Start of Second Half Looks Suspiciously Like First Half

Well, they didn’t get shut out.

After St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols blasted two home run’s last night to lead the Cards to a 6-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, it was clear nothing has changed over the four day break.  We knew that though.

We we also know is it is clear the Diamondbacks are now playing for the future.  Although nothing blockbuster has come down the pike yet, I do expect the Dbacks to make some noise over the next couple of weeks to start their preparation for next season.

The Dbacks started first thing at the beginning week by releasing veteran Tony Clark.  This is a move that was a long time coming.  Clark was only hitting below the Mendoza line all season and had only four home runs, two of them cam on opening day.  Clark also had become somewhat of a liability in the field at first base.  His defense has been quite suspect and even cost the Dbacks a game in Seattle last month.  Don’t get me wrong, I think Clark has a lot of leadership to provide and I think will make an excellent coach.  He is a motivator and I know young players looked up to him.  However, it clearly was time for Clark to step aside.  The Dbacks called up Josh Whitesell, who I am still not sold on.  He’s the future though.

There is a rumor going around that the Dbacks may be looking to unload overpaid but hard-working and good guy Eric Byrnes to Boston for Julio Lugo, who was just designated for assignment by the Red Sox.

The race for the National League’s worst was a close race until last week, however the Dbacks still have a chance to make it an interesting three-team race with the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals. I hope it doesn’t come down to that, but coming back 14 games under .500 is a tough task and one that will not come as easy as it might sound.  Then again, the Dbacks have more road games in the second half than home games.  The Dbacks as well know do tend to play better on the road this season, so we do have that going for us.  I know, I’m stretching.