue improving and learning.

“Every year you learn more,” Vasquez said. “When you see a couple pitchers who have a lot of time, you watch and you learn. I take something.”

Gutierrez rebounds after recent struggles

After struggling on the mound in recent outings, allowing three earned runs in each of his last two appearances, D-backs relief pitcher Juan Gutierrez began to look like his old self on Wednesday night.

Gutierrez entered the game in the top of the seventh inning, and threw two innings of one-hit, shutout baseball against the Cardinals.

In his two innings of work, Gutierrez struck out three of the seven batters he faced.

“Gutierrez threw good,” manager Kirk Gibson said. “We had him on the mound before the game trying to get him to not overdo it. He threw the ball great tonight, and located much better. His breaking ball was much sharper.”

In the seventh, Gutierrez allowed a leadoff double, but quickly turned things around. One batter later, he induced a groundout off the bat of Jon Jay.

The next two Cardinals hitters, Allen Craig and David Freese, were strikeout victims.

The eighth was a little smoother for the right-hander. Schumaker lined out to the third baseman Melvin Mora before Gutierrez received a fly out and another strikeout to cap off his impressive performance.

Paterson tosses scoreless ninth

Gibson called on southpaw Joe Paterson to take over the pitching duties in the ninth, and Paterson showed why he belongs at the big league level.

Paterson toed the rubber, hoping to provide a quick inning for his team.

“I felt good,” Paterson said. “I wanted to come in, throw strikes, and get us back in as quick as we can.”

Paterson struck out opposing pitcher Eduardo Sanchez to start the inning. Next up was Cardinals centerfielder Colby Rasmus, who had already collected three hits in the game.

Paterson froze Rasmus for strike three and the second out of the inning. After Daniel Descalso singled to left, Paterson ended the frame by getting Jay to hit a weak groundout back to the mound.

It was another solid outing for the D-backs’ lone bullpen lefty. Paterson entered tonight’s contest with a 0.00 ERA in five appearances.

“It was good,” Paterson said. “I shouldn’t have ever gone full count with the pitcher, but it happens. My goal was to try and get guys out pretty quick. I was glad to go out there and pitch.”

April 11, 2011

Weekend Notes: D-backs Take 2 of 3 from Reds

Photography: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The D-backs picked up their first series win of the season, taking two out of three against the defending NL Central Champs, the Cincinnati Reds.

With a full count and two outs, Chris Young hit a three-run, go-ahead home run off Reds reliever Nick Masset in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The D-backs trailed 5-1 early, but Stephen Drew got things going with a ground-rule double in the third, and then the team broke things open with a five-run sixth.

Ryan Roberts provided the big hit in that frame, launching a three-run homer to left-center field to cap off a five-run sixth inning that gave the D-backs their first lead of the game.

Roberts grabbed one of the final roster spots after staying red hot through Spring Training while fellow utility infielder Geoff Blum had an injury that necessitated a DL stint. Roberts has taken advantage of the opportunity, going deep twice and reaching base safely seven times in his first five games.

Hudson brilliant in first Chase Field start

On Saturday night, Daniel Hudson bounced back from a shaky first inning to hurl seven solid innings in his first home start of 2011.

“I battled (with) my command a little bit in the first inning,” Hudson said. “I was throwing a little bit too much across my body, left a couple pitches up, but other than that felt good.”

The Reds managed to put two runs on the board in the opening frame, but that’s all they would muster through the rest of his outing. Hudson cruised, allowing only one hit after the first inning. He set the Reds down in order in the second, fourth, sixth and seventh innings.

Hudson went out with a bang in the seventh, striking out Jonny Gomes, Jay Bruce and Ryan Hanigan.

“(I was) really getting locked in with my arm slot. Staying on top of the ball and driving down hill is the biggest adjustment I had to make,” Hudson said.

In his seven innings of work, Hudson scattered three hits, allowed just two runs, and struck out eight batters. He even lined a single to left field in a fifth inning at-bat, giving Hudson a three-game hitting streak.

Saturday’s outing was Hudson’s 13th consecutive quality start, which tied him with Brandon Webb and Randy Johnson for third place all time.

“He settled in nice,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. “Seven innings, gave up three hits, walked a couple, but he got stronger as the game went on for sure. He certainly did his job.”

Branyan makes Chase Field debut

In the D-backs’ second home game of the season, newcomer Russell Branyan received the starting nod at first base on Saturday. It was his second start of the season, the other being against the Cubs on April 4.

The slugger won a roster spot after an outstanding Spring Training performance. That hot hitting has carried into the regular season as he raised his average to .444 with two more hits on Saturday.

Branyan flashed the leather in the opening inning when he corralled a Chris Young throw with the bases loaded and one out, then quickly gunned out Jonny Gomes at third base for the double play. In the ninth, Branyan hauled in a line drive off the bat of Drew Stubbs and stepped on first base to turn the unassisted double play.

In his second at-bat, Branyan rocketed a stand up double off the right field wall, his first of the season. Later in the eighth, Branyan smacked a 102 mph fastball from Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman into left field for a single.

“He’s tough,” Branyan said. “He’s a hard throwing lefty. You don’t see that many in the game.”

The streak continues for Montero

With his single to center field in the fourth inning Saturday night, Miguel Montero extended his season opening-hitting streak to seven games. Montero’s streak is the third-longest season opening streak in team history.

Montero is off to an incredible start to the season. He collected three hits in yesterday’s home opener, and is now hitting .500 this season. Montero got his first day off Sunday, with Henry Blanco drawing the start.

Willie Bloomquist has also strung together a hitting streak to start the season, hitting safely in seven straight games.

April 9, 2011

Notes: Reflecting on a Perfect Home Opener

Photography: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

By Greg Dillard

In front of a sellout crowd at Chase Field, Ian Kennedy turned in a dominating performance on the mound and the D-backs took home a13-2 victory.

Following a variety of pregame festivities, the D-backs took the field against the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the 14th home opener in team history. Behind Kennedy’ stellar pitching performance and a high-powered offense, the D-backs won their fifth straight home-opening game.

In his second start of the season, Kennedy gave the hometown crowd plenty to cheer about. It started in the first inning when he set the Reds down 1-2-3. Kennedy was just as impressive the rest of the way as he hurled eight innings of one run baseball to earn his first win of the season.

“It was exciting,” said Kennedy, who tied a career high with his eight innings of work. “I can’t say thanks enough for all the offense. (Miguel Montero) called a great game, and I don’t think I shook him more than two times. If I did, he pretty much knew what I wanted to throw. But once again, our offense just tacked on more runs to secure the lead.”

Miguel Montero on the home opener:

The Arizona bats came out swinging in support of Kennedy. In the bottom of the first, Justin Upton singled home the team’s first run of the game, and then came around to score two batters later on a Stephen Drew RBI double.

The hit parade continued in the sixth when Xavier Nady drove home two more runs on a double down the left field line. One inning later, Upton struck again, this time smacking his second home run of the season off the left field foul pole.

Kelly Johnson and Chris Young added a pair of home runs in a sixth run eighth. Miguel Montero turned in a three hit performance to raise his season average to a red hot .545.

The team’s 13 runs set a franchise record for a home opener.

“Guys got their pitches and didn’t miss it,” manager Kirk Gibson said. “That’s really one of the things that the Reds do really well, they don’t miss their pitches. We did a really good job of that tonight.”

Kelly Johnson on the home opener:

Drew makes first start of 2011

For the first time this season, Stephen Drew was penciled in as the starting shortstop in Gibson’s lineup.

It was a long awaited debut for Drew, who has been battling an abdominal strain that caused him to be held out of the starting lineup for the season’s first five games.

The star shortstop’s lone appearance prior to tonight’s game was when he earned a pinch-hit walk on April 4th against the Cubs.

“We’re happy to have him in,” Gibson said. “Obviously, he’s one of our big players. He’s got experience, and he’s very good at shortstop. He makes us much better.”

In his first at-bat, Drew made a grand entrance, lining a double just inside the left field line to score Upton, draw a rousing ovation from the crowd and give the D-backs a 2-0 lead.

Drew reached again later, this time on a walk in his sixth-inning at-bat.

His return is crucial as he is undoubtedly a key piece of the D-backs’ roster. Drew is coming off a 2010 campaign in which he posted a .278 batting average, 33 doubles and 12 triples.

Bloomquist earning time in starting lineup

When utility man Willie Bloomquist signed with the D-backs this past offseason, he was expected to serve primarily as a bench player.

That is likely to be his role for the majority of the season, but Bloomquist’s stellar play has granted him increased time in the starting lineup. Through the first five games, he batted .348 with four RBI and a league-leading five stolen bases.

“I think he deserves to be in the lineup,” Gibson said. “I like the way he approaches the game. He’s very aggressive, which is something we want to be. He’s a good leader, a good teacher on the field and in and around the clubhouse.”

Bloomquist started the season’s first five games filling in for Drew at shortstop. In Friday’s game he started in left field against left-handed throwing Travis Wood, and batted leadoff. His first-inning double extended his hitting streak to six games.

In the eighth, Bloomquist smacked an RBI single to right field.

Gibson pleased with D-backs performance so far

Six games into the regular season, Gibson likes what he’s seen so far from his ball club. The D-backs own a 3-3 record heading into game two of three game series against the Reds.

“We’ve played very well,” Gibson said. “I’m very happy with the way we’ve played so far. I want to play much better, but it’s a process.”

While the season is still very young, Gibson is adamant that this is a different team than in year’s past.

“We’re not the same team,” Gibson said. “We’ve played very aggressively. You don’t see anybody loafing. I don’t think anybody’s questioning their heart and their desire, and their willingness to try things. We’re on a mission to compete in postseason ball. It takes time. It’s a journey. We can’t be deterred from pushing through to get there.”

April 7, 2011

Friday Home Opener Features Special Events

Photography: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

By Greg Dillard

After months of anticipation, baseball is back at Chase Field.

In front of what will be a huge and exuberant crowd, the D-backs will face off against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night in the 2011 home opener.

It’s going to be an exciting evening at the ballpark as the team kicks off the start of the 14th season of D-backs baseball. The festivities will begin with future Hall of Famer Roland Hemond throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Hemond recently received the prestigious National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. This Spring marks his 61st season in professional baseball. Hemond is a longtime front office executive who is in his fifth season as a Special Assistant to the President and CEO with the D-backs.

Prior to joining the D-backs, Hemond served as general manager of the White Sox and Orioles for 23 seasons. Over the span of his impressive career, he has been named Major League Baseball’s Executive of the Year on three occasions.

He is only the second recipient of the award. O’Neil himself was the inaugural winner in 2008.

In addition to Hemond’s pitch, Project Challenge volunteers will unveil a gigantic 60-by-30 foot American flag across the outfield. The Luke Air Force base honor guard will then present the colors.

Roger Clyne, lead singer of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, will perform a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. At the end of Clyne’s performance, four F-16’s from Luke Air Force Base will soar over Chase Field in a flyover. The four F-16s are members of the 310th Fighter Squadron “Top Hats”.

After all the pregame festivities, it will be time for baseball.

Right-hander Ian Kennedy is slated to take the mound for the D-backs. It will be his second start of the season, after he started Opening Day against the Rockies in Denver last week. It was the first Opening Day start of his career.

Friday’s game will also grant many D-backs fans their first opportunity to see several new faces.

New closer J.J. Putz is off to a stellar start in Sedona red. In two appearances, he has notched two saves while not allowing a single run, hit or walk.

Infielder Willie Bloomquist is another newcomer who is off to a strong start in 2011. While filling in for the injured Stephen Drew at shortstop, Bloomquist is batting .348 with four RBI and five stolen bases.

Those in attendance may receive their first glimpse of some other new D-backs including infielders Melvin Mora, Russell Branyan and Juan Miranda, as well as pitchers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio.

The baseball action is schedule to begin at 6:40 when Kennedy will toe the rubber against the reigning National League Central champions.

The fun doesn’t end when the game does, as fireworks will light up the sky above Chase Field following the game. Fans will be treated to an eight-minute fireworks show presented by Gila River Casinos.

April 2, 2011

D-backs Look to Build on Opening Day Win

Photography: Jordan Megenhardt

The D-backs opened the season with a dramatic, extra-inning win Friday afternoon, complete with a terrific bullpen performance and a save for new closer J.J. Putz.