Tagged: Geoff Blum

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.”

Blum, Hernandez Settling in for D-backs

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David Hernandez – Photography: Jordan Megenhardt

 

By Greg Dillard

 

With all position players now in camp, Spring Training workouts are in full swing for the D-backs.

 

The third day of full squad workouts took place on Monday morning, and pitchers faced off against live hitters for the first time this spring.

 

While pitchers get acclimated to the game environment, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson was unsure of who will pitch in Friday’s opening game against the defending world champion San Francisco Giants.

 

“All the pitchers have now thrown,” Gibson said. “They’ve had their sides on and off, on and off. They all have thrown live today, see how everybody comes out of that. Want to make sure there’s no soreness in shoulders, or forearms, or elbows and stuff like that.”

 

Blum brings veteran presence, adds depth

 

One of Kevin Towers’ first moves as new General Manager of the D-backs was to sign infielder Geoff Blum.

 

Blum brings a strong veteran presence, and much needed experience to an Arizona roster that had a youthful look in recent years.

 

“I think the expectations are that you stick around long enough you garner hopefully a little more respect by the experiences you’ve been through,” Blum said. “I’ve been fortunate to be on some really good teams, really bad teams, and some interesting teams. I think coming here into this clubhouse and some of the rumors you hear about what had happened in the past. I think that’s exactly what it is, the past. We’re a whole new ball club.”

 

While Blum is highly regarded as a role player off the bench, he is also in the midst of a position battle at third base.

 

“So far so good,” Blum said. “Obviously I’m just happy to be here and have a job. To be put in a situation here in Arizona, is going to be a special thing for me. I’m just happy to be even mentioned in the competition at third base.”

 

Gibson said that the influx of veterans is already paying dividends.

 

“They’ve got great attitudes,” Gibson said. “They work hard. They go about their business. We’ve talked about Blanco; Blum is the same way, Mora, Bloomquist. They all have different aspects about them. It’s contagious. It’s what we were hoping for.”

 

Hernandez hopes to make impact in bullpen

 

David Hernandez is only a week into his D-backs career, but the right-handed hurler is excited to be a part of the new-look D-backs.

 

Hernandez and fellow reliever Kam Mickolio were shipped from Baltimore to Arizona in exchange for Mark Reynolds over the offseason.

 

Hernandez offered some insight on his longtime teammate Mickolio. 

 

“He’s really tall,” Hernandez said. “He throws from a wide angle that I couldn’t repeat. He’s got a good repertoire. He just deserves a chance. It was really tough for him over in Baltimore, but I think he’s got a little more opportunities over here.”

 

Last season, Hernandez sported a 4.31 ERA in 79 1/3 innings of work. He also collected two saves with the Orioles, and will most likely serve as a late inning reliever for the D-backs.

 

Towers added the two pitchers in hopes that they will revitalize a bullpen that was dreadful in 2010.

 

“It’s definitely complimentary when he goes out of his way and he trades somebody that is proven big leaguer that hits home runs,” Hernandez said. “I’m happy to be a part of that package, and I’m happy that Kam came along with me.  It’s definitely good to come in here knowing at least one person. It’s been really easy to get along with everybody in here.”