Dbacks Franchise Four: Staff Selections

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If you haven’t noticed (and it’s pretty difficult not to) MLB has promoted Franchise Four very heavily this season. The Franchise Four is defined as the four most impactful players who represent the history of each franchise. The selections will be announced during the MLB All Star Game in Cincinnati.

However, today is the last day to vote and make yourself heard. We here at Venom Strikes have also decided to weigh in on who should be the Dbacks Franchise Four. Some of our staff have provided their own selections and a little bit of reasoning as to why they were selected. Here you go!

Apr 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks special assistant to the president & ceo Luis Gonzalez looks on against the Texas Rangers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Rahrig

Luis Gonzalez – The big hit in the World Series. Fan Favorite and record holder of several club records. Great guy for fans to get behind and never had any negative press about him.

Randy Johnson – One of the most dominant pitchers in history, one of the key horses in bringing a World Series to Arizona. Several Cy Youngs and a perfect game cement his legacy. Also the team’s first hall of famer.

Curt Schilling – One of the last pieces to push the team over the top. Started the fateful Game 7 in the World Series.

Justin Upton – The first No. 1 overall pick. While his stay in the desert wasn’t as long, he was the new face that carried the new colors. The biggest sign of change within the franchise. The most anticipated prospect in team history.

Jan 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks former pitcher Randy Johnson smiles as he speaks at a press conference to discuss his induction into the baseball Hall of Fame at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Lynch

Randy Johnson-He will go down as the first Hall of Famer to have played a significant portion of his career with the D’backs. The Unit won 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards in Arizona and hurled a perfect game on May 4, 2004. A no-brainer selection.

Luis Gonzalez-Gonzo is the most position offensive player in Snakes’ history. He is the franchise leader in just about every offensive category. Gonzalez’s 57 home runs in 2001 and career total of 224 will be safe for a while unless Paul Godlschmidt (potentially) breaks them within the next seven years.

Brandon Webb-The 2006 Cy Young Award winner was one once one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. He was a three-time All-Star who also finished second in two other season for pitching’s premier prize. Unfortunately, shoulder woes cut short his career one game into the 2009 season.
Justin Upton-He was a two-time All-Star for the D’backs before being dealt to the Atlanta Braves before the 2013 season. Upton finished fourth in the 2011 MVP race, the last time Arizona made the playoffs. He ranks in the top ten in numerous offensive categories including total bases, home runs and RBI’s.

Mar 1, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) poses for a portrait during Photo Day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Guillermo Salcido

Randy Johnson- The Big Unit is the undisputed most dominant pitcher to ever wear a Diamondback uniform. Johnson will enter the Hall of Fame with the Dbacks logo on his shrine. Johnson owns franchise records in wins with 118 and strikeouts with over 2000. In Game 7 of the World Series, Johnson came into pitch relief and was credited with his 3rd win of the series.

Luis Gonzalez- This one’s a slam dunk as well. In his 8 years with Arizona, Gonzo hit 224 home runs and 774 RBI, both Dbacks franchise records. Gonzo appeared in 5 All Star games while in a Diamondbacks uniform. In 2001, he amazed with 57 home runs and later that year, he cemented his legacy by delivering a walk off single to clinch the World Series in Game 7.

Curt Schilling- This was a toss up between Schilling and Brandon Webb. Webb actually holds better career numbers in Arizona than Schilling. Although his stay in Phoenix was short, Schilling had a profound impact. He went 22-6 during the 2001 season and was relied on to pitch Game 7. A year later he would exceed his career high in wins with 23.

Paul Goldschmidt- I had to reserve a spot for the current face and hopefully the face of the franchise for years to come. The 27 year old’s young career is highlighted by 2 All Star appearances and a monster 2013 season where he hit 36 home runs and 125 RBI. When it’s all said and done, Goldy may be the new owner of many Dbacks franchise records.

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